How To Find the Right MSP For Your Cybersecurity Needs

Remember the 2014 cybersecurity attack on eBay that saw the names, addresses, and encrypted passwords of more than 145 million users accessed by hackers?

What about the 2012 LinkedIn social engineering attack that saw 165 million user accounts intercepted and made public on a Russian hackers forum?

These are only two of the thousands of companies that have fallen victim to data breaches by unscrupulous individuals.

Cybersecurity attacks are a company’s worst nightmare. They not only drain a company financially but also ruin its reputation. For this reason, every company needs to work with an MSP that can help them implement sophisticated strategies that predict, mitigate, and shut down potential security threats fast.

So, what questions do you need to ask yourself when looking for a suitable MSP cybersecurity company?

1. Do they have the right solutions for you?

An ideal MSP understands that one company’s security solution will not necessarily work on another. Every company has its unique business processes, and it is essential to have tailor-made cybersecurity solutions.

If a provider relies on offering the same strategies to every client, you need to take a step back and reconsider your options. 

So, before settling for a cybersecurity service provider, make sure they conduct business analysis and audits to determine the perfect solutions to help you avoid cyber-attacks.

2. What services do they offer?

Putting the right measures in place is the first line of defense against cyber-attacks. As such, you need to consider the services an MSP offers.

Data governance, information security assessment, virtual CISO, and third-party risk management are some of the services cybersecurity MSP firms offer. Phishing scams have become notoriously common. As such, you may also need them to state whether they will monitor your emails as well as your system. 

Technology is consistently undergoing upgrades, giving hackers enough chances to devise sophisticated ways to trigger attacks. As such, by implementing a variety of robust defenses through the services MSP offer, you minimize loopholes that provide an access point for cybersecurity attacks.

3. How efficient is the MSP customer support?

Efficiency in attending to security threats is of utmost importance. Businesses need a cybersecurity partner with a responsive team. One who offers out-of-hours support and who is ready to respond to threats and breaches when the need arises.

The possible damage an attack can do in a matter of minutes is unfathomable. A good example is the Twitter cyber-attack that happened in July 2020. Despite the attack happening for approximately two hours, the fraudsters managed to scam over $110,000 from Twitter users.

That alone is enough proof as to why you need a fast response team at your service. Also, the customer support offered should include training on how to detect possible threats, among other things.

4. How reputable are they?

Regardless of the MSP you choose, businessmen need to realize that the company’s reputation is on the line when an attack happens. So, the reputation and experience levels of your provider matter.

Before going into partnership, prioritize the performance of the prospective MSP. Research online and talk to other business people. Ask the cybersecurity service provider for referrals and talk to them.

It is through conducting such research that you can uncover the strengths and weaknesses of potential partners.

5. What are their in-house cybersecurity defenses?

The in-house security standards that an MSP works within in their own business indicate the services they offer. Look at how they manage their network and the strategies they use to protect themselves from potential breaches. Look for security settings that include regular patch management, anti-spam technical controls, and end-to-end encryption.

That information goes a long way in influencing your decision as to the service provider best suited for you.

Conclusion: Finding the right MSP cybersecurity company

Finding the right MSP is what may keep your company from being subjected to devastating cybersecurity lawsuits, helping you maintain client trust.

By implementing the above strategies, you are one step away from finding the perfect cybersecurity MSP, saving you from the detrimental consequences of an attack.