Jul 30, 2024 - Fortifying Your Defenses: What to Know Before Partnering with an MSP

If it feels like technology is evolving faster than ever, that’s because it is. And, all that new technology brings with it new risks. Keeping your IT networks, processes, and systems up-to-date, efficient, and secure is tough for any small to mid-sized business.

Budgets are tight, competition is fierce, and IT talent is expensive - if you can find it. According to a report from IT management firm Auvik, 49% of respondents faced difficulties finding skilled IT professionals. That shortage hits smaller businesses the hardest. The same report found that companies with fewer than 500 employees are the most likely to face IT staffing challenges (56%).

For those reasons and many others, more and more businesses are looking to Managed Service Providers (MSPs) for the ongoing support they need to stay secure, compliant, and operational.

Okay, so what exactly is an MSP?

Simply put, an MSP is a company that takes care of your IT needs on a regular, proactive basis. They’ll handle your network and infrastructure, as well as crucial cybersecurity, data, and cloud services. Typically, you’ll sign a contract that specifies a period of time, as well as the types and level of service and support you’ll receive.

What’s so great about them?

It goes without saying (but we’re going to say it anyway) that an MSP can take a lot off of a smaller business’ to-do list. Since most of those businesses aren’t technology companies, offloading tech responsibilities to an MSP can dial down the frustration level, and free staff to focus on what they do best – growing their own business. There are plenty of other advantages.

Financial stability – plus savings

A predictable monthly IT expense means you don’t need to plan for unexpected costs. Compare that predictability with the average IT manager salary of $150,000 (according to salary.com). And don’t forget the cost of replacing them if/when they leave.

The right expertise and technology for your needs

An MSP has a staff of experienced professionals with a wide range of expertise across industries. That means you get the support that’s right for your needs. And, since it’s part of an MSP professional’s job to stay on top of the latest advancements, you don’t have to.

Better security, consistent compliance

Protecting your organization from a data breach or other catastrophic event is critical. An MSP will ensure you have sufficiently robust, up-to-date security in place. This can include threat monitoring, data encryption, and regular audits. They may even help train staff in security best-practices. Your MSP will also keep you compliant with any relevant regulations and standards, even as they change.

Scalability and flexibility

As your business grows and changes, so do your IT needs. An MSP can keep pace with your needs by adding new users, adding newly needed technologies, managing remote workers, and even expanding to a new location.

Okay, so how do I know which MSP is right for me?

According to the MSP Association of America, there are over 43,000 MSPs in the country. But it’s important to understand that all MSPs are not alike. Take a bit of time to do your homework and conduct a thorough search can help ensure you find the perfect fit. Here are some important things to consider:

What do you need?

Start by assessing your business’ It needs. Do you have a large network? Specific cybersecurity risks? On-premise servers? Lots of remote workers?

Look for a track record

Make sure the MSPs you speak with have a verifiable background in your specific industry. That detailed knowledge can help ensure they’ll understand the challenges you face. Ask for references or case studies and look for businesses similar to yours.

Examine support and communication levels

Good communication is key to a successful partnership. Ask for details on support channels – is there 24/7 help available? Can you request support via email, phone, and other methods? Will you have regular check-ins? What type of reporting schedule will be in place?

Understand the level of service you’ll receive

You’ll agree to a Service Level Agreement (SLA) that defines response times, resolution times, uptime guarantees, and more. Review the agreement carefully to ensure it meet your expectations and provides the protection and support you need.

How can I make sure I’m getting my money’s worth?

Once you’ve selected an MSP, you’ll want to take a few steps to ensure you’re receiving the benefits you expected (and are paying for).

Be a good collaborator

Treat your MSP as a true partner. Keep them updated on your business strategy and goals, and how they impact your IT needs. A truly collaborative relationship creates better outcomes.

Provide feedback

Regularly measure the support you’re receiving against the SLA and provide constructive feedback to help your MSP improve and better meet your needs.

Look ahead

Work with your MSP to create a long-term IT strategy that aligns with your goals for the future. It should consider your plans for growth, as well as how that growth will impact your technology needs and risk profile.

Is there a downside?

Choosing an MSP to manage your IT needs doesn’t mean you never have to think about security again. Granting a third-party access to your network can introduce some unanticipated risks – and, just like any organization, MSPs can be targets of cybercriminals. It’s important to collaborate with your MSP to proactively manage and reduce those risks.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommends businesses working with MSPs take steps to mitigate risk. While you can find the complete list here, highlights include:

1. Manage supply chain risks by ensuring all parts of your business are secured, including procurement, legal, and others.
2. Implement strong operational controls, including creating a baseline for system and network behavior, regularly updating software and operating systems, and requiring multi-factor authentication for accessing systems.
3. Manage authentication risks by adhering to best practices for passwords, and verifying any service provider accounts are being used appropriately and disabled when no longer needed.
4. Review your contracts with all providers to ensure they include appropriate security controls, monitoring of systems, and notification protocols

For an increasing number of small to mid-sized businesses, the benefits of working with an MSP far outweigh any risks. The right IT partner relationship enables them to focus on their business and feel confident their most valuable systems and data are secure, and they’re in compliance with relevant regulations.

The cybersecurity experts at CompassMSP are committed to helping these organizations stay secure. We’d be happy to discuss your own cybersecurity needs, and explain how we can tailor a comprehensive security approach that’s aligned with your budget, and your goals. To learn more, please contact us here, or call 833-444-2677.

Register for the next CompassMSP Cybersecurity Webinar

You're invited to join us on August 29th at 1:00 PM EDT for "Detect: Proactive Threat Detection: ENhancing Business Continuity & Cyber Readiness".