Why Managed Service Providers Are a Necessary Resource During the COVID-19 Outbreak
With the current COVID-19 outbreak affecting most of the world, it’s important for your business to consider the ramifications it could have on security issues facing your firm.
As it is a fragile time for everyone, the switch from office-based operations to remote working creates a perfect opportunity for hackers. As there are often weaknesses in these abruptly established remote networks, malicious threats can target, breach, and obtain delicate information while you’re working remotely that could jeopardize the entire company.
However, with a Managed Service Provider (MSP), these risks can be mitigated. While businesses have been turning to MSPs for years to manage their IT infrastructure, now has shown the potential of this industry more than ever. Because MSPs are designed to offer immediate remote support through ticketing systems, provide 24/7 remote monitoring, and setup flexible networks through cloud operations and other tools, they are the perfect go-to partner for the unusual scenario this pandemic has put global economies in.
Rethinking your technology investments and using a Manager Service Provider can pay off massively for your company’s security, prevent cyberattacks, save money, and keep your data safe. Here are the key benefits you can expect when working with an MSP:
MSPs Help You Take Advantage of Remote Technology
Managed Service Providers are useful for setting up remote technology based on your company’s needs. Remote tools can be vital for maintaining servers and systems, such as a VPN that hides your IP location, making your system resistant to identification and meaning that you cannot be tracked. Cloud solutions and custom software can also be invaluable tools to help your company thrive during remote work, even if you are dealing with the same workloads and a smaller staff.
That in mind, while cloud storage is convenient, especially when it comes to remote working and accessing files and information, as many as 93% of professionals are concerned regarding its security. It’s critical to work with a reliable MSP to ensure cloud hosting is performed securely, whether publicly or privately, or that a VPN is set up correctly to ensure safe access to in-house servers from home.
MSPs Provide Remote Support (and Safe Onsite Support as Needed)
Another benefit to using an MSP is that they can provide support for your business or enterprise by using an online ticketing system. If you encounter an issue with your network, all you need to do is submit a ticket, and their help desk is generally set up to respond to tickets immediately or within a matter of minutes. They can often address these issues remotely over the phone or even through an online chat system.
As a remote service, this allows the engineers to overcome problems without needing to book appointments, as they can access the system from wherever they operate. During a time when social distancing is key, this type of IT support can be a huge asset to your business. The online ticketing will also make it possible to provide on-site emergency support should it be required. This provides a broad scope of support options that can provide peace of mind, especially with everyone scattered across the city, country, or even the world.
MSPs Offer a Better Value for Your Money
If you’ve hired an in-house IT team before, you understand that it can be expensive. Even if you employ just a single specialist to lower that cost, their resources and ability to provide the support you need are highly limited. Manager Service Providers help to avoid high costs while still providing access to an entire team of professionals with a range of different IT specialties.
Rather than hire a single individual who could quickly become overwhelmed with the number of cyber-issues your business experiences, MSPs come at about the cost of a single salaried employee and can handle all your IT needs. Their business model allows them to provide this type of support for cheaper because they service several different clients.
Considering that even small companies can spend as much as 6.9% of their revenue on IT service, hiring an MSP could be vital for saving thousands of dollars, giving you more financial security to focus on improving systems and business operations. Not to mention, with total IT management from an MSP, you’re likely to get much more out of your technology investments since they will be continually monitored, strategized, and upgraded as needed.
MSPs Prioritize Scheduled Data Backups
Scheduled data backups are an essential part of protecting your business. But with so much happening throughout the day, week, and month, companies can often slack in keeping up with regular backups. An MSP will provide regular data backups to ensure that no matter what happens, you’ll have access to your files at all times.
MSPs also perform file encryption to protect data, should a hacker slip through the cracks, while also limiting access to specific files, which will prevent further data loss and guarantee dependable security measures for your business.
24/7 Monitoring
You cannot monitor your business every hour of every day. However, an MSP can. Round-the-clock remote network monitoring, when combined with other layered security architectures, ensures that your system stays safe from cyber attacks. MSPs install devices and software that monitor your systems 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure that any new vulnerabilities that crop up are identified and patched immediately.
The COVID-19 outbreak is affecting total industries, regardless of the size or nature of your business. If you want to ensure that your business is in the best position to protect itself from hackers and breaches, a Manager Service Provider is the solution. They can help you cut costs, implement useful remote technologies, and strategize your tech for both short- and long-term needs. They are also an invaluable resource as cybersecurity becomes an essential part of remote workforces to ensure your data stays protected at all times.
