Cyber Security Fundamentals For a Managed Service Provider

Cyber Security Fundamentals for Managed Service Providers - Leap Managed IT

As MSPs, you want to give your clients the best services that include the security of their data and up-to-date maintenance of their systems. In this article, we experts at Leap will be sharing some fundamentals of cybersecurity that are essential to be followed and maintained to keep your clients secure and protected.

Why Cyber Security is Important For Managed Service Providers?

Due to the evolving cyberattacks, cybersecurity has become a major concern for a business. The increase in remote work has accelerated the rise of cyberattacks as mostly a poor attitude toward security is developed in the environment. If you are a managed service provider, you might be dealing with a large sum of sensitive data. Then you would be the prime target for the hackers. If necessary precautions are not implemented, then the impact can be devastating.

Here comes the importance of cybersecurity for an MSP. Implementing the right cybersecurity program will help keep your clients on top of cybersecurity practices.

CyberSecurity Threat Statistics - Comptia

Source: Comptia

Cybersecurity Fundamentals for Managed Service Providers

Below are the basics of cybersecurity that need to be covered by a managed service provider.

Cybersecurity Fundamentals for Managed Service Providers

Network Security

This is referred to as the comprehensive system through which an organization or an individual can access and store data. It is essential that all the devices connected to the internal network are secured against malicious attacks. The term devices here will include laptops, computers, printers, switches, routers, and more. Encouraging the best security practices both internally and externally will help in maintaining the security of the organization.

Detection and Prevention

Implementing methodologies and tools for detecting can help in preventing the system from malicious attacks. The legitimate actors can make use of the same tools and methods as the hackers use for detecting and closing vulnerabilities. Utilizing tools like anti-virus software and other broader services from security operations, and setting continuity plans, can help in detecting and preventing your system from malicious attacks to a particular extent.

Cybersecurity Strategy for Each Client

You may have various types of tools on your tech stack for various purposes. Do you think it is possible for your team to monitor and handle all these tools simultaneously?
To avoid complications, it is better to break down tools depending on their purposes. Conducting a cybersecurity assessment on your pre-sales tool kit would help in understanding your client’s requirements right from the beginning. This would not only help you in defining strategy for each client but also helps in identifying the right tool for the right purpose.

Keep a Log of the Backed Up Data

Being an IT service provider, you will be dealing with data that would also include your clients’ data. When the data is lost, it could be a disaster. In case your network is breached then, you won’t be able to help your customers. Here you can back up your data and keep a log of it so that you can retrieve it whenever required.

Advise Your Clients to Keep Their Network and Devices Protected

Usage of strong passwords is essential, and it is a very basic step that you take when it comes to cybersecurity. Make use of the websites and apps that can help you in creating complex passwords and as well as manage them. Encourage your clients as well as your workforce to utilize those tools and the universal password policy to protect their data. In addition to this, implement the concept of multi-factor authentication, which would add an extra layer of protection to the system.

BYOD and WFH Policies

Anything/anyone that uses corporate resources would increase the risk of data breaches. In this case, ensure any device connected is secure with adequate security protections. Additionally, when it comes to remote work policies, insist your workforce access your network by signing in using VPN. This would protect your network from being vulnerable to cyber attacks.

Mistakes that MSPs MakeWith cybersecurity

Below are a few common mistakes that managed service providers make when it comes to cybersecurity,

  • Managed service providers usually have a tendency that tools are more than enough to bring in more clients. Here, you have to start by understanding the client’s pain points. You have to make the clients the impotence of cybersecurity relating to them
  • Focusing just on tools and keep repeating the same strategy for any security issues. Not all security issues are the same, hence, every problem would require a unique solution. Start focusing on the solutions that would work best for the situations. This will help you to concentrate on the client’s requirements and develop a better plan
  • Never get too technical with your clients. As your clients are not cybersecurity experts, always talk to your clients in such a way that they understand the importance of implementing cybersecurity. Also mention to them ways to deter those threats

Unleash the Perks Of Cybersecurity

Though security for data cannot be guaranteed in this digital world, getting partnered with a reputed managed service provider can help in securing the network from cyber threats. Either, a managed service provider can help the system before any vulnerabilities occur or can help in retrieving the data if it gets breached.

Are you looking for expert guidance in cybersecurity? Services at Leap begin with an IT Master Plan. Our expert team at Leap Managed IT can help in identifying the obstacles and create strategies by understanding the pain points.

Want to learn more about cybersecurity solutions? Speak with our Ridiculously

Helpful team to learn how we can create a comprehensive solution. We also partner with CompTIA for cybersecurity training.

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Patrycja Thomas

Author: Patrycja Thomas

Fortune 500 sales and marketing veteran dedicated to helping small businesses change the world with technology.