Outsourcing your cybersecurity can be a daunting task. You want to make sure that you are entrusting your vital business data and systems to a partner who is experienced, reliable, and certified. But with so many IT security providers out there, how do you know who to choose?
In this blog post, we will discuss the key factors you should look for when choosing an IT security partner. We will also provide tips on how to negotiate the best deal for your business.
Experience
When looking for an IT security partner, you want to make sure that they have a proven track record in the industry. Look for an IT company that has at least several years of experience in the IT security field, specifically in your industry.
When it comes to security, experience is crucial because the landscape is constantly changing. You want to make sure that your IT security partner is up-to-date on the latest trends and threats so they can protect your business accordingly.
Reviews & Reputation
When considering an IT security provider, be sure to read online reviews from their past and present clients. This will give you a good idea of the quality of their service and whether or not they are a company you can trust.
If a provider has mostly positive reviews, that is a good sign. However, if there are more negative reviews than positive ones, you may want to reconsider working with them. You could also ask the potential IT partner for case studies from businesses like yours and the solutions they’re able to provide.
Certifications & Trusted Partners
It’s also very important to consider certifications when looking for outsourced cybersecurity services. You want to make sure that your IT security partner is certified by reputable organizations and tech providers.
Some standard certifications your cybersecurity provider should have include certified information systems security professional (CISSP), certified ethical hacker (CEH), and certified information systems auditor (CISA).
Industry Knowledge
In addition to experience and certifications, you also want to make sure that your IT security partner has industry-specific knowledge. They should be familiar with the type of business you’re in and the unique cybersecurity risks that come with it.
For example, if you’re in the healthcare industry, your IT professional should be familiar with HIPAA compliance and how to protect patient data. If you’re in the retail industry, you should be familiar with PCI compliance and how to secure credit card information.
Cost
Of course, the cost is always a factor to consider when outsourcing any IT services. When it comes to IT security, you want to make sure that you’re getting the best possible value for your money.
One way to do this is by working with an IT company that can create a security solution for your business needs so that you don’t pay for solutions you don’t use. You may also want to work with a company that charges a flat rate rather than an hourly rate so that you can set a regular IT budget for your business.
Customer Service
Finally, you want to make sure that the IT security provider you choose has excellent customer service. This is important because you want to be able to reach someone easily if there’s ever an issue with your account or service.
Look for a provider that offers 24/7 customer support and has multiple ways to contact them (e.g. phone, email, live chat). You should also ask about their average response time and whether they have any IT security experts on staff around the clock.
AIS Can Improve Your Cybersecurity
Outsourcing your IT security needs is a big decision. However, if you take the time to find a reputable and experienced professional, it can be a great way to improve your business security and remain competitive in today’s market.
AIS provides the necessary IT security solutions that businesses need to protect themselves from cyber risks. Our team has the experience and the reputation to help businesses just like yours stay secure in the growing threat landscape. Contact us today and see if outsourcing your security needs makes the most sense for your business.