cyber security managed cyber security services

How to Choose the Right Cyber Security Solutions Provider

Cybersecurity is a topic that has been discussed in the news so much lately, and rightly so. With the rise of cyber attacks, it's essential to be aware of the threats and how to mitigate them. This article will discuss how you can choose the right cybersecurity solutions provider for your business or organization. 

Determine your needs. 

Before you can choose the right cyber security solutions provider, you need to understand your business needs and how they complement each other. The first step is to know what risks your company faces, how much money it's willing to spend on security measures, and how long it will take before implementation.  

You'll also want to determine what technical requirements are for implementing these measures--for example, if your employees need training or if any specific tools are needed for them (like antivirus software). Additionally, ensure that any new system meets compliance standards set forth by industry regulators such as PCI DSS or HIPAA. 

What are managed cyber security services? 

Managed cyber security services are designed to give you peace of mind. They provide a team of experts dedicated to keeping your systems and data safe. You don't have to worry about the day-to-day operations of your security systems because they will be managed by professionals who can monitor them 24/7. 

This means that while you're busy focusing on running your business, the managed cyber security provider takes care of all aspects related to protecting it from cyber threats such as malware attacks or phishing scams.  

In addition, these solutions come with built-in backups in case something happens so that there's no downtime for critical systems such as servers or databases--an essential requirement for any business whose operations depend on them being online at all times (and this applies whether or not those businesses are based online). 

Most common types of cyber security threats 

  • Phishing: Phishing is an email scam that tricks you into sharing personal information, such as passwords, banking details, or credit card numbers. It's often done by sending you an email that appears to be from a legitimate source but isn't. You might be asked to click on a link in the email or provide your personal information through an attached file (an attachment). 
  • Malware: Malware includes viruses, worms, and Trojans that can harm your device or steal data from it without your knowledge. It can also install itself on your device without permission while downloading something else from the internet, known as 'drive-by downloads. 
  • Ransomware: Ransomware locks down files so only certain people can reaccess them after paying money for the decryption key needed to unlock them; this tends to happen when someone accidentally clicks on a link in an email rather than opening up their inbox where these types of scams are usually sent from because they look like legitimate messages from someone who might need help with something urgent but instead ends up making things worse for everyone involved once again. 

Assess certifications and credentials. 

When choosing a cyber security solutions provider, assessing their certifications and credentials is crucial. First, you should look at the specific certificate (s) relevant to your needs. You also want to ensure that industry groups recognize certifications like ISC2 or SANS Institute.  

Also, check with government agencies like NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) or NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Contracting), which provide certifications for contractors performing certain types of work in electrical installations such as wiring homes with high voltage electricity lines. 

Finally, consider whether consumers recognize the certification(s). For example, if you want someone who can help protect your website from hackers, then look for someone who holds an industry-recognized CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) designation because this shows potential customers that this person has completed comprehensive training courses explicitly related to protecting websites from malicious hackers - something which could potentially prevent them from being hacked themselves. 

Ensure the provider is a good business fit. 

  • Talk to your IT team. If you have an in-house IT department, they'll be able to give you insight into what kind of services they need and how much they're willing to spend on them. 
  • Know what you need. This will help determine which vendors are a good fit for your business--and which need to be added. For example, you want email security but don't need antivirus software. In that case, it makes no sense for someone who sells antivirus software only (or primarily) to come knocking at your door. 
  • Ensure the provider has experience in your industry/type of business: This is especially important if specific regulations or compliance requirements apply only within certain industries (e.g., healthcare). You should look for providers who understand these unique factors to help guide their clients through those processes efficiently and effectively without leaving any gaps open because they didn't fully grasp all aspects involved before starting work together. 

Search for provider reviews. 

Reviews and testimonials are great ways to gauge the quality of a provider's services. You can use these reviews to find out what clients like about working with that company and any complaints they have. 

When reading reviews, look for the following: 

  • How long has the company been in business (the longer they've been around, the more likely they are to be trustworthy)? 
  • The types of customers they serve (small businesses or enterprises). 
  • Whether their security practices meet or exceed industry standards by providing extra protection against cyber threats such as phishing scams and ransomware attacks. 

