MSPs offer the technology infrastructure and IT systems that companies need to function. MSSPs, on the other hand, are focused mainly on security.
The UK, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand cybersecurity authorities expect malicious cyber actors to increase attacks targeting MSPs and their customers, which can result in global cascading effects. MSPs should implement guidance that enables transparent discussions between them and their customers on securing their digital environments.
Customized Solutions
MSPs offer industry-specific solutions for various business sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, finance, professional services, and local government. They often work as a valid extension of their client’s IT teams to enable them to focus on core activities and deliver value while remaining secure and compliant.
When choosing an MSP, ask about their data retention policies and log delivery methods. You may also want to discuss whether they use behavioral detection or signature-based technology to monitor for zero-day threats.
Lastly, you’ll want to ensure they have solid remote work policies and procedures that allow employees to remain productive and efficient, regardless of location. Ideally, they’ll also offer scalability and flexibility to match their client’s evolving IT landscape and needs. This includes flexible service levels, pricing models, and technology selections. This helps to reduce risk and increase efficiencies, security, and performance. Additionally, it reduces the time and resources spent on IT infrastructure maintenance, support, and management.
Enhanced Cybersecurity & Compliance
Responding quickly to threats enables MSPs to keep their clients safe from breaches and minimize data loss. They may also offer services to help clients meet HIPAA, SOC 2, and PCI compliance standards.
These security services, like in Cybersecurity Charlotte, can include penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and updating networks. This frees up enterprise IT staff to focus on other initiatives that advance the company’s goals.
Cybersecurity training programs are another valuable service that many MSPs offer. This can reduce the number of phishing attacks that make it past an MSP’s security measures and into the client network. It can also educate staff and clients on how to spot a phishing attack. This helps prevent the kind of human error that led to the Colonial Pipeline ransomware incident and other data breaches in the private sector.
Industry Expertise
In addition to helping organizations manage IT systems, an MSP offers industry expertise that can help reduce cyber threats. An MSP can help small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) mitigate the risk of severe cyber attacks by providing managed services, security tools management, implementation services, and onsite security operations.
A cybersecurity MSP can offer round-the-clock protection and monitoring, which is necessary because cyberattacks can occur at any time, not just during standard business hours. This is important because it allows an MSP to prevent critical data loss, which could lead to financial ruin for its customers.
As with any other IT service, an MSP’s quality level depends on the provider’s skillset. MSPs follow the latest IT advancements and technologies much more closely than internal teams can, which enables them to provide their clients with superior support that can significantly improve their cybersecurity. MSPs can also help with compliance support as they work to implement new regulations into their clients’ systems.
Flexibility
Working with a managed service provider gives businesses access to premium tools and solutions they may need help to afford. They also know and understand technology compliance standards, which makes them a valuable resource for any business.
Keeping up with new technology can be expensive for most small- to medium-sized businesses. MSPs can provide their clients with updated systems at a lower cost because they can buy and implement technology on a much larger scale.
It’s also difficult for in-house IT teams to keep up with the latest security standards like HIPAA or PCI DSS. These regulations can result in hefty fines for businesses that must meet their requirements. A managed service provider can help ensure your business is always compliant, saving you thousands of dollars in fines. They can also work on your systems during off-hours, which prevents workflow interruptions. This helps your team be more productive and reduces the risk of system downtime caused by cyberattacks or hardware failure.
