In today’s digital age, cybersecurity has become critical to any business’s operations. As such, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) have quickly advertised their expertise in the field. However, with every MSP claiming to be a cybersecurity expert, how can businesses find real experts? What should they look for?
To answer these questions, we spoke to three industry experts: Kenny Riley from Velocity IT, Robert Giannini with Giaspace, and Jorge Rojas with Tektonic Managed Services. Here’s what they had to say.
- Look for Certifications and Accreditations
Businesses should prioritize MSPs with certifications and accreditations when searching for a cybersecurity expert. These include the CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL).
According to Kenny Riley from Dallas IT Services company Velocity IT, “Certifications and accreditations demonstrate that an MSP has invested time and resources in developing their skills and knowledge. It also shows that they adhere to industry best practices and clearly understand the latest cybersecurity threats.”
- Check for Experience and Expertise
Businesses should also look for MSPs with experience and expertise in their specific industry. An MSP specializing in healthcare may not best fit for a retail business.
Robert Giannini with Giaspace, a Fort Lauderdale IT services company (click here to visit the Giaspace website) advises, “Businesses should ask MSPs about their experience in the industry and request references from previous clients. They should also look for MSPs who deeply understand their unique challenges and can provide customized solutions.”
- Consider the Range of Services Offered
Regarding cybersecurity, businesses need a comprehensive approach covering all IT infrastructure aspects. Therefore, MSPs offering a wide range of cybersecurity services are often a better fit than those providing only basic services.
Jorge Rojas with Tektonic Managed Services (Toronto IT Services) says, “Businesses should look for MSPs that can offer a range of services such as vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and employee cybersecurity training. A holistic approach is essential to protect against today’s advanced threats.”
- Ask About Response Time and Communication
Cybersecurity threats can occur anytime, and businesses need MSPs that can respond quickly to contain and mitigate any damage. Therefore, asking MSPs about their response time and communication protocols is essential.
Kenny Riley from Velocity IT advises, “Businesses should ensure that their MSP has clear response time and escalation policies. They should also ask about the frequency and format of communication during and after a security incident.”
- Look for MSPs that Offer Proactive Security Measures
Finally, businesses should prioritize MSPs that provide proactive security measures such as continuous monitoring and threat intelligence. These measures can detect and prevent cyber attacks before they can cause any damage.
Robert Giannini with Giaspace says, “Businesses should look for MSPs with a proactive approach to cybersecurity. They should provide continuous monitoring of their IT infrastructure and be able to adapt to new threats quickly.”
- Consider the MSP’s Approach to Compliance
Compliance with industry regulations is crucial for many businesses. Therefore, it’s essential to consider an MSP’s approach to compliance when selecting a cybersecurity expert. MSPs with experience working with compliance regulations such as HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and GDPR can provide valuable insight into achieving compliance and ensuring that your business remains protected.
Jorge Rojas with Tektonic Managed Services advises, “Businesses should look for MSPs with experience with compliance regulations relevant to their industry. The MSP should be able to guide how to comply with these regulations and ensure that your business’s operations remain secure.”
- Assess the MSP’s Cybersecurity Tools and Technologies
MSPs that use the latest cybersecurity tools and technologies can provide the best protection for your business. It’s vital to ask MSPs about the tools they use and assess their effectiveness in detecting and preventing cyber attacks.
Kenny Riley from Velocity IT says, “Businesses should look for MSPs that use a combination of technologies such as firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection and prevention systems. They should also ask about the MSP’s approach to threat intelligence and how they stay up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity trends.”
- Evaluate the MSP’s Response to Previous Security Incidents
An MSP’s response to previous security incidents can provide valuable insights into its ability to handle cyber attacks. It’s crucial to ask MSPs about their experience with security incidents and how they responded to them.
Robert Giannini with Giaspace advises, “Businesses should ask MSPs about their experience with previous security incidents and how they handled them. The MSP should be able to provide specific examples of how they detected, contained, and mitigated the damage caused by the attack.”
- Check the MSP’s Availability and Responsiveness
Cyber attacks can occur at any time, and businesses need an MSP that is available and responsive when they need it. It’s essential to check the MSP’s availability and responsiveness before selecting a cybersecurity expert.
Jorge Rojas with Tektonic Managed Services says, “Businesses should ensure that their MSP is available 24/7 and has a clear escalation process. The MSP should also have multiple points of contact and be able to respond quickly to any inquiries or issues.”
- Look for MSPs with a Proven Track Record
Finally, businesses should look for MSPs with a proven track record of providing effective cybersecurity services. MSPs that have been in business for several years and have a portfolio of satisfied clients are often a safer bet than new and untested MSPs.
Kenny Riley from Velocity IT advises, “Businesses should ask MSPs for references and case studies demonstrating their ability to provide effective cybersecurity services. They should also look for MSPs that have won awards or accolades for their services.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding a cybersecurity expert requires careful consideration of multiple factors. By prioritizing MSPs with certifications and accreditations, industry-specific experience and expertise, a wide range of services, fast response times, proactive security measures, compliance expertise, the latest cybersecurity tools and technologies, a proven track record, and availability and responsiveness, businesses can find an MSP that genuinely is a cybersecurity expert.
Brooks Reynolds 
Sarah Ross 
Staff Account