Top Security Questions to Ask Your managed services providers (MSPs) Prospects
- What type of data are you using and creating daily?
- What are the top risks the organization faces?
- Do we have an effective information security awareness program?
- In the event of a data breach, do you have a response plan?
- Where is your data saved and stored (cloud solutions or hosted locally)?
- Do you see any compliance impacts with your data (HIPAA, Mass Data Privacy, etc.)?
- Have our internal cyber security controls been audited?
- Are you conducting comprehensive and regular information security risk assessments?
- Are you testing your systems before there’s a problem?
- Have you implemented any security processes to integrate with current business processes?
- What are the significant security risks that you have identified in your areas?
- Have you identified how an unauthorized disclosure of data may occur?
- Have you implemented a control to mitigate that risk?
- Do you store and work with customer PII (Private Identifiable Information)?
- Have you identified who might be interested in your data?
- Are you equipped to handle all of these potential issues and risks independently?
- Does the organization comply with leading information security frameworks or standards (NIST & PCI)?
Need help managing your security services?
Need help managing your security services? Our comprehensive guide gives you the resources to find the best Managed Security Services Provider for your business.
Finding the right Managed Security Services Provider (MSP) for your business can be daunting. With so many companies offering different service levels, knowing where to start is hard. Our comprehensive guide will walk you through evaluating and selecting an MSP to meet your security needs.
Understand Your Organization’s Security Needs.
Before searching for a managed security services provider, it’s essential to understand your business’s security needs clearly. Ask yourself: Does my business need help with network security or compliance and risk management? What type of threats is most likely to affect my organization? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you better evaluate potential MSPs and select one best suited to meet your organization’s unique security requirements.
Develop Guidelines for Acceptable Providers.
Once you’ve answered the questions related to your organization’s security needs, developing guidelines for selecting an acceptable managed security services provider is essential. Consider their experience, expertise in similar projects, and specialized certifications. Additionally, look at their customer service capabilities and track record. Can they respond quickly in case of a breach, or do they prioritize long-term strategy? Finally, consider the amount of time required to onboard with a new provider.
Establish a Process for Evaluating Proposals.
An essential step in the selection process is crafting a formal request for proposal (RFP). Include specific information about the type of security needs you’re hoping to address, any budget considerations, and your timeline for implementation. This will outline potential vendors and make comparing different managed security service providers easier. Additionally, establish a formal process for review and selection that includes input from your team’s operational, financial, and technical members.
Consider Pricing and Payment Models.
The pricing and payment models should be clearly outlined to avoid ambiguity about the costs and associated risks of selecting a specific managed security services provider. Evaluate the different organizations’ proposals for engagement and consider customized options, if available. Additionally, look for strategies to limit spending as much as possible by only purchasing the necessary services and considering monthly or yearly subscription plans. Finally, read the terms of service carefully before making any financial commitments.
Asking the Right Questions During Negotiations.
Before settling on a provider, you must ask any questions you may have or uncover any new information revealed after comparing different options. During negotiations with the managed security service providers, ask about the scope and nature of their services and how they can help protect against potential threats. Additionally, find out their specific strategies to limit risks inherent to various cyberattack vectors. Be sure to understand who will perform the work and what training their staff members have received. Finally, verify the provider’s transparency policies and request third-party references before signing a contract.