Can managed services help with cybersecurity
An MSP can improve cybersecurity by managing agreed controls and acting on issues consistently. However, a managed IT contract does not automatically include a staffed security operation or full incident response.
Ask which security jobs are covered
Check account protection, device security, updates, email controls and alert handling. For each task, ask who notices a problem, who investigates and who has authority to contain it.
“Security included” could mean software installed on laptops, with nobody watching alerts overnight. A more extensive service might provide ongoing detection and an agreed response process. The distinction should be written into the scope.
Where Cyber Essentials fits
Cyber Essentials addresses five technical control areas for common internet threats. Cyber Essentials Plus adds independent testing of the controls in practice. Neither is a guarantee that a business will avoid every attack. NCSC Cyber Essentials overview.
Is an MSP the same as an MSSP
Not necessarily. A managed security service provider (MSSP) focuses on security services. Some MSPs also deliver specialist security, while others partner with an external provider. Establish which organisation owns investigations and escalation.
Keep a business incident owner as well as a technical contact. Decisions about customer communications, operations and legal reporting cannot simply be left to a helpdesk.
Next step: request a security responsibility matrix and walk through a suspected compromised-account scenario.
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