Why managed security is more than threat protection

In an age where cyber threats are constantly evolving, it makes sense to outsource your security. If you’re not already using a Managed Services Provider (MSP) for your cybersecurity, you may make the mistake of thinking they only provide threat protection. But when you scratch beneath the surface, you’ll see that they really do a lot more.

Real-time threat responses

Did you know that 62% of businesses experienced phishing and social engineering attacks in 2018? Cybercrime is a lucrative industry where those who are successful stand to make a lot of money. Because of this, it’s worth assuming that they’ll launch their attacks where they stand to make money: at businesses.

Managed service providers will launch real-time responses at the threats they detect. Additionally, they’ll track the attacks that happen and the responses they formed, then use that data to build stronger defenses against cybercriminals. This means they’re not just taking a reactive approach to cyber attackers, they’re doing what they can to prevent their attacks in the future too.

Vulnerability management

Despite your best efforts, you’ll probably find that your business does have some vulnerabilities. Sometimes they come in the form of software that hasn’t been patched on time. Upgrades to servers can also act as a port of entry, which hackers will soon exploit.

Vulnerabilities could become a problem in your business for lots of reasons. Major software upgrades can be risky, which means you may hesitate to complete them without guidance. Or when other aspects of your business get busy, you may not want to prioritize managing vulnerabilities because your attention is needed elsewhere.

When you use a managed service provider for security, they’ll manage vulnerabilities for you. That means you won’t face any problems when a task slips your mind because someone else has already addressed it. Managing such vulnerabilities can save you a lot of time and money. 

For example, in 2018, the average ransomware insurance claims amounted to $229,000. Unless your business can withstand such financial losses, it’s wise to mount the defenses that could prevent them.

Educating employees

Although not all MSPs will educate your employees as a part of their security services, some will. Even if you don’t feel this is necessary, it’s worth considering as the majority of data breaches occur due to human error. Educating your employees may not prevent all those breaches, but it could stop some of them.

MSPs can analyze what your employees know and what they need to know. They’ll look at the gaps in their knowledge and provide them with information that’s relevant to their role and their industry, then educate them accordingly. You can also use an MSP to educate your employees after a new threat has emerged, when an event happens, or when you adopt a new piece of technology.

You may also be able to work with an MSP to produce leaflets and guidelines on the appropriate use of technology. In terms of security, this could prevent the type of misuse that results in data leaks. Additionally, MSPs will know when to update your guidelines in line with changes to the cybercrime landscape.

When you use managed services to guard your organization against cybercriminals, you’re getting much more than just threat protection. From real-time responses through to vulnerability management, each minute detail goes toward keeping your company safe.