The threat of a cyberattack can devastate any business, large or small. Data breaches can lead to a humiliating loss of trust and reputation or financial ruin. Therefore, taking cybersecurity seriously and picking the best data security services is vital.
You need to know what you need and
pick a company that can keep up with your growth. They should also be up to
date with new and changing threats and communicate with you. Doing your
research and talking to companies will help you make your decision.
Reviews can also help save you from
falling prey to false advertising. Protecting your business isn't something you
should leave to chance or unprofessional companies. For a guide on how to
evaluate and pick the best cybersecurity company for your needs, keep reading.
Know
What You Need
Before you start looking at data
security services, you need to consider what you need. Depending on the size of
your business, you might need different levels of security. You don't want to
break the bank paying for what you might not need, but you don't want to remain
unprotected.
There are two major categories of
cyber-security companies. These are MSSPs and CCFs. MSSP stands for Managed
Security Service Provider, while CCF is Cybersecurity Consulting Firm.
MSSP
or CCF
An MSSP, as the name suggests,
provides security as a service. When it comes to secrets management, i.e., the protection of your sensitive data and
credentials, they're key. Different MSSPs will offer a variety of services and
security solutions.
These are mostly designed to be plug
and play ready with minimal tweaking on your end. MSSPs are companies that act
as your IT department would in a larger company. Some can even integrate into
and work with your existing IT team to make things smooth.
If an MSSP goes out of their way to
tailor security solutions for you, they are also a CCF. This is especially true
if they work with you for your company's longer-term security and growth. Some
CCFs only offer consulting services and don't create in-house technological
solutions.
That said, these days, it's rare to
find top-tier cyber-security companies that don't do both. If you're starting
from scratch or want to evolve your security as your business grows, you'll
want MSSP services. If you already have a system in place that you need to
tweak or audit, CCF services are what you should pay for.
A good company can do both and offer
you flexible pricing for tailor-made solutions.
Don't
Get Fooled By Tech-Phrase Bombing
An issue you might run into early
when researching network security is how complex it is. It can be difficult to
know which types of security are best suited for your needs and how to compare
companies. One thing a lot of companies will try to do is tech-phrase bomb you.
They'll use a mixture of buzz words
and tech jargon to try and convince you to go with their services. The idea is
you'll trust the company that sounds like they know what they're doing. While
this doesn't work on larger companies, it could fool small businesses.
One thing to watch out for and
realize is that more tech doesn't make the security any better. You want
layered cybersecurity, but only if they work together in a way that makes sense
for you and your needs. Making security measures sound impressive doesn't mean
they're strong enough to do what you need them to do.
Are
They On Top of The Game?
There is no such thing as perfect
security solutions. Cyberspace is always evolving, and so too is the realm of
cyberthreat and security. The best security is one that changes and adapts to
stay on top of the game.
You can think of cybersecurity as an arms race.
The offense and defense are always trying to outdo each other, but the best
defense is a pre-emptive one. Good cybersecurity companies work to assess and
address risks before they become a problem for you - not afterward.
Check to see if they offer scalable
options and if they'll work on updating their security with you. Be wary of any
company telling you their system is flawless as is. They're either fibbing or
haven't yet suffered their first breach.
A good idea is to call or talk to
the companies that made your shortlist. Ask hard questions about what they do
to assess risks and stay in the loop with new and emerging threats. Discuss how
they would work with your company to implement and update security solutions
regularly.
Companies that can't give you clear,
honest, and well-thought answers are not worth considering.
Review
Checking
When it comes to managed security
services, don't forget to check the reviews. Seeing what other clients have
said, and talking with them if possible, is gold. In the cybersecurity sphere
reputation is everything.
One thing to focus on is whether
other customers feel the communication was good. This is the most important
part of working with a cybersecurity company. You need to feel confident that
the company will keep you in the loop and inform you of new developments, options, and risks.
In an ideal world, you want to grow
your business, so you'll need a security company that can adapt. Poor
communication and a lack of updates betray a lack of care and professionalism.
You should avoid working with companies that can't prioritize keeping your
business safe.
Evaluating
Data Security Services
There's a lot to consider when
choosing the right data security services for your needs. You'll want one that
can offer you tailor-made solutions for your existing business. The ability to
grow and evolve with changing threats and your business is also critical.
Are you looking for more cybersecurity tips? Don't stop here; there's more to learn about keeping your data safe online. Check out our other blog posts to discover more!
