It’s essential to know what questions to ask your MSP about their internal security measures to ensure that your business’s data stays secure. Managed service providers have existed for years; however, the threats and types of technology used when they first emerged were vastly different from what we see today.
As threats and technology solutions continue to evolve, it is the responsibility of the MSP to change how they detect and mitigate these threats to keep their client’s information safe. But how can you trust an MSP if you don’t have an understanding of what they do to follow their own cybersecurity protocols? As cybercriminals expand their targets, no business is completely safe from these cyberthreats. This is why asking your MSP pointed questions about their own security measures becomes crucial.
This blog will guide you through questions and topics that you should discuss with your MSP to ensure that you can entirely rely on them and know that your data and information are in safe hands.
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How to select an IT service provider that follows their own set of best practices
Over the years, the number and types of businesses being attacked have increased, including MSPs. This has forced companies to invest heavily in cybersecurity solutions and rely on MSPs to do their jobs well.
However, small and medium-sized businesses cannot be expected to pay for enterprise-level security. So, does that mean they are forced to be vulnerable to these evolving threats? Not necessarily. If you do extensive research and know how to ask the right types of questions, your business will quickly uncover which MSP is right for you – no matter the size or budget of your company.
When searching for an MSP, be sure to start by asking the following questions to understand what security measures they take internally to keep their information safe.
Questions for MSPs:
- Do they perform regular security risk assessments?
- Are they confident in their security posture, and why?
- What certifications do they have?
- What is their approach to cybersecurity to keep their own business safe?
Understanding these important factors will help your business decide if you can trust the MSP with your data based on their answers.
What to look for in a secure MSP vendor
When looking for an MSP vendor, remember that the security of your data is only as good as the security of their data. If they don’t follow extensive security measures internally, how can you expect them to provide robust security measures for their clients? These simple conversations can help your business avoid MSPs that don’t follow their own advice and put your data at risk.
Find an MSP that undergoes third-party audits
As a managed service provider, you should expect them to have an extensive security system in place for your data and infrastructure. However, it is still important to know if they have received an unbiased audit from a third party. This will confirm that the measures being taken are effective and follow best practices.
Through third-party audits, MSPs should be able to provide you with proof of certifications like SOC2 compliance or HITRUST to show that the MSP does, in fact, follow a robust security and compliance strategy. With this credibility, your company will be able to trust that your security will follow a similar structure and have access to proven expertise.
When gathering information about the third-party audit, determine if the audit reviewed the following topics.
- Physical and environmental security
- Network and infrastructure security
- Access controls
- Authentication measures
- Data and protection encryption
- Incident response and business continuity
- Risk management
- Vendor management
- Policies and procedures
- Employee training
Maintaining specific certifications and security measures with consistent check-ins through regular third-party audits will show that the MSP prioritizes security, follows compliance and regulations, and continues to develop its defense against evolving cyberthreats.
Ensure they offer 24/7 IT support
In today’s technologically advanced world, every business relies on its IT infrastructure to complete its tasks. The ability to access IT support at any time—whether for an emergency or simply due to differences in time zones—will help businesses avoid downtime.
If the system experiences unexpected downtime or disruption in productivity and revenue, the business’s reputation may be at risk. The MSP you work with should offer 24/7 support to ensure that your IT infrastructure is constantly monitored. This extensive support will help the business avoid cyberattacks, which can happen at any time.
Ask if they provide explanations to allow your business to make informed decisions
When working with IT professionals, there may be times when an issue is raised that business professionals do not fully understand. In addition to their technical responsibilities, MSPs are also responsible for ensuring that their clients understand every step of the process or any issues that occur so they can make informed decisions.
When evaluating an MSP, gauge whether they can discuss complex IT efforts without getting lost in industry jargon. Can they explain problems, solutions, or recommendations in a way that is understandable by someone who is not familiar with IT language?
This will allow anyone who works with the IT support team to be able to comprehend the issue in order to make informed business decisions or communicate the problem with their team.
Gain an understanding of their internal cybersecurity protocols
Considering that the MSP you work with will be responsible for handling your cybersecurity protocols, risks, and strategies, it’s essential to understand how they handle the same issues within their business. Asking what methods they would take if their data were under attack or how they handle disaster recovery will show what your business can expect if the same thing happens to you.
If you find an MSP that aligns with your expectations and addresses all of these concerns, you will have confidence in partnering with them. Doing this research and asking the right questions will help you and your MSP build a long-lasting, trusting business relationship. MSPs are great for improving productivity, mitigating risks, and keeping your data safe, but transparency into how they will do all of this for you is key.
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Choosing the right IT managed service provider that aligns with your business’s needs is crucial to ensuring that your data remains secure and protected against evolving cyberthreats. At Applied Tech, we know that entrusting your data and information with an MSP is a big decision, which is why we prioritize transparency and open communication with all of our clients.
Our team works alongside your business to answer any questions, provide feedback, and suggest solutions so you can feel confident in our ability to keep your data secure. Let us take the stress out of IT management so you can focus on growing your business. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist with your security needs.
About Applied Tech
Applied Tech is a leading IT and cybersecurity services provider dedicated to helping businesses protect their digital assets. Our proactive and strategic services include cloud management, security, productivity, and IT growth strategy. With a team of experienced professionals, we provide unique solutions tailored to your IT needs.
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