Managed security services secure an end user’s network, infrastructure and endpoints. Services can include any services needed to support the business’ internal resources or provide the end user with an option to outsource IT security. Using automated solutions, a managed security services provider (MSSP) can provide 24/7 monitoring as well as leverage global security threat databases to provide defenses against new and emerging threats.

Why It Matters to Your Customers

No business, of any size, is immune to cyberattack. In fact, the 2018 Verizon Data Breach Report found 58% of data breach victims are small businesses. Cyberattacks can create major expenses and losses, including the costs or IT repairs and restoration (and, in some cases, ransom), disruption to productivity and lost contracts or sales. Cyberattack can also result in data theft or loss, especially harmful to the business if it involves sensitive customer data or account information. Moreover, businesses shouldn’t overlook the damage a cyberattack can cause to their business’ reputation and their customers’ trust, which can result in lost customers and decreased revenue. Depending on the end user’s industry, there may also be legal implications and fines if a data breach results from a cyberattack. Some businesses never recover.

As vital as IT security is to a business, many simply don’t have the in-house resources to effectively manage it. In-house IT staffs’ are often already stretched thin, and there is little time to stay on top of the latest security threats. Moreover, even large enterprises struggle to find experienced professionals to hire, with a shortage of skilled IT security professionals.

Why Security as a Service is an Opportunity

Businesses and enterprises are turning to MSSPs to outsource their IT security. There may be little objection to cost of managed security if the process has become so burdensome that the in-house staff can’t keep up. Industries including healthcare, finance, and retail may have little choice but to seek help to maintain security in accordance with laws and industry regulations.

If your customers are primarily small and medium-sized businesses, they may not have adequate security in place, even if they’ve been hacked in the past. Work with these clients to provide managed security services including network monitoring, patch management, managed firewall, managed antivirus, and endpoint security for a monthly fee that fits their budgets.