Your data is always at risk. The source can be internal or external, nonetheless, there is always the risk of security breach.
The global average cost of a data breach in 2018 is up 6.4 percent over the previous year to $3.86 million. The Ponemon Institute study also found that the mean time to identify a breach is still substantial – 197 days, while the mean time to contain a breach is 69 days. In a competitive and complexed business environment as of today, such breaches are a threat to survival.
IT executives are overwhelmed with the threats of a breach, compliance issues, data loss and exploding security budgets. Time, expertise and budget constraints are keeping companies from being hyper vigilant against hacking, malware, and other types of security threats. This is a gap that managed IT services can help to bridge.
A Managed Services model allows companies the flexibility to outsource their IT functions and focus on their core business. This approach enables businesses to ensure their IT infrastructure is running optimally, reduce operational costs, achieve high efficiency in operations while also improving end user productivity. But most importantly this model mitigates security risks.
How does Managed Services help to reinforce IT security?
- Remote Monitoring
Remote monitoring is a continuous process of tracking of vital systems and actions of a business’ IT infrastructure. This constant vigilance helps to determine whether the systems are functioning at their optimal level and all business-critical processes are on-track. More importantly, it helps to identify risks of threats and anomaly by zeroing in on troublesome patterns, as a result of which the impact or downtime can be mitigated.
2. Perimeter Management
Perimeter management is another remote service comprising of firewalls and intrusion detection systems. This module also secures installation, upgradation and maintenance processes. This service includes managing configuration settings to ensure optimal security and functional condition of hardware and software.
3. Vulnerability and Penetration Testing
Vulnerability testing refers to the proactive approach of identifying shortcomings in the systems. It includes both simulated hacking attacks and software scans so that the vulnerabilities can be addressed immediately. The testing process does not typically include a network-wide security assessment, but usually focuses on the perimeter and the loopholes that hackers may leverage to enter the systems without the proper authorization.
Penetration testing is usually a periodical event. In the context of web application security, penetration testing is commonly used to augment a web application firewall (WAF). The test involves the attempted breaching of any number of application systems, (e.g., application protocol interfaces (APIs), frontend/backend servers) to uncover vulnerabilities like unsanitized inputs susceptible to code injection attacks. Insights extracted from the test can be used to fine-tune the WAF security policies.
4. Risk Assessment
Risk assessment helps a business get a clear idea about its risk posture for key assets and systems, procedures, policies and controls. It also helps to assess and mitigate risks when sharing information, especially with third-party vendors; and address emerging threats so that you can integrate new technology to secure the risks.
5. Remote Compliance Monitoring
Remote compliance monitoring enables business processes to run smoothly without encountering regulatory issues. By measuring and monitoring governance, risk and compliance, this type of Managed Service can assist management in making the critical connection between strong compliance processes and tangible business results, leading to revenue enhancement, reputation and brand protection, customer attraction and retention, higher profitability/lower costs, improved workforce performance and asset protection.
6. Endpoint Protection
Endpoint protection ensures that all access points on the business’ network are secure. Without this module, it is practically difficult, if not impossible, to know whether a network has been breached in any way. Given the fact that today’s businesses are largely implementing Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy to enable employees work from anywhere at any time, this Managed Services provides the assurance that the organization’s network is same irrespective of how its employees work.
With security breaches increasing at an alarming pace, businesses are opting for solutions that are more effective yet cost-efficient. A highly qualified and experienced Managed Service provider, with tactical threat hunting and monitoring capabilities, can offer real-time threat intelligence technology, facilitating significant return on investment for the company. If you are opting for the Managed Services model, connect with us.
