Managed security services have, over the past few years, become a growing segment of managed IT services.
It is a service that can be provided as part of a complete managed IT solution or alone by a managed security services provider that specializes only in IT security.
In either case, those choosing these services must be aware of some common risk factors when deciding on MSSP services to ensure the right plan and the right managed security services provider are chosen for the company.
- Not Understanding Existing Security Conditions Beforehand – The only way to understand what managed security services are needed and whether they are being properly provided is to first know beforehand what the company’s security risks are and where vulnerabilities exist. This should all be assessed ahead of time so that the right managed security services can be developed and implemented based on that information.
- Not Allowing A Vendor To Study How Business IT Is Used - For any managed security services provider to know what managed security services will work for a company, they need access to the network, a thorough explanation of how it is used throughout the company, and an explanation of what all networking and MSSP goals are.
- Not Having Know MSSPs Work - Though this can be a bit of a Catch-22 situation, those hiring managed security services providers need to have knowledge of managed security services and how they work so they can then be monitored for performance while in place.
- Not Understanding What the MSSP Encompasses - Similarly, the hiring company should also have a clear understanding of exactly what services are included in the MSSP program to ensure the recommended program will be protective.
- Not Assessing The Practices of the MSSP - Companies hiring managed security services must do their research on the provider and their expertise to ensure the provider has the knowledge and ability to formulate an effective plan for managed security services in the first place.
- Not Having A Fully Integrated Plan for Managed Security Services - The security plan developed by the managed security services provider should integrate fully with existing managed services to make monitoring threats and alerts easier and more effective.
Though it seems easy to arrange for protective managed security services to guard a company network, this is not always the case.
Before spending on a plan for managed security that is not effective and allows breaches and other security issues even while it is in place, companies seeking these services must have these risk-prevention conversations with their prospective managed security services provider to ensure they have found the right consultant that will develop the right managed security services for them.