Finding a cybersecurity provider can be a challenge. There are multiple options available and it is often difficult to analyze marketing material to truly assess how they may meet your specific requirements.
In a time increasingly sophisticated AI threats and evolving ransomware groups, it can also be difficult to determine what your needs are in the first place. There is a big difference between the internal security skills in a large company compared to a smaller company and your requirements will reflect this.
Finding the right provider for your purposes may seem complex, but with the right approach it is possible. Here you will find everything you need to know.
What to look for in the best cybersecurity provider
When choosing a vendor, you should look for a partnership, not just the acquisition of a license, says Lewis Duke, threat intelligence leader at Trend Micro. “Ask about their strategy; Does it align with yours? How communicative are they and are they positioned to help solve the specific challenges of your sector?
Companies should ensure that vendors have a proven track record and experience in cybersecurity, says Joshua Paulus, head of security and identity at Intelliworx. Meanwhile, companies operating in highly regulated sectors, such as healthcare and finance, should ensure that the provider has a thorough understanding of relevant industry regulations and compliance requirements.
Look for certifications that include ISO 27001, SOC2 and others that may be relevant within your sector, says Duke.
One of the most important services a cybersecurity provider can offer is monitoring your company's IT health, says Lewis West, head of cybersecurity at recruiting firm Hamilton Barnes.
The extent of this service depends on the provider's package and the price you are willing to pay. A standard offering typically includes the provision of protection and monitoring during normal business hours, he says. “But if you need an additional level of service, there are on-call models available where support is provided when needed.”
A good cybersecurity provider will take the time to understand your business challenges and operations, says Paul McLatchie, security strategy consultant at Daisy. Be wary of vendors who immediately start pushing a solution before becoming familiar with the relevant moving parts within your business, he says.
Low-cost testing for cybersecurity providers
Before committing to a provider, validate whether you have any options for a low-cost or no-cost initial commitment, McLatchie advises. “Some offer introductory security assessments for free, or at least may be open to an initial no-obligation workshop session.”
You should also be careful when interacting with vendors who provide an overly optimistic view that their products or services will solve all of your organization's cybersecurity problems, McLatchie says. “Risk can never be completely eliminated, no matter how fantastic the proposed solution is.”
Worry less about “cool AI and next-generation widget” and focus on the core question: Will the solution really protect my organization? says David Corlette, vice president of product management at VIPRE Security Group. He also recommends that leaders pay attention to independent testing agencies, such as AV Comparatives either Virus Bulletinwho have consistently documented testing methodologies.
Salespeople often talk about the benefits of integrating your solutions. However, such offers can be misleading and may not increase safety, he says.
Many providers will be willing to customize their services, West says. “It's always worth engaging in a conversation with them rather than assuming they will strictly adhere to the advertised packages.”
What companies need a cybersecurity provider?
Of course, not every company needs a cybersecurity provider. The key reason businesses should consider using one is to get a team of experts who can provide ongoing support, West says.
If it's still unclear, a good starting point is with a risk management strategy for its current security posture, McLatchie says. “What systems and services drive daily business operations? What would be the impact if they failed? What are the most prominent cyber threats to the organization? “These questions and more can at least help companies move toward a basic understanding of the maturity of their current security capabilities.”
The first step for a company is to audit its infrastructure, including its external network, which is likely connected to third parties. cloud services as well as its internal IT infrastructure, agrees Samir Desai, vice president of product management at GTT. “If potential risks and weaknesses are identified that cannot be handled internally, one option is to turn to a managed security services (MSS) providerP), which can incorporate a wide range of experienced cybersecurity solutions and adapt them to meet the unique needs of a company.”
Don't believe everything they tell you. No single vendor can provide everything you need, from firewalls and a secure operating system to endpoint protection and email security, Corlette says. “Companies should be wary of any supplier that claims to do everything right.”
Cybersecurity providers for SMEs versus companies
Your needs will also depend on the size of your business. SMBs will likely benefit from MSSPs that offer packaged solutions and handle day-to-day tasks, Duke says. However, companies can opt for multiple specialized providers depending on their security needs, he adds.
It is also worth considering How many security providers do you need?given his appetite for risk, attack surfaceand the sector in which it operates.
SMBs typically lack the dedicated IT staff or technical expertise available to larger companies, so it's important that they prioritize vendors that offer easier-to-use solutions, Paulus says. “These should offer simple implementation and management processes without the need for additional time and resources to get cybersecurity systems up and running.”
Internal security teams can take over. In general, companies should have an in-house security team along with a cybersecurity vendor, due to their different skill sets, West says. “Often where third-party providers add the most value is in network monitoring and problem identification and vulnerabilitieswhich can then be reported to the internal team who will resolve the issue.”
Having an in-house security team can give companies better visibility into operations than a third-party provider. After all, they know their organization's IT environment best, Paulus says. “But what they cannot do is address all security risks alone or ensure 100% security against all cyber threats. “Working with third-party providers can help companies improve their security posture and address challenges effectively.”
