The COVID-19 pandemic creates many business challenges. The pandemic’s particularly challenging for managed service provider (MSPs).
MSPs (or managed service provider) are actively helping clients thrive in an environment of continuous uncertainty and changes. This can include clients who outsource their workforce to a remote company, which is what MSPs specialize in.
The changing environment in the MSP industry has created prime opportunities for cyber attackers. As a result, hackers see weak points to hit and steal sensitive client data. The pandemic has seen an increase of attacks on MSPs with large-scale data theft.
In the past 18 months, MSPs have noticed an increase in successful cyber attacks. 90% of these MSPs saw a surge in cyber attacks since the pandemic’s onset. Additionally, 82% of their clients had experienced a surge in attack attempts.
In response to the huge increase in cybersecurity attacks, MSPs have increased their budgets by an average of 5%. This increase is helpful, but many experts are wondering whether or not it’s substantial enough.
Here at Power Consulting we understand the importance of getting your MSP to provide you with a list of 10 questions to ask them. These 10 questions will allow you to review the safety measures that they have in place for data protection and actively work to provide you with appropriate cybersecurity.
10 Important Questions to Ask Your Current or New Managed Service Provider about Securing Client Information?
Risk Assessment and Prevention
Companies need to take security risks seriously and ensure that their systems are safe. Experts should identify any potential threats and fix them on the spot.
Here are the questions to ask your MSP about their security practices
- How often does the MSP conduct vulnerability testing and cybersecurity scans?
- What steps does MSP take to ensure that their tools for remote access are not used maliciously to access your network?
- Will the MSP keep an audit trail of any changes they make to your system?
What is the role of MSPs in the onboarding process?
The most common cause for 95% of cyber breaches is a lack of cybersecurity training for MSP employees.
Here are some questions to ask your MSP about their cyber-attacks.
- Is continual education offered by the MSP to your employees on security?
- What is the company’s policy about the password changes for new hires and terminated employees?
- How often does the Managed Service Provider change their administrative passwords?
Password Management in Managed Service Provider
MSPs must have a robust password management system in place to prevent your clients’ data from falling into the wrong hands.
It’s important to understand your provider’s password management policies to determine if they’re secure.
- Who at the MSP will have access to your passwords? How and where will these passwords be stored? Are the passwords stored encrypted?
- Is the IT service using any shared passwords that might be leaked?
- Does your MPS use multi-factor authentication to protect client information?
- Do they have the ability to bypass security practices in your company?
Partner with an Managed Service Provider that prioritizes cybersecurity protection
Our experienced cybersecurity consultants will create a customized security program that is designed to protect your company’s information systems and critical data