With improvements in technology also come advancements in cyber attacks. About 83% of businesses experienced more than one data breach in 2022, according to the IBM Data Breach Report. That significant number alone is enough to push organizations to bolster their system’s defenses.
Data breaches can lead to a host of problems, such as leaked personal information and money loss. But what’s the best way to strengthen your cybersecurity? Outsourced IT solutions may be the answer to your fears and worries.
Hiring external service providers may seem like a risk, but you’ll learn that they’re just what your business might need to survive.
The Problem: The Evolving Threat Landscape
Cybercriminals are fast becoming a bigger threat. They’re constantly cooking up new ways to steal your data through traps like malware, phishing attacks, and ransomware. Keeping your software updated sometimes feels impossible, and these threats just keep getting more clever.
Your dedicated internal IT department’s tasks may be spread thin daily, leaving them little time to focus on security. Staying on top of cyber trends takes tons of research. Small and medium-sized businesses might struggle more, often having only one in-house IT staff or none at all.
The Solution: How Outsourced IT Strengthens Cybersecurity
Outsourced IT solutions, also called managed IT services, could be your best option if your organization frequently encounters cybersecurity issues. They know how to safely manage your systems and the tools to fortify your defenses on multiple fronts. An outsourcing partner goes beyond security. They can also manage your data backups, workstations, and even your IT assets—a one-stop shop for your IT needs.
Outsourced IT services can perform a range of techniques to ensure your systems stay safe and running. Here are the usual things they do for companies:
Vulnerability Assessments and Patch Management
MSPs can scan your systems for weaknesses and outdated software. They don’t just monitor your systems—they work with you to patch the holes and keep your defenses strong. Their expertise also helps prioritize patches based on risk, ensuring critical vulnerabilities are addressed first.
Network Security Monitoring and Threat Detection
Outsourced IT support can monitor your network activity 24/7. Their advanced tools help detect suspicious behavior and identify potential threats before they can inflict damage. They also provide detailed threat intelligence, helping you understand the nature of attacks targeting your business.
Security Awareness Training
Your employees are often the first line of defense against cyber attacks. Phishing scams, 27% of which target financial companies, can trick even the most vigilant person. Security awareness training programs from outsourced IT providers educate your staff about common cyber threats and how to spot them.
Incident Response and IT Disaster Recovery
Just as important is having a plan in place for the worst-case scenario. Outsourcing services will guide you in developing an incident response plan that outlines cyber attack responses and minimizes damage. They’ll also aid in disaster recovery to quickly restore your core business functions.
The Benefits of Outsourced IT Solutions
Building a strong cybersecurity posture can be expensive. Training your IT team is great, but it could also be costly and time-consuming. Outsourced IT is a cheaper way to get the same protection.
Your business could suffer a loss of around USD$ 1.3 million in an average data breach, while cybercrime damages are projected to hit a staggering USD$ 10.5 trillion by 2025. Your organization won’t have to incur such damages with the aid of managed IT services. What’s more, you don’t have to shell out a hefty amount of money for this collab. These solutions allow you to pay only for the services you need, plus you get to skip the hassle of hiring new employees, saving you time and money.
However, there are other benefits than the cost. Outsourced IT service providers have a wealth of experience and expertise in cybersecurity features. They stay updated on the latest threats and have the tools to combat them. Think of outsourcing as partnering with cybersecurity warriors. They’ll fight to protect your business from ever-evolving cyber threats.
A Proactive Approach to Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is like fighting off a persistent enemy. Outsourced IT services monitor your defenses around the clock so you can catch threats before they cause trouble. They also conduct regular penetration tests, simulating real-world attacks to find vulnerabilities you might have missed.
Another advantage of outsourcing is scalability. Your business’ needs will eventually change, and your IT security should, too. Outsourced IT solutions can scale their services to perfectly match your evolving needs. This flexibility extends to specialized services like compliance support or cloud security as your business expands.
Conclusion
Cyber attacks in the digital age can be devastating not only to private individuals but also to companies. What’s even trickier is they can happen at any time when you least expect them. Outsourced IT solutions can prevent that from happening. Their knowledge of cyber threats and recovery methods protects your business from data breaches.
