Why managed IT services is best for SMB cybersecurity

Without technology, businesses cannot compete and succeed. But with the advancement in technology comes the ever-constant threat of hackers and cybercriminals. That’s why small- and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) need to protect themselves with robust cybersecurity solutions managed by reputable managed IT services providers (MSPs).

How managed service providers can solve the security puzzle

Much as you would rely on an electrician to wire your building and resolve sparking outlets, there’s tremendous value in outsourcing the critical task of cybersecurity to the professionals. Managed IT services are the answer here.

Small businesses are “sitting ducks” in today’s cyberthreat environment. Most don’t have cyber protection solutions to enable advanced anti-malware protection that integrates with data backups, nor do they have IT security experts on staff to properly configure software and respond to dynamic situations. And they don’t always train employees on cybersecurity best practices, which often leads to the use of weak passwords and an increased likelihood of falling victim to phishing scams.

It’s hard to entirely fault smaller companies for this status quo. Effective cybersecurity becomes a more complicated prospect every day, and is already a serious challenge for resource-strapped businesses. Most also fail to fully appreciate the severe risks presented by modern cyberthreats, any one of which could spell doom.

Managed service providers make it simple and affordable to give your organization a necessary level of baseline protection, with capabilities like:

Why managed services?

Partnering with MSPs is the most effective way to prevent attacks and defend against malicious threats. MSPs offer a full range of proactive IT support that focuses on advanced security, such as around-the-clock monitoring, data encryption and backup, real-time threat prevention and elimination, network and firewall protection, security awareness training, and more. Here are some of the services an MSP can offer:

• Around-the-clock monitoring – A cyberattack can happen at any moment. By having someone watching your networks and systems 24/7, MSPs ensure that any potential threats are identified and dealt with quickly.
• Data encryption and backup – Data encryption transforms readable data into an unreadable format. This can be done through the use of a key, which is only accessible to authorized users. This way, even if the data is compromised, it can’t be read without the key. Meanwhile, data backup is the process of creating and preserving copies of data so that it can be restored in the event of data loss.
• Real-time threat prevention and elimination – By using technology that can detect and stop threats as they happen, this security solution can minimize the impact of an attack and keep your business data safe.
• Network and firewall protection – Networks and firewalls create a barrier between the business network and the internet, securing confidential data, such as customer information, employee records, and trade secrets. Networks can be configured to allow certain types of traffic through while blocking others, so that only authorized users can access specific resources.
• Security awareness training – Now, more than ever, SMBs need to be aware of cybersecurity threats and how to protect themselves. MSPs can facilitate security awareness training that can help employees spot red flags and know what to do (and not do) to keep company data safe.

Controlled risks and expenditures

While the above are all needs that small businesses can theoretically meet on their own, managed service providers typically provide them at a fraction of the cost associated with employing and training an in-house IT team. You’ll enjoy top-tier security and data protection from day one.

With so much at stake if a cyberattack hits your business, the need for cyber insurance is rising — as is the cost of acquiring and maintaining compliance for such insurance policies. But simply having a policy is not enough. Proper employee and client training, IT infrastructure, and response planning — all of which a managed services provider will supply — is critical to ensuring that your policy actually covers you in the event of an attack.

From human error to proactive attacks, this changing environment is driving the adoption of cyber protection, the integration of cybersecurity, data protection, and endpoint management. This integration is yet another area in which enlisting a managed services model can be financially prudent. Insurance agencies are raising their rates in response to rising attacks, but having professionals configure and deliver optimized IT security will minimize your risk posture, leading to reduced premiums and helping you stay compliant with shifting insurance requirements.

For small-and-medium businesses, engaging an IT service provider frees up time to focus on your own strengths — like delighting customers and growing your business. Cyberthreats may be a headache, but don’t let them make you lose sight of your dream.

Managed IT services are designed to identify and fix weak spots in your IT infrastructure, enabling you to optimize the digital backbone of your business processes. With managed IT, you’ll also have faster network performance, a solid business continuity and disaster recovery strategy, and minimal downtime. You’ll also get a dedicated team of IT professionals ready to assist you with any technology-related problems. This is much more effective and budget-friendly than having in-house personnel juggling all of your business IT needs.

Being proactive when it comes to cybersecurity is the only way to protect what you’ve worked hard to build. If you’d like to know more about how managed services can benefit your business, just give us a call — we’re here to help.

Reach out to Beringer today!

Here at Beringer Technology Group, we offer a wide range of solutions designed to keep your business operational, no matter what threats may come your way. From backup and disaster recovery to cloud-based CRM solutions such as Microsoft Dynamics, Beringer is at the forefront of helping organizations navigate the daily threat that cybercrime poses.

Beringer Technology Group, a leading Microsoft Gold Certified Partner specializing in Microsoft Dynamics 365 and CRM for Distribution, also provides expert Managed IT Services, Backup and Disaster Recovery, Cloud Based Computing, Email Security Implementation and Training, Unified Communication Solutions, and Cybersecurity Risk Assessment.