What are Managed Security Services

Organizations are now using managed security services to gain security expertise and ease the workload of their in-house security staff. Managed security services (MSS) such as iTeam Technology Associates are an approach to handle the security needs of a company. An agency may conduct the service in-house or outsource it to a service provider who oversees other companies’ security systems. If a company chooses the outsourcing option, the provider performs the service remotely (often through the cloud). Managed security services providers (MSSPs) have several functions such as setting up infrastructure through incident response, upgrading the system, assessing, and conducting audits. MSS eliminates the burden of performing security chores manually away from administrators.

There are several reasons why an organization may opt to work with MSSPs. Most companies lack in-house resources or skills in certain areas of security. Others will want a security monitoring and management outside the regular operating hours. In some instances, a company may hire managed security services to conduct audits or investigate incidents.

Benefits of Using MSSPs

The primary advantage of hiring managed security services is the security expertise and additional staff that come with the service. Since MSSPs can manage security processes from a remote location, companies can carry on with their daily activities with minimal disturbances due to insecurity. MSSPs will maintain a constant line of communication and uninterrupted reporting to the business. The services will always ensure that the organization’s IT is up-to-date with security issues, audits, and maintenance. These benefits enable an agency to focus on security governance instead of administrative work.

Another benefit is that MSS comes with several security services from full outsourcing to specialized services. MSSs focus on the specific needs of a company’s security. When an enterprise outsources security, it saves money by eliminating the need to maintain a fully staffed, full-time, and on-site security team. MSSPs also offer fast deployment times and improved time-to-value on security investments.

Reasons to Use MSSs

Even though companies are encouraged to employ proactive security measures, most of them continue to dismiss the implementation of sound security initiatives. Some agencies will wait until they have suffered a loss or data breach. With the growing number of cyber threats, companies should prioritize IT security. Here are some reasons to use MSSs.

  • MSSs provide full-time oversight of the premises.
  • Since cybercrime evolves at a fast pace, MSSs updated threat detection and prevention will address issues as they arise, and recover from incidences
  • Most MSSPs have operations all over the world making them advantageous over typical security measures.

Choosing the Best MSSP

Today, there is a wide range of managed security services and providers on the market. You have to identify your organization’s needs and look for the best provider to help you. Start by figuring out the security functions to outsource. Meet with business unit leaders and determine the budget and the partnership process and requirements. Once you have mapped out your company’s MSSP needs, you can now research on various potential options. Some of the vendors, such as GASystem, will have all the information you need on their websites. After your research, you can now meet with these vendors and check for customer references.

Adam Hansen
 

Adam is a part time journalist, entrepreneur, investor and father.