What You Need to Know About Managed Security Services
The business world has expanded greatly thanks in part to the evolution of the Internet. Since the days of dial-up, the speed at which networks communicate has improved a hundred-fold, allowing for new methods of handling infrastructure and serving a consumer base. However, with all this utilization of network services, risks have grown along with it. From malware to hackers to even common adware, threats abound for anyone with an Internet connection.
It’s one of the biggest reasons many companies select a managed security service to help them. Third-party providers have a range of expertise and skilled staff to defend against the various types of unwanted bugs flourishing on the Net. In some ways, they can also help cut costs and allow your on-site staff to focus on company goals versus IT related problems.
If you don’t use a security service but are considering a third party, here are a few things to know. For one, an MSP in this regard is a third-party service you hire. They’re in pretty great supply and a Google search will show all the different companies that offer a security service.
The type of protection you get will vary based on the client, but a few things remain the same. One is that an MSP monitors your network on a 24/7 basis, looking for network intrusions, unusually high activity, possible malware threats, incoming/outgoing data packets, and so on.
But an MSP can do plenty more to keep your network security fully functional. For instance, security providers can run tests in a “safe zone” that searches for weaknesses in network security. Once they seek out these vulnerabilities, they can recommend a proper course of action. Additionally, they can manage the entirety of a company’s security protocols, from firewalls and updates to setting up a VPN network.
Mostly, the hope is that managed security services will cut costs and boost productivity. This is accomplished for two reasons: One is that in some cases it’s cheaper to offload services from on-site IT to a third party. The second is that by always having a system in place to prevent downtime, there’s less risk of losing profit because of downtime. Additionally, when a workforce has to deal with routine security problems, an interruption can occur and lead to frustrated employees and consumers.
If you’re still not sure about using a third-party monitored service, take a quick look at the number of security problems your company has encountered over the past six months. You should also weigh how serious they were and what caused them. Generally, if the frequency is greater than two serious occurrences monthly, it’s a wise idea to look into better network security options. Protecting data is important, and the unprepared business can risk going belly up without good security.
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