According to a recent article from Fintech News, cyber-attacks and phishing targeting cloud-based networks increased by more than 600% in the first quarter of 2020. The need has never been higher for managed cloud security, and the demand comes at a time when more people are working on the cloud than at any other time in history.
To remain competitive and solidify cybersecurity initiatives, more organizations are leaning upon outsourced solutions. These outsourced solutions include virtual CISOs, cybersecurity staff augmentation, and managed security services.
If you’re concerned for the integrity of your cloud operations and network, you must work with agencies that specialize in cloud managed security services. In this quick guide, we’ll explain what reliable managed cloud security looks like and how enlisting the help of cloud MSSPs can be the right solution for your organization.
What’s a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP)?
Managed security services are those deliverables that provide constant cybersecurity care for your network. In large corporations, it’s not uncommon for the company to have an entire department dedicated to maintaining cybersecurity.
But as businesses of all sizes begin to digitally transform, hackers turn their attention to smaller, more vulnerable networks. And while small businesses can now operate at the same level as large businesses – thanks to agile technology – they may not be able to secure their digital infrastructure.
For small and medium-sized businesses, it is not financially feasible to provide their own managed security services. Thankfully, third-party cybersecurity experts offer outsourced managed security services providers or MSSPs.
What’s the Difference Between a Regular Managed Security Services Provider and a Cloud Managed Security Services Provider?
Some networks maintain servers on the premises while an increasing number of organizations employ web services through the cloud. Cloud computing outsources more intensive computing tasks to off-site servers that send and receive data through the Internet.
One of the reasons that so many businesses love cloud services is because they can extend the life and functionality of their hardware. It can be expensive to build and maintain servers on company premises. There now exist hundreds of reliable cloud service providers to help these businesses enjoy the many benefits of cloud computing.
That said, managed cloud security is significantly different from managed security for on-site servers. In some ways, cybersecurity risks are lower, and in other ways, the risks are higher. Regardless, partnering with a reputable cloud managed security services provider can greatly reduce your cybersecurity risk and save you the cost of expanding your payroll.
Looking for an MSSP? Speak with one now!
10 Reasons Why Your Organization Needs Managed Cloud Security
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Maintain Two-factor Authentication Policies and Procedures
In theory, outsourcing server storage and software to cloud solutions lowers the cybersecurity threat for your organization, since cloud server specialists oversee your data integrity. But in reality, cloud solutions can make it easier for employees to unintentionally expose your organization’s digital infrastructure to the wrong people.
After shifting your business to the cloud, each team member is responsible for maintaining and protecting their two-factor authentication credentials. Managed cloud security teams can track how well your employees are adhering to the company’s policies on cybersecurity.
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24/7 Cloud System Monitoring
One of the greatest benefits of MSSPs is that they keep track of your system security round-the-clock. You don’t have to hire or dedicate an internal team to provide constant system monitoring. Your cloud managed security services provider does it for you and reports directly to management.
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Fewer Zero-day Vulnerabilities
Zero-day vulnerabilities are those cyber-threats that lie outside of your awareness. Without cybersecurity experts assisting your IT team with audits and network diagrams, it can be extremely difficult to spot every threat.
MSSPs become intimately knowledgeable about your digital infrastructure, and they can quickly spot zero-day vulnerabilities. After identifying these threats, your MSSP can help you rectify the problem before a hacker has a chance to exploit it.
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More Rigorous Penetration Testing
As a result of constant monitoring and zero-day vulnerability detection, MSSPs offer some of the most rigorous pen testing available. And because MSSP teams work with many different clients, they are uniquely qualified to collaborate with key decision-makers before, during, and after the penetration testing period.
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Faster Compliance
Depending upon your industry and size, you may have several critical compliance agencies with which you must adhere. Because your IT department should focus on sustaining your operations, performing all the assessments, audits, and corrective measures required when seeking compliance often lies outside its core competencies.
Cloud managed security services providers are cybersecurity experts. As such, they are knowledgeable about all relevant compliance agencies around the world. Not only can they help you meet compliance standards on your IT checklist, but they can also make you aware of additional compliance standards that could give you a competitive advantage in your industry.
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Stronger Shared Security Relationships
When you operate on the cloud, you share security responsibilities with your cloud providers. Maintaining stable shared security relationships does take effort. Without clear lines of communication between your organizations, you increase the likelihood of zero-day vulnerabilities.
Managed cloud security services pay attention to where holes in data security exist between you and your cloud providers. Further, your MSSP can inform you of whether or not the cloud providers you’ve chosen are also compliant and enhancing your cybersecurity rather than diminishing it.
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Efficient Data Backup and Recovery
A critical piece of your operations is data backup and recovery. With on-site servers, back-ups work differently than cloud back-ups because they are hardwired into your network. But, occasional glitches in connectivity or authentication could quickly delay cloud backups when it comes to web services.
Cloud MSSPs pay close attention to the status of regular backups and can initiate data recovery responses when necessary. If there is a problem with your backup process, they can inform you immediately and help you take corrective measures.
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Assess Varying Degrees of Cloud Security
Most cloud systems involve several layers of data accessibility and security. This setup is particularly relevant in the healthcare industry. Inexperienced IT personnel may not know how to manage these varying degrees of cloud security.
In contrast, cloud managed security services providers understand the security levels immediately. This benefit can save you money by ensuring that you’re not paying for dedicated server storage on non-sensitive information and vice versa.
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Immediate Intrusion Patching
All reputable MSSPs are highly responsive to potential security breaches. As soon as they pick up on an intrusion, they can take action before hackers or malware steal or destroy critical data.
One reason that MSSPs are so responsive is that they are providing full-time monitoring services. Building an internal managed security services team can be cost-prohibitive and less effective than outsourcing it to an MSSP.
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More Accurate Cybersecurity Risk Assessments
Because they are intimately familiar with your network and the cloud service industry at large, cloud managed security services providers can produce complete, accurate assessments. These assessments not only show you how well your cybersecurity initiatives are working, but they can also help you report hard data to your superiors in terms that they understand. Armed with reliable assessment data helps you secure the budget that you need to minimize your cybersecurity risk.
Key Takeaways – Why Hire a Cloud Managed Security Services Provider?
In short, cloud MSSPs are full-time, 24/7 cybersecurity experts ensuring the integrity of your cloud network. With the help of an agency specializing in managed cloud security, you and your team can focus on what you do best.
RSI Security is a leading provider of cybersecurity leadership, staff augmentation, and managed cloud security services. If you have questions about your cloud network’s cybersecurity needs, reach out to an RSI Security expert today!
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