Cybercrime costs the world nearly $600 billion every year. As a result, about 55% of businesses plan to increase their cybersecurity budgets.
Unfortunately, 59% of shoppers are likely to avoid a company that suffered an attack in the past year. Every 11 seconds, another business falls victim to an act. Learning how to pick a cybersecurity service provider can ensure your business is safe.
Not sure which provider to choose? Read on to learn how to narrow down your options today.
Outline Needs and Goals
Before you begin researching available cybersecurity providers, take a moment to consider your company’s needs. Recognizing your needs will help you find a provider that can meet your expectations. Otherwise, you could choose a provider that lacks experience with the problems you’re facing.
You could waste time and money on a cybersecurity firm that can’t support your business. Meanwhile, you could continue leaving your business vulnerable to an attack.
Talk to managers who work at your organization. Ask them about the cybersecurity issues they’ve experienced in the past year. If you can, talk to other business owners who already use cybersecurity services.
Talking to your team can help you determine where your business is vulnerable. Speaking with other business owners can help you gather a list of referrals. It can also help you learn about cybersecurity risks you might not have considered.
Outline your needs and concerns, such as:
- Security vulnerabilities
- Cyberattacks and ransomware
- Training programs for employees
- Encryption services
- Incident response plan development
- Penetration testing
Perhaps you need help with CMMC compliance instead.
As you begin researching available cybersecurity providers, determine if they’re equipped to meet your needs and expectations.
When interviewing different providers, they should ask about your needs and goals. If they don’t, remove them from your list. Instead, find a provider that can develop a customized plan based on your needs.
Otherwise, you could choose a company that uses a cookie-cutter approach to helping clients. These companies might not offer the services you’re looking for. Their lack of experience with specific cybersecurity concerns will also leave your business vulnerable.
Look for Experience
Start looking for cybersecurity providers online. Determine how long each business has offered services. Look for an already-established business and team with years of experience offering cybersecurity services.
You’ll likely find IT service providers who offer a mix of services. Consider how long they’ve offered cybersecurity as a service.
Finding a team with years of relevant cybersecurity experience is essential. These teams will leverage their experience and expertise to benefit your business. If they lack experience, they might waste time trying to determine the best solution for your business.
An established cybersecurity firm has likely worked out operational issues, too. Otherwise, their scheduling, ticket response times, and billing issues might affect your customer experience.
Before choosing a firm, ask if you’ll work with a dedicated technician. Ask how long the technician has offered cybersecurity help. Determine if they have specific credentials or certifications that speak to their expertise.
Working with someone who specializes in protecting business data can help you feel confident in their abilities.
Consider Provider Types
Before choosing a firm, consider the types of cybersecurity providers.
For example, you might consider hiring a managed services provider (MSP). MSPs are third-party businesses. They offer remote services to improve your applications and infrastructure.
Working with an MSP is ideal if you want instant help. Most MSPs offer around-the-clock remote support.
Working with an MSP will allow you to develop operations. Your MSP will perform services regularly, helping you avoid system outages or interruptions.
Your MSP will also spot potential threats and vulnerabilities. You can take a proactive approach to avoid problems in the future.
A managed security service provider (MSSP) is ideal for small- to mid-size companies. They’re more comprehensive than MSPs. They branch away from IT administration.
MSSPs offer a mix of services like:
- Risk management consulting
- Vulnerability management
- Endpoint protection
- Threat intelligence analysis
A security operations center (SOP) manages the operational aspects of your security. They won’t put defensive measures in place or formulate a security strategy, though. Instead, they identify, respond to, and prevent security issues.
Read Client Reviews
Before choosing a provider, consider reading online reviews. Reading online reviews can help you find a reputable company. Look for a company that already has a five-star rating and a glowing reputation.
Try reading reviews from more than one resource (like Google Business or the BBB website).
Look for any complaints that repeat between resources. For example, you might find complaints about:
- Response times
- Professionalism
- Pricing
If the same complaints repeat between clients, remove that provider from your list of options.
Finding a company with a glowing reputation can help you feel more confident in your choice. It will also help you determine which providers on your list to avoid.
Explore Their Services
Before making a final decision, look into the other services the provider offers.
You might want to find a company that offers a mix of IT services. For example, you might want help with cloud computing, meeting regulations, or updating your technology.
Determine what types of cybersecurity services the company offers, too. They might specialize in one type.
Remember to review your needs and goals.
Compare Pricing
Get an itemized list of cybersecurity services from three different companies. Comparing cybersecurity service costs will help you pinpoint the average. If one company’s pricing is higher than the rest, question why.
Don’t overpay for services. However, avoid choosing the cheapestoption available. Chances are, you’ll pay more for an experienced or more qualified team.
Pick a Cybersecurity Service Provider Today
Learning how to pick a cybersecurity service provider doesn’t have to feel daunting. Instead, use these tips to narrow down your options. Choose a reliable team with experience protecting business data.
With their help, you can keep your company secure.
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