Get UTD on the Ever-Changing Privacy Landscape with an MSSP

Digital security has been at the forefront of many business leaders’ agendas. With the rapid evolution of many workplaces that we experienced in 2020, there are many new and emerging security threats. Digital connections now shape nearly all aspects of our professional, personal, and educational endeavors. For this reason, strong security is essential for achieving success and stability.

The Changing Landscape of Privacy

But wanting greater security and actually achieving greater security are two different things. The bottom line is that network security is far more complex than it has ever been due to several reasons:

• Employees tend to work remotely some or all of the time, which expands the geographical footprint of the data. It also means that digital devices used for work are interfacing with far more access points, all of which represent a security risk.
• The Internet of Things (IoT) consists of many devices that compile mountains of data. These devices often function independently. If they are not secure, each device represents a network vulnerability.
• All types of cyberattacks are on the rise. And many of these attacks are becoming more sophisticated. With employees scattered across the country – or even the world – it is becoming easier to deceive workers using sophisticated techniques that look legitimate.

For many business owners, the challenges to shoring up their security make it incredibly costly or even cost-prohibitive. To truly have comprehensive security, you would have to employ a team of experts at different aspects of network security. You would also likely have to invest in new infrastructure and platforms with the latest security technologies, which is not a realistic option for many business owners.

The Role of Managed Security Service Providers

To get the best of both worlds – comprehensive security at an affordable price – many businesses are turning to Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs). MSSPs can aid in threat prevention, continuity of IT development and processes, and even help facilitate a quicker business recovery if an attack is successful.

Many individuals may confuse the difference between a Managed Service Provider (MSP) and a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP). The goal of an MSP is to sell a security product, whereas an MSSP can offer much more, such as ongoing expertise and support.

MSSPs offer multiple benefits to the companies that they partner with, such as:

• A team of multi-disciplinary security experts. These experts often stay up to date on the latest trends and changing cyberthreats, so they know precisely how to keep your digital ecosystem safe.
• Access to the latest technologies. Another huge barrier to maintaining security is that the technology is constantly evolving. And while most companies cannot shoulder these costs, MSSPs can invest in these technologies while spreading the costs – and benefits – over multiple clients.
• Knowledge related to compliance. The expert knowledge at many MSSPs extends to knowledge about data regulations and compliance. Some MSSPs even specialize in industries that have additional regulations and compliance requirements. No matter what industry your company operates in, you can trust that you will be meeting all of the legal obligations you have to keep information safe.
• Peace of mind knowing that your digital security measures are sufficient. This peace of mind frees up your time to focus on other aspects of running and growing your business.

In addition to these benefits, MSSPs can tackle the problems that many businesses faced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, there was a 500% increase in reported cybersecurity events over the same period in the previous year. Changing work habits have also led to unique network configurations. But no matter whether your employees are on-site, work remotely, travel frequently, or engage in all of these listed activities, MSSPs can help you to identify the best possible security measures and implement them.

MSSPs & Critical Vulnerabilities

MSSPs can help to address a range of technical vulnerabilities related to remote working. They can implement cyber hygiene practices to offer additional privacy protection. Examples of the procedures they can provide include:

• Completing firewall reviews, including system patching, software updates, malware updates and scans, password management, multi-factor authentication, vulnerability scans, and firewall reviews.
• Conducting independent and regularly scheduled network-wide security assessments.
• Asssisting with threat risk assessments and identifying any gaps in security.
• Reviewing third-party contracts for security language and understanding where deficiencies may lie, if present.
• System patching, software updates, malware updates and scans.
• Overseeing password management protocols and multi-factor authentication.
• Conducting user education and awareness to boost employee knowledge about safe data and privacy practices.
• Decommissioning legacy and outdated systems, platforms, and infrastructure.
• Integration with other security services and IT assets.
• Handling of licensing. MSSPs can often secure lower costs than if purchasing directly from a vendor. Additionally, this ensures your business won’t have to directly commit to the vendor’s terms of contract.
• Management of vendor relationships. MSSPs understand the advantages and drawbacks of many pieces of equipment and technologies. This knowledge can ensure that you don’t have to spend a ton of time learning about options. Their recommendation is often the best solution for your company’s needs.

MSSPs can help many businesses overcome their most critical security and privacy vulnerabilities with less investment than it would otherwise cost to meet these goals.

The Business Case for MSSPs

All businesses were impacted by the pandemic last year. Many of them are still being impacted. For others, the operational changes implemented last year will likely be permanent (or exist in some hybrid version). These changes mean that digital security and privacy challenges are not going to become easier. In fact, they will likely continue to become more complex and difficult to achieve.

MSSPs offer a solution that can work for companies of all sizes. Your business gets access to a team of security experts and cutting-edge security technologies for a fraction of the cost. And while the vast majority of businesses are unprepared to face modern privacy and security challenges, an MSSP can deliver the security you need in today’s changing landscape, no matter what your company’s unique needs may be.

Sagacent Technologies offers technology management and support, including proactive/preventative maintenance, onsite and offsite data back-ups, network and security audits, mobility solutions, disaster planning, and emergency business resumption services. The company serves clients of 10 to 150 employees within the Silicon Valley region.