Cybersecurity threats are ever evolving, posing significant challenges for businesses of all sizes. Most small- to medium-sized businesses lack the resources to hire full-time cybersecurity experts. In fact, Gartner predicted that nearly half of cybersecurity leaders will change jobs by 2025. Perhaps it’s time to outsource your cybersecurity to a managed services provider (MSP).
A MSP provides a cost-effective alternative to expensive hiring, protecting you from executive turnover while offering difficult to find expertise. Here’s how MSPs play a crucial role in enhancing cybersecurity and business continuity.
1. Deep Knowledge of the Threat Landscape
MSPs stay up to date with emerging cybersecurity threats and take swift action to address them. By sharing information learned from all their clients, their clients are better able to detect and respond to potential threats effectively. Companies that outsource cybersecurity benefit from lessons from hundreds of MSP customers.
2. Ongoing Oversight for Systems & Maintenance
MSPs offer continuous monitoring and maintenance of technology systems, including installing patches and staying vigilant against cyberattacks. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of unauthorized access to vulnerable systems, enhancing overall cybersecurity.
3. Prioritizing Projects & Budget Planning
Outsourcing technology management to an MSP allows IT leaders to focus on strategic initiatives for the business. MSPs ensure that technology investments align with an organization’s goals, including cybersecurity measures. By determining the necessary technology and training requirements, MSPs streamline project planning and budget allocation.
4. Incident Response Planning & Testing
MSPs help organizations prepare for and respond to cybersecurity incidents such as phishing attacks and ransomware. They provide a response framework, disaster recovery planning, and business continuity best practices to minimize downtime and mitigate the impact of cyber incidents.
5. Relationships with Manufacturer Partners
MSPs have established relationships with vendor partners specializing in cybersecurity. They can leverage these partnerships to access additional resources and expertise in the event of a cyber incident, enhancing an organization’s response capabilities.
6. A Focus on Business Continuity
Beyond technology support, MSPs prioritize business continuity planning. They develop comprehensive plans encompassing internal stakeholders and external communication strategies. By incorporating business operations expertise, MSPs ensure uninterrupted production and customer service.
7. Best Practices for Cybersecurity Protection
MSPs follow industry standards like multi-factor authentication and disaster recovery to bolster cybersecurity, safeguarding organizations from cyber threats. For instance, ZAG documents over 200 procedures and best practices for each engagement, ensuring clients have a comprehensive roadmap for success, covering disaster recovery and ongoing management essentials.
MSPs play a crucial role in safeguarding businesses against cyberattacks while providing valuable business guidance and insight. By leveraging their expertise and resources, organizations can enhance cybersecurity, minimize downtime, and ensure continuity in the face of evolving threats.
If you would like to learn more about how to outsource cybersecurity, learn more about ZAG’s Manage IT Services here.
* Written with editorial support and technical knowledge from Karl Braun, Operations Strategist, ZAG Technical Services.
