Cybersecurity has become a top concern for businesses of all sizes, and for good reason. The consequences of a data breach or cyber attack can be devastating, leading to financial losses, damaged reputations, and even legal troubles. This is why managed IT service providers have become an integral part of many businesses’ security strategies.
But what exactly are managed IT providers doing to counteract cyber threats? In this blog, we will explore 5 tactics that these providers are using to protect their clients’ businesses and data.
1. Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security measure that requires users to provide more than one form of identification before gaining access to a system or network. This could include something they know (like a password), something they have (like a token or device), or something unique to them (like a fingerprint or facial recognition).
By implementing MFA, managed IT providers add an extra layer of security that makes it more difficult for hackers to gain unauthorized access.
2. Conducting Regular Vulnerability Assessments
Managed IT providers understand that the first step in securing a business’s network is to identify potential vulnerabilities.
This is why they conduct regular vulnerability assessments, which involve scanning a network for weaknesses and identifying areas that need improvement. These assessments allow providers to proactively address any issues before they can be exploited by cybercriminals.
3. Educating Employees on Cybersecurity Best Practices
One of the most common ways hackers gain access to a business’s network is through employees. This is often done through social engineering tactics, such as phishing emails or fake websites.
Managed IT providers combat this by educating their clients’ employees on cybersecurity best practices. This includes things like how to identify a suspicious email or website, how to create strong passwords, and the importance of regularly updating software.
4. Utilizing Advanced Firewall Protection
Firewalls act as a barrier between a network and the rest of the internet, blocking unauthorized access while allowing legitimate traffic to pass through.
Managed IT providers take firewall protection a step further by utilizing advanced firewalls with features such as intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) and application control. These features allow providers to monitor network activity and block any suspicious or malicious traffic.
5. Implementing Data Encryption—Especially When Uploading Online
Data encryption is the process of converting plain text data into code, making it unreadable to anyone without the proper decryption key. Managed IT providers often implement data encryption as part of their security strategy to protect sensitive information, such as financial data or personal customer information.
This adds an extra layer of protection in case a cybercriminal gains access to a business’s network. Additionally, when uploading data online (such as to the cloud), providers will often encrypt the data to ensure it remains secure during transmission.
Other Cybersecurity Tactics to Consider
In addition to these 5 tactics, there are a few other strategies that managed IT providers may use to counteract cyber threats. These include:
- Regularly backing up data to prevent loss in case of a cyber-attack or system failure
- Implementing email security measures, such as spam filtering and email encryption, to protect against phishing attacks
- Utilizing intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to monitor network activity and prevent unauthorized access
- Providing 24/7 network monitoring to quickly identify and respond to any suspicious activity or potential threats
As cyber threats continue to evolve, managed IT providers are constantly adapting their tactics to stay ahead of hackers. By implementing a multi-layered approach to security, these providers can effectively protect their clients’ businesses and data from potential cyber-attacks.
So if you want to ensure the safety of your business’s network, consider partnering with a managed IT service provider and taking advantage of their expertise in cybersecurity. After all, when it comes to protecting your business, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
