Managed security refers to the outsourced monitoring and management of your organization’s information security. In the old days, cybersecurity took the form of conventional “perimeter” defense measures, such as firewalls and antivirus software. Today, things have become a lot more complicated, thanks to the rise of smartphones and other connected technologies that blur the lines of your office’s digital perimeter.
Most businesses simply don’t have the resources necessary to secure their systems round-the-clock. And that’s a huge problem since all companies, regardless of size or industry, are potential targets. You need the same level of protection as that of the largest enterprises. Managed security services give you that possibility.
Stronger security measures
Antivirus software and firewalls are still key components of any cybersecurity infrastructure, but they’re not enough by themselves. Securing your network requires access to the same cutting-edge technology and expertise that some of the world’s biggest organizations have.
With cloud storage, for example, you can keep your data in a major data center, such as those belonging to Amazon, Google, or Microsoft. Naturally, these technology giants run some of the most secure facilities on the planet — far beyond what you can ordinarily hope to achieve by relying solely on an in-house computing infrastructure.
Faster resolution times
Not many companies can afford to keep their information security departments running round-the-clock, but cybercriminals don’t exactly stick to 9-till-5 routines. When you’re relying only on in-house employees, it can take much longer to detect and resolve a potential attack.
What if your go-to cybersecurity guy is off sick, on holiday, or simply sleeping? If you can’t resolve the problem quickly enough, the extended downtime might have disastrous consequences. An outsourced security provider will be bound by their service level agreements (SLAs) to respond to incidents within a given timeframe, so the limitations of your in-house staff will no longer be a factor.
Strategic guidance and expertise
Cybersecurity isn’t getting any easier, and it’s evolving at a pace that many businesses are struggling to keep up with. Furthermore, expertise in the sector is highly sought-after, with a full-time chief information security officer (CISO) commanding an average wage of $231,535 in Portland and Seattle. That’s far beyond what most small businesses can afford.
Fortunately, managed IT services offer strategic guidance tailored to the specific conditions and priorities of your organization. Their hands-on advice and industry expertise are also available whenever you need it, rather than you having to pay for a full-time role in an occasional job.
Better compliance auditing
Compliance goes hand in hand with cybersecurity to ensure that your business stays on the right side of the law when it comes to data protection. However, chances are you don’t have time to wade through reams of complicated compliance regulations. By partnering with a cybersecurity vendor that specializes in your industry, you’ll be better equipped to lock down your data per your compliance obligations.
Many security vendors offer compliance audits for regulations like HIPAA, HITECH. and PCI DSS. By outsourcing compliance auditing to those who are familiar with the industry, you’ll save time and ensure nothing gets overlooked.
Automated risk management
Most cyberattacks stem from human error, and with attack opportunities constantly expanding, it’s now impossible to protect your business through manual means alone. Automation negates the risk of human error by constantly monitoring the flow of data in and out of your company. It uses new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to manage risk in real time while tracking suspicious behaviors rather than relying on predefined signatures alone. It’s a process of continuous improvement that helps your business keep apace of the ever-changing threat landscape.
Fidelis offers managed security services to businesses in Seattle and Portland. Get in touch with us today to stop worrying about your IT.
