IT infrastructure and network systems are vulnerable to attacks. Tech Jury states that globally 30,000 websites are hacked on a daily basis. They add that ransomware cases grew by 150 percent last year and that 64 percent of companies worldwide have experienced at least one form of a cyberattack.
Given these statistics, it comes as no surprise that companies are realising the importance of managed security services, which consist of 24/7 security monitoring and threat detection to protect the client’s website, application or network.
Managed security providers offer services like managed firewall, log management and security policy and these services have never been more important.
Security threats and concerns can result in network downtime, which will go on to negatively impact a company’s business operations and efficiency. Implementing security systems and malware protection and detection tools by oneself can be a challenge to companies, especially those that lack the IT infrastructure and resources.
This could be due to the cost of investing in security infrastructure and systems and having to upgrade software and tools regularly. Malware protection and detection must be carried out 24 hours a day, which can be quite expensive.
The expertise and skills of IT professionals can also be an expense a company cannot bear, as trained and experienced professionals come at a cost.
In addition to this, recruiting IT personnel and establishing an IT department can be expensive. While a company may see the cost of assets and resources for in-house IT operations as an investment, it may be an investment they are not able to make.
However, the inability to afford IT expertise and tools for malware protection and detection should not prevent a company from securing their IT assets.
This is where managed security providers are of use.
Managed security services or MSS are offered by third-party service providers for the oversight and administration of an organisation’s security processes. This may be carried out in-house or remotely, for instance, using cloud platforms.
A managed security services provider may offer services like security management, managed firewall, incident response as well as the development of a continuous improvement process. Companies that want an optimal return from their IT assets will definitely consider managed security services.
Managed security services give a company access to industry professionals and expertise as well as the latest technology and software. A managed security service provider will also ensure protections are maintained and upgraded as needed.
If you take a firewall, for instance, it is not something that can be installed and then forgotten. Regular maintenance and monitoring is required for effective malware protection and detection. With MSS, a company can not only have a suitable and customised security plan implemented but will also know that the security tools and infrastructure are maintained as required.
A managed security service provider will not only maintain security systems but will also report to the company on a regular basis. This means that the company is still in control of this IT function without having to recruit the necessary team and invest in security infrastructure themselves.
In addition to this, managed security services carry out 24/7 monitoring, which enables IT teams to detect and address any vulnerabilities or threats at the earliest possible moment. Even when the business has shut down for the day or week, a managed security service provider will keep monitoring IT systems to ensure there are no security breaches.
This can not only reduce network downtime and disruption to business operations, but will also ensure compliance with relevant data protection regulations. It will also protect the company’s IT infrastructure, sensitive and private information, and customer data.
While managed security services are beneficial in terms of threat detection and prevention, how does it allow a business to make an optimal return on their IT assets? When a company’s IT infrastructure is vulnerable to attacks, their value drops and they will require replacements and upgrades.
This drives up a company’s expenses, which is why any organisation should invest heavily in policies and plans that are implemented successfully and adjusted to suit the company’s changing needs. Failure to invest in managed firewall and other security services can adversely impact the investment in other IT assets.
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