Outsourcing cybersecurity is a smart move for many businesses. After all, not every company has the resources to build an in-house security team. Outsourcing allows them to gain the protection they need without having to overspend or overstretch.
However, it’s important to remember that not all security providers are created equal. In fact, the wrong partnership can leave you vulnerable rather than protected. Before signing any contracts, ask the following five questions to make sure the provider is the right fit for your organization.
1. What Threats Do You Detect and How Is This Done?
Every provider claims to detect threats. That’s understandable. Yet you need to dig a little deeper to know what kinds of threats they’re equipped to find.
Do they specialize in ransomware? Insider threats? Advanced persistent threats? Then you should explore how they find these threats successfully. Ask them about what detection technologies they use, whether it is behavioral analytics or anomaly detection.
Ultimately, you’ll want a provider that utilizes multiple detection layers. They should also be transparent about how their systems identify suspicious activity across cloud, endpoint, and network environments.
2. How Do You Respond to Incidents?
Detection is only half the battle. In the end, the response is where the value lies. Clarify what kind of response services the provider offers. Will they simply alert your team? Or do they offer containment and remediation actions?
Take providers offering managed detection and response (MDR) services as an example. MDR providers often include hands-on threat hunting and active remediation. If your in-house capabilities are limited, MDR can be a key feature to look for when evaluating response effectiveness.
3. What Visibility Will We Have into Our Environment?
When working with a third-party security provider, it’s important to know how much access and visibility you’ll retain. Can you view real-time threat data and reports? How frequently will they communicate with you, and through which channels? Will they collaborate with your internal IT team or operate independently?
Clear communication and full transparency are imperative. After all, you’re trusting someone else to protect your digital assets.
4. How Do You Stay Current with the Evolving Threat Landscape?
Cyberthreats change constantly. Because of this point, your prospective provider should demonstrate a commitment to staying ahead of emerging risks.
You should ask whether they subscribe to external threat intelligence feeds. You can then check if they have a dedicated research team and participate in industry information-sharing communities.
Providers that regularly update detection rules and refine their efforts are better positioned to defend your business.
5. How Will You Help Us Meet Compliance Requirements?
Does your organization operate in a regulated industry or handle sensitive data? If so, your security provider should assist in meeting compliance standards.
Ask what experience they have supporting clients with your specific compliance needs. Do they have knowledge of the likes of HIPAA, ISO 27001, and PCI-DSS? Also, explore whether they supply documentation and reporting. A provider who understands the compliance landscape adds significant value and reduces the burden on your internal teams.
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