The rise of cyberattacks and other data security breaches is a cause for concern for all business owners looking to secure and improve their operations. Managed services providers are available to help with these processes and more, assisting with data hosting and protection while securing infrastructure from a range of threats.
Here’s everything you need to know about managed services providers and how they can help your business meet today’s many security challenges.
What is a Managed Services Provider?
A managed service provider (MSP) is an organization that delivers a range of services to assist with managing information technology infrastructure, network systems, and digital and physical security. By taking control of these vital considerations on a day-to-day basis, an MSP partners with business owners to improve operational efficiency and handle complex processes.
Different MSPs offer different levels of service, including remote monitoring and management of digital data storage and security systems with full technical support. By serving small and medium-sized businesses, they allow entrepreneurs to focus full-time on achieving their business goals.
Cyberattacks and the Need for CyberSecurity
Cyberattacks and data breaches are becoming increasingly common, with high-profile companies such as AT&T experiencing major issues that affect their business objectives. With hackers accessing private customer information and other data, the imperative to protect businesses from future breaches has never been more vital.
While similar attacks on small and medium-sized businesses don’t make the headlines, the same vulnerabilities and concerns nevertheless apply. The need for cyber security systems is universal, and a managed service provider is an essential safeguard against such breaches and hacking incidents.
Your Wichita Managed Service Provider for Small Businesses
A common misconception about managed service providers is that they are not viable for small businesses looking to protect their interests. Fortunately, MSPs are available to offer security for single-location operations as well as franchises operating across multiple sites nationwide.
Here’s an overview of the level of business security systems small business owners can access with an affordable budget.
Data Protection and Disaster Recovery
Protecting both hardware and software from security breaches is a core component of the services offered by an MSP. This begins with fully implementing security protocols capable of handling critical disaster recovery scenarios to ensure company data isn’t lost.
MSPs offer full maintenance and backup procedures to give business owners peace of mind and technical support to ensure smooth-running operations. Since data retention and security are vital to a company’s success, these data protection and backup processes can prevent untold damage to a business’s operations.
Information Technology and Network Management
Whether you’re running a single-site business or working across various locations, establishing and maintaining a secure network is crucial to collecting and storing important data. MSP service offerings cover this with comprehensive installation and management of network hardware and security for a range of budgets.
By working with an MSP to set up business IT network systems, business owners can gain access to the following infrastructure:
- Managed Firewalls.
- Routers.
- WiFi Connectivity.
- Switches.
A managed services provider fully optimizes these systems through data analytics, network monitoring, and other performance-based metrics to deliver maximum profitability and value for money.
Endpoint Protection and Security
Endpoint protection systems offered by managed services providers protect against cyberattacks and other digital security breaches. Highly effective and cost-efficient, they ensure your business remains up and running.
With full behavior-based detection and the ability to monitor threats in real-time, endpoint protection allows for a rapid response to incidents and forensic data collection. Creating detailed vulnerability assessments also helps spot suspicious activities and prevent and contain threats before any damage is done.
Brick and Mortar Business Protection
While there is a great deal of focus on new and emerging threats and challenges to digital security, traditional brick-and-mortar security shouldn’t be overlooked. Physical security systems are vital to safeguard business investments and deter potential thieves and vandals.
Managed service providers can assist with this security in a range of ways, delivering robust and secure door access control systems along with state-of-the-art video surveillance technology. Access control systems allow business owners to create restricted areas, protect business assets, and control where visitors can move.
Likewise, video surveillance systems increase site security through 24/7 monitoring, both as a deterrent to potential invaders and as a source of evidence for identifying anyone who breaches the premises. In combination with door access control systems, they deliver an impressive boost to office security, with MSPs providing seamless installation and maintenance.
Business Voice Services
Business voice services are another service offered by a managed service provider that helps businesses streamline their day-to-day operations with clear and effective communication. They can also be used to identify call volume trends, analyze customer patterns, and better understand business cycles.
These systems can also be easily scaled over time to match a company’s growth, introducing additional lines and users per system to meet growing demand. MSPs offer a range of telecommunication technology depending on a business’s size, from the Summit Vertical and ESI eSIP evolution series to Vertical Communications systems for larger organizations.
Contact CTA to Discuss Your Managed Services Provider Requirements
Communication Technology Associates, Inc. (CTA) has been operating as a managed services provider (MSP) since 1985, serving businesses around the country. With a range of cutting-edge solutions for information systems technology, network security, and property protection, we help businesses keep costs to a minimum so businesses can focus on productivity.
Whether you’re looking for the relevant hardware to update your premises’ locking systems or a comprehensive networking solution, CTA is here to help. Contact us to find out more, and our team of professionals will answer your queries.