Managed Security Services

Managed Security Services

With the ever-looming threat of cybercriminals, more and more businesses are aware that they need professional assistance to keep their information and intellectual assets safe. However, many smaller and medium-sized businesses lack the resources necessary to meet these business hazards. This is why a managed security service provider might be the ideal fit for your business. If you have already used a managed service provider for other aspects of your business's information systems or you have an IT department that recognizes that they are unequipped to meet your security challenges, contact Flagler Technologies and ask about our managed security services.

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The Constant Cyber Security Threat

According to the 2021 Data Breach Investigations Report by Verizon, 20% of data security breaches were against small and medium-sized businesses, with the average financial cost being $21,659. The most prevalent types of cyberattacks against small businesses are:

1. Ransomware

This occurs when a cybercriminal holds your data hostage and makes a ransom demand. Many small or medium-sized businesses end up paying the ransom — usually via cryptocurrency — because the value of the data exceeds the hackers' demand amount.

2. Unpatched and Misconfigured Systems

Smaller and mid-sized businesses are particularly vulnerable to this type of security threat as they often rapidly configure their systems as they grow, misapplying settings that would make them less vulnerable to attack. Cybercriminals can exploit these vulnerabilities. Additionally, many security breaches occur when operators fail to update their systems with patches that address known risks.

3. Credential Stuffing

When an attacker uses the credentials stolen from one system to access user accounts from another system, it’s known as credential stuffing. Many people use the same login information across multiple accounts, or they use an easy-to-hack password with their email address, allowing an attacker to gain access to an account by renewing the password.
4. Social Engineering

Staffing continues to be one of the most common access points for most systems. Social engineering can come in the form of a phishing scam or as part of a more sophisticated attack.

Once cybercriminals breach your systems, they can victimize your clients, suppliers, or business partners, or they can make demands for ransom. In the latter case, you can’t be sure that they won’t also sell your data on the dark web.

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What a Managed Security Service Provider Does

A managed security service provider provides contract services to businesses of all sizes. Most businesses turn to MSSPs when their IT staff is insufficiently familiar with information security protocols or when they are unable to afford in-house IT staffing. In the latter case, the company may hire an MSP and an MSSP, or they hire a full-service MSP/MSSP like Flagler Technology. Some of the services that an MSSP can provide include:

• Risk Management Planning – Developing a comprehensive risk management plan that has a contingency for both manmade and natural disasters is a cornerstone of IT security.

• Incident Response – A rapid incident response in performing security scans for security breaches or to mitigate the spread of malware across the system can be the difference between a contained accident and a total loss.

• Infrastructure security – Your security system is only as strong as your weakest link. An MSSP can evaluate your infrastructure, make recommendations with regard to your hardware, software, and apps, and otherwise fortify your system against attacks.

• Physical Security Measures – This can include restricting points of access, establishing video surveillance, distributing RFID cards, and more.

• Governance and Industry Compliance – MSSPs can upgrade systems to meet regulatory compliance guidelines, like HIPAA, ISACA SSH, NIST, etc.

• Penetration Testing – Once your system is brought up to speed, it needs to be tested. Penetration testing or pen tests launch controlled but realistic attacks against the system’s defenses.

• API testing and Application Testing – Before a new app is added or an API is utilized, it should be tested against security breaches.

• Cloud Security – Cloud-based systems don’t require a hardwired computer or device to access the data, which can be a vulnerability if the cloud provider doesn’t adhere to strict security protocols. An MSSP can determine whether or not the cloud is compliant and recommend a hybrid cloud solution in Florida.

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Managed Cyber Security Services Provided by Flagler

Flagler Technologies is a managed security service provider that works with businesses and business IT departments to harden their cyber defenses with our security experts. Our information security services span your network, endpoints, vulnerability management, monitoring, and analysis. In addition to preventing cyberattacks, we also establish security protocols and disaster contingency plans in the event that our clients’ systems are still somehow exploited.

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Benefits of Using a Managed Security Service Provider

An MSSP is a perfect solution for businesses that don’t have the budget to retain in-house cybersecurity experts. We can provide your business with the same level of knowledge and expertise that you would receive from an in-house security team at a fraction of the cost. Contact our technical sales staff to discuss your cybersecurity concerns.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Managed Security Services

As an IT solutions provider in Florida, we represent multiple clients with different concerns. Here are some of the most common questions our IT professionals hear.

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What Is a Managed Service Provider in Cyber Security?

In the cybersecurity industry, the term managed security service provider (MSSP) is often used interchangeably with a managed service provider (MSP), but they aren’t necessarily the same thing. In some cases, an MSP also provides security services, and some MSSPs also offer non-security-related services.

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What is the Difference Between Managed Security Services and Cyber Security Services?

A managed security service provider may work with multiple clients to provide security services for each. The MSSP can allocate resources to each client as they require various services. That way, there is much less downtime. On the contrary, when a business hires an IT security staff member, that person is on the clock whether the work justifies it or not.

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What Are Some of the Ways a Managed Security Service Provider Can Help My Business?

To begin with, the MSSP can perform an advanced threat assessment on your system. Is your software up to date? Do your employees ever open suspicious emails? Is your cloud network secure? These are just a few of the questions that will be answered at the beginning of your business relationship with an MSSP. From there, the MSSP will make recommendations and then act on them. This may include upgrading hardware and software. Additionally, they will ensure all apps and software are updated against all known vulnerabilities.

The MSSP will then continuously monitor and update your security protocols to ensure your business’s ongoing protection.

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Hire an Experienced Managed Security Service Provider

For years, Flagler Technologies has partnered with businesses to provide top-tier security solutions. Cybercriminals are most likely to attack businesses with the least secure networks and systems. When they find a secure business, they typically will move on to easier targets. By bolstering your company’s system security, you will drastically reduce the number of attacks and substantially decrease the likelihood of a damaging breach. The cybersecurity experts at Flagler Technology are ready to protect your business from cyber threats and attacks. Contact us today for a free consultation.