Choosing the right Managed Service Provider (MSP) is a critical decision, especially when it comes to safeguarding your business against cyber threats. With so much at stake, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed or unsure about what to look for regarding cybersecurity best practices for companies in your industry and region.
This guide simplifies the process of understanding what to look for in cybersecurity tools and strategies that MSPs include as part of their fully-managed or co-managed IT services, helping you confidently assess cyber hygiene best practices before making a partnership decision.
Understanding the MSP’s Approach to Cybersecurity
Before diving into cybersecurity practices, it’s important to understand a prospective MSP’s approach to protecting your business. This includes their overall security strategy and philosophy, technical capabilities, level of experience, industry expertise, and the MSP’s office location.
Comprehensive Security Strategy
- Does the MSP have a clear and documented cybersecurity framework?
- Do their managed IT services adhere to industry standards and best cybersecurity practices that meet compliance requirements?
- How do they assess and prioritize potential risks and vulnerabilities?
- Are there dedicated resources and teams for incident response, like IT disaster recovery, and business continuity?
Proactive vs. Reactive Support
- Does the MSP monitor and mitigate threats in real time?
- Do they offer proactive services such as vulnerability scanning, patch management, and cybersecurity training for employees? What are their remote work security best practices?
- Do they have 24/7 support for immediate response and resolution?
Questions to Ask About Cybersecurity Tools and Services
Once you have a grasp on the MSP’s overall approach, it’s essential to assess their offerings, including their approach to AI. A strong security strategy requires the right cybersecurity tools and managed IT services, so be sure to ask the following questions.
Endpoint Protection and Network Security
- What antivirus, anti-malware, and firewall solutions are part of the MSP’s endpoint protection strategy?
- Do they have Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS) in place?
- How do they handle MSP network security, segmentation, and access control?
Data Encryption and Backup Solutions
- How do they handle backups, and do they perform regular testing for recovery?
- How do they handle data encryption in transit and at rest?
- Do their managed IT services include the MSP’s disaster recovery plans to safeguard data during outages or breaches?
Evaluating the MSP’s Incident Response and Recovery Plan
Even with preventative measures in place, it’s important to have a solid incident response and recovery plan. This ensures that your business can minimize the impact of any potential cyberattacks or breaches.
Incident Response Procedures
- Does the MSP have a clear and tested incident response plan?
- Do their procedures include steps for containment, eradication, and recovery?
- How does the MSP report and handle overall communication during a security incident?
- Do they offer post-incident analysis and recommendations for future prevention?
Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity
- What steps do they take to restore operations after an attack on your system?
- Do they have backup systems and infrastructure in place to minimize operational downtime?
- How do they ensure the security of recovered data during and after a disaster recovery situation?
- Are the MSP’s business continuity and disaster recovery best practices aligned with your company’s IT strategies and business operations?
Assessing Your Managed IT Services Compliance and Industry Expertise
If your business operates in a regulated industry, ensuring that your MSP complies with relevant standards is crucial. Even if your business has no required standards, an MSP with expertise in your industry can provide invaluable insights and tailored solutions.
Compliance with Regulations
- Does the MSP understand and support compliance with industry standards like HIPAA, GDPR, or PCI-DSS?
- Do they have experience with audits and regulatory inspections?
- How do the managed IT services handle data privacy and protection to maintain compliance?
Experience in Your Industry
- How long has the MSP been in business, and what industries do they typically serve?
- How familiar is the MSP with the specific cybersecurity best practices for small businesses and within your sector?
Transparency and Reporting
When it comes to cybersecurity services, transparency and communication are key. Make sure your MSP offers regular reporting and open lines of communication for any questions or concerns.
Real-Time Reporting
- Can the MSP provide dashboards or updates on cybersecurity performance?
- Do they offer regular vulnerability assessments or penetration tests?
- How does the MSP communicate with clients, and is there a designated point of contact for cybersecurity concerns?
Regular Reviews
- Do your managed IT services include regular cybersecurity audits and transparent reporting on findings?
- Are there quarterly or annual meetings to review security strategies and address any emerging threats or changes in the business?
- How does the MSP incorporate client feedback and adapt its cybersecurity practices?
Choose IronEdge Group: An MSP That Prioritizes Cybersecurity
Outsourcing cybersecurity and IT management to an MSP is a strategic decision that demands trust and expertise. At IronEdge Group, cybersecurity is at the core of everything we do. As part of CRN’s 2024 MSP 500 List, we know how to help businesses of all sizes and industries protect themselves from evolving threats. Our comprehensive managed cybersecurity services and IT strategies make us an ideal MSP partner for businesses looking to safeguard their data and operations.
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