Back in the 1990s, all your business really needed was a good firewall to protect the network from cybersecurity threats. However, in this day and age, a firewall simply isn’t enough.
This is because the way we work has fundamentally changed. Most organizations now use a range of cloud applications – each of which sits outside the traditional corporate network. At the same time, more people are working from home and from their own devices. These employees are bypassing the corporate network altogether!
This means you need to protect an increasingly expanding network from a range of security threats: ransomware, malware, man-in-the-middle attacks and phishing are just some of the risks you need to contend with.
In this environment, what does network security mean – and how do you achieve it? We’ll explain this and more below.
What Is Network Security?
Network security is the process of protecting your network, systems and devices from security incidents. A good network security strategy is holistic. It considers people, processes and technology to deliver robust network protection.
Network security is increasingly important for SMBs. Research shows that 43% of all data breaches involve small and medium-sized businesses. If your network is unprotected, the chances of falling victim to a breach are sky high. Essentially, you’re easy pickings for a cyber-criminal.
Despite the risk of cyber-attacks, many SMBs struggle with network security. There are several reasons for this, including:
No Formalized Cybersecurity Processes
Many SMBs do not have a formal cybersecurity program in place. They deal with threats as and when they arise – often without any expert guidance. Moreover, while many businesses have tools like firewalls in place, they don’t have the in-house expertise to configure and manage them correctly.
No Security Training Program
Human error is a leading cause of data breaches. For example, an employee may click on a malicious link in a phishing email that leads to a ransomware attack. Without proper training, SMB employees are more likely to fall for these errors. However, SMBs sometimes don’t have the budget or knowledge to run internal training programs.
Lack of Budget for Security
All SMBs would like to have the budget to hire full-time IT and security staff – but this simply isn’t an option for many! With tight budgets and resources, security is often put on the backburner.
Tackle the Network Security Challenge Through Outsourcing
Despite these challenges, there is a way forward for SMBs. Instead of struggling to protect themselves, they can choose to outsource IT and security by working with a managed security services provider (MSSP). With an MSSP by their sides, SMBs can improve network security at an affordable price.
Here are the main benefits of working with an MSSP to enhance network security:
Much More Affordable Than Hiring a Full-time IT Person!
Hiring an IT person full-time can be expensive. The more knowledgeable the person, the more their monthly salary requirements will be. By contrast, when you hire an MSSP you get a wealth of expertise at a fraction of the price. Most MSSPs also offer their services at a fixed monthly fee, so it’s straightforward to build your security operations into your budget planning.
As well as this, you get access to 24/7 support and coverage. MSSPs provide always-on threat protection and monitoring, so your network is safe at all times.
Dedicated Security Expertise in a World of Skills Shortages
It’s well-known that we are currently facing an IT security skills gap. Right now, there aren’t enough skilled professionals to fill all the security vacancies out there. With an MSSP, you won’t have to worry about this. You’ll receive dedicated expertise from people with excellent security qualifications and experience.
Moreover, because your MSSP works with several customers, they are on the pulse of the latest threats. It’s their job to know about the latest cybercriminal tactics and how to tackle this. This gives you one less thing to worry about!
Make Compliance Easy
Security and data protection are increasingly the focus of state and national laws. There’s the European GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS and FISMA among others.
Achieving compliance with these laws requires a range of security solutions and auditing processes. A good MSSP can take on this role for you, becoming your virtual compliance officer. This gives you peace of mind that you are meeting legal obligations.
Access to State of the Art Security Solutions
MSSPs specialize in cybersecurity. As a result, they invest a lot of time, effort and money in securing the best solutions and resources for their customers.
This means you benefit from the latest and greatest technology solutions – some of which you wouldn’t even know about without your MSSP!
Start Your MSSP Journey Today!
Outsourcing cybersecurity can be a great step forward for your business. If you’re serious about working with a new security support partner to improve your business and contribute to long-term growth, this is your next step. Book a 15 minute, no obligation video call with me via this link.