Check out the provider's experience in your industry. 

When looking for a cyber security solutions provider, it is vital to consider their experience in your industry. This can be accomplished by checking out their website and social media profiles, case studies, and client references. Please speak with some of these references directly to understand how well they work with others in similar positions.  

Also, look at the list of companies that use their services; this will give you an idea of how large their clientele base is and what kinds of businesses they serve (small business owners or large corporations). 

Determine if your organization needs help with both compliance and security. 

It's essential to understand the difference between compliance and security. Compliance is a legal requirement, but it's something other than something you need help with now. It can be suitable for an organization because it documents best practices. Still, once an organization complies, it may have only a few compliance needs. 

Security is always relevant; it's about protecting your network and data from threats now and into the future. 

Make sure they offer 24/7 support services. 

When choosing a cyber security solutions provider, make sure they offer 24/7 support services. While all companies claim to provide 24/7 support, what they mean is that you can get help at any time of the day or night by calling a toll-free number or emailing them. This is not true 24/7 support--it's just like having an answering machine at home.  

You want a partner available to help you with your issue at any hour of the day or night, regardless of whether it's their regular working hours. 

The right cyber security service provider fits your business and has the expertise to help protect your systems and data. SSI can help. 

We have over 30 years of experience providing IT solutions and services to small businesses and enterprises across North America, including cybersecurity solutions. Our team specializes in helping clients navigate complex technology challenges through effective communication, problem-solving techniques, and innovative thinking. 

In summary 

The key to choosing the right cybersecurity solutions provider is to know what you want and how it will help your business. This means you need to understand how security works and what it can do for you before approaching a vendor.  

Once you have this information, it's time to start looking at companies that offer services in line with your needs. Choosing wisely will ensure your company has all the protection it needs against cyber threats while saving money on unnecessary expenses like overpriced subscriptions or unnecessary services. 

Contact us today to learn more about our Cyber Security Services. Or reach out for a no-obligation custom proposal here!

Request a Proposal
cyber security managed cyber security services

How to Choose the Right Cyber Security Solutions Provider

Cybersecurity is a topic that has been discussed in the news so much lately, and rightly so. With the rise of cyber attacks, it's essential to be aware of the threats and how to mitigate them. This article will discuss how you can choose the right cybersecurity solutions provider for your business or organization. 

Determine your needs. 

Before you can choose the right cyber security solutions provider, you need to understand your business needs and how they complement each other. The first step is to know what risks your company faces, how much money it's willing to spend on security measures, and how long it will take before implementation.  

You'll also want to determine what technical requirements are for implementing these measures--for example, if your employees need training or if any specific tools are needed for them (like antivirus software). Additionally, ensure that any new system meets compliance standards set forth by industry regulators such as PCI DSS or HIPAA. 

What are managed cyber security services? 

Managed cyber security services are designed to give you peace of mind. They provide a team of experts dedicated to keeping your systems and data safe. You don't have to worry about the day-to-day operations of your security systems because they will be managed by professionals who can monitor them 24/7. 

This means that while you're busy focusing on running your business, the managed cyber security provider takes care of all aspects related to protecting it from cyber threats such as malware attacks or phishing scams.  

In addition, these solutions come with built-in backups in case something happens so that there's no downtime for critical systems such as servers or databases--an essential requirement for any business whose operations depend on them being online at all times (and this applies whether or not those businesses are based online). 

Most common types of cyber security threats 

  • Phishing: Phishing is an email scam that tricks you into sharing personal information, such as passwords, banking details, or credit card numbers. It's often done by sending you an email that appears to be from a legitimate source but isn't. You might be asked to click on a link in the email or provide your personal information through an attached file (an attachment). 
  • Malware: Malware includes viruses, worms, and Trojans that can harm your device or steal data from it without your knowledge. It can also install itself on your device without permission while downloading something else from the internet, known as 'drive-by downloads. 
  • Ransomware: Ransomware locks down files so only certain people can reaccess them after paying money for the decryption key needed to unlock them; this tends to happen when someone accidentally clicks on a link in an email rather than opening up their inbox where these types of scams are usually sent from because they look like legitimate messages from someone who might need help with something urgent but instead ends up making things worse for everyone involved once again. 

Assess certifications and credentials. 

When choosing a cyber security solutions provider, assessing their certifications and credentials is crucial. First, you should look at the specific certificate (s) relevant to your needs. You also want to ensure that industry groups recognize certifications like ISC2 or SANS Institute.  

Also, check with government agencies like NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) or NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Contracting), which provide certifications for contractors performing certain types of work in electrical installations such as wiring homes with high voltage electricity lines. 

Finally, consider whether consumers recognize the certification(s). For example, if you want someone who can help protect your website from hackers, then look for someone who holds an industry-recognized CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) designation because this shows potential customers that this person has completed comprehensive training courses explicitly related to protecting websites from malicious hackers - something which could potentially prevent them from being hacked themselves. 

Ensure the provider is a good business fit. 

  • Talk to your IT team. If you have an in-house IT department, they'll be able to give you insight into what kind of services they need and how much they're willing to spend on them. 
  • Know what you need. This will help determine which vendors are a good fit for your business--and which need to be added. For example, you want email security but don't need antivirus software. In that case, it makes no sense for someone who sells antivirus software only (or primarily) to come knocking at your door. 
  • Ensure the provider has experience in your industry/type of business: This is especially important if specific regulations or compliance requirements apply only within certain industries (e.g., healthcare). You should look for providers who understand these unique factors to help guide their clients through those processes efficiently and effectively without leaving any gaps open because they didn't fully grasp all aspects involved before starting work together. 

Search for provider reviews. 

Reviews and testimonials are great ways to gauge the quality of a provider's services. You can use these reviews to find out what clients like about working with that company and any complaints they have. 

When reading reviews, look for the following: 

  • How long has the company been in business (the longer they've been around, the more likely they are to be trustworthy)? 
  • The types of customers they serve (small businesses or enterprises). 
  • Whether their security practices meet or exceed industry standards by providing extra protection against cyber threats such as phishing scams and ransomware attacks. 

Check out the provider's experience in your industry. 

When looking for a cyber security solutions provider, it is vital to consider their experience in your industry. This can be accomplished by checking out their website and social media profiles, case studies, and client references. Please speak with some of these references directly to understand how well they work with others in similar positions.  

Also, look at the list of companies that use their services; this will give you an idea of how large their clientele base is and what kinds of businesses they serve (small business owners or large corporations). 

Determine if your organization needs help with both compliance and security. 

It's essential to understand the difference between compliance and security. Compliance is a legal requirement, but it's something other than something you need help with now. It can be suitable for an organization because it documents best practices. Still, once an organization complies, it may have only a few compliance needs. 

Security is always relevant; it's about protecting your network and data from threats now and into the future. 

Make sure they offer 24/7 support services. 

When choosing a cyber security solutions provider, make sure they offer 24/7 support services. While all companies claim to provide 24/7 support, what they mean is that you can get help at any time of the day or night by calling a toll-free number or emailing them. This is not true 24/7 support--it's just like having an answering machine at home.  

You want a partner available to help you with your issue at any hour of the day or night, regardless of whether it's their regular working hours. 

The right cyber security service provider fits your business and has the expertise to help protect your systems and data. SSI can help. 

We have over 30 years of experience providing IT solutions and services to small businesses and enterprises across North America, including cybersecurity solutions. Our team specializes in helping clients navigate complex technology challenges through effective communication, problem-solving techniques, and innovative thinking. 

In summary 

The key to choosing the right cybersecurity solutions provider is to know what you want and how it will help your business. This means you need to understand how security works and what it can do for you before approaching a vendor.  

Once you have this information, it's time to start looking at companies that offer services in line with your needs. Choosing wisely will ensure your company has all the protection it needs against cyber threats while saving money on unnecessary expenses like overpriced subscriptions or unnecessary services. 

Contact us today to learn more about our Cyber Security Services. Or reach out for a no-obligation custom proposal here!

Request a Proposal