A company cannot afford to be hacked. A cybersecurity incident or attack can significantly damage a company or organization's reputation and income. While some companies or organizations can employ dedicated staff and cybersecurity experts that form part of a cybersecurity team, others (especially smaller businesses) might be unable to do so. As a result, the managed security service provider market is having a boom. Cybersecurity service providers even play a crucial role in the Department of Defense strategy.

Companies could consider using a cybersecurity service provider to address their cybersecurity needs. These companies employ cybersecurity experts and make their services available to other companies. Read on to find out more about cybersecurity service providers.

What Does a Cybersecurity Service Provider Do?

A cybersecurity provider provides outsourced cybersecurity services to protect a company's cyberspace against security threats. Instead of employing dedicated personnel to handle a company's cybersecurity, the company enlists the services of a third party.

The cyber security services can vary, and companies can choose which services to protect themselves from cyber-attacks. For example, a cybersecurity service provider might offer cybersecurity solutions that include managing data, conducting vulnerability assessments, risk monitoring, creating and managing a risk management plan, threat intelligence, providing cloud security, creating a cybersecurity strategy, and system integrity assurance.

What Should I Look for In a Cybersecurity Service Provider?

Your business will have unique cybersecurity requirements that must be considered when looking for a cybersecurity service provider. In addition to that, consider the following when looking for a provider.

Track Record

Cyber security is essential to any business. When looking for a cybersecurity service provider, you need to look at the track record of their cybersecurity solutions. The cybersecurity service provider should demonstrate how they've assisted other clients in the past. It could do this by providing metrics, statistics, or client testimonials.

Contact previous or current clients to ask about the level of service they receive from the cybersecurity service provider. You can also look at online reviews. These might give you a good indication of the strengths and weaknesses of a particular cybersecurity service provider and its security solutions.

Tailored Service Offerings

Every business has unique cybersecurity needs, and one solution might not fit every company's needs. Therefore, a good cybersecurity service provider can adapt and change its service offering to meet the requirements of each client.

It must also stay updated with cybersecurity trends and be prepared to implement changes and improvements to its service offering.

Availability

A cybersecurity incident can take place at any time. It is, therefore, vital that the cybersecurity service provider you choose is available around the clock. It is also a good idea to look for a local cybersecurity service provider or one with offices in your area. This will allow for in-person meetings and assistance if required.

Your company's cybersecurity service provider should be available to respond quickly during a cybersecurity incident. It should also be available to continuously offer technical support for programs or systems.

What's The Difference Between an IT Team And Cybersecurity?

A company's IT team is responsible for the company's information technology. This department oversees all programs, systems, software, and hardware on which data is handled and stored. It is also responsible for any programs, systems, software, or hardware required to keep the business functioning optimally.

An IT security team is responsible for keeping all of these components secure. This team's tasks and responsibilities often overlap with a cybersecurity team. However, where the IT security team is responsible for protecting a company's systems and data, a cybersecurity team focuses more on keeping Internet-connected data, programs, and systems safe from unauthorized access.

What Metrics Does a Cybersecurity Service Provider Measure and Track?

A cybersecurity service provider could track various metrics based on client requirements. Often, these are the main CSSP metrics that could be tracked:

  • Attempted Versus Successful Attacks: This could indicate how well a company is protected, where there are vulnerabilities, and how well it is prepared to respond to an incident.
  • Meantime to Detection (MTTD): This metric tracks the average time it takes to detect potential cyberattacks.
  • Meantime to Respond (MTTR): This refers to how long a cybersecurity team responds to an incident. It could be measured from when the attack was initiated or when it was detected.
  • Meantime to Contain (MTTC): How long does it take a security team to contain a cybersecurity incident? It refers to the average time it takes to shut down all attack vectors across all endpoints and minimize the likelihood of any further harm being caused.
  • Unidentified Devices on the Network: Tracking this is vital as unidentified devices pose a greater risk for a cybersecurity incident.
  • Patching Speed and Effectiveness: Software patches should be applied as efficiently and effectively as possible.
  • Effectiveness of Cybersecurity Awareness Training: The effectiveness of any cybersecurity awareness training should be measured to improve these programs.
  • Benchmark Data: This is independent data based on other companies in the same industry. Using benchmark data allows a company to evaluate its performance compared to its competitors. Bear in mind that industry benchmarks only reflect how other companies in the industry perform in certain areas. Therefore, it might not necessarily reflect how a company should be performing.
  • Security Audit Compliance: This shows how well a company's cybersecurity tools, technologies, systems, and procedures work and where improvement is needed.
  • Third-party Risk and Compliance: How much risk is assumed when working with a third-party vendor? A robust supplier risk management program with a risk assessment matrix must be integral to any business.

How Can RiskRecon Help Me?

RiskRecon, a Mastercard company, is a cybersecurity service provider that enables organizations to achieve better risk outcomes through automated risk monitoring technology. Contact us today for a free 30 Day Trial.

When looking for a cybersecurity service provider, it is important to consider its track record, services, and availability. The best cybersecurity service provider will offer a tailored and customized service package and robust cybersecurity strategy with 24-hour support to help you keep your company or organization's cyberspace safe and secure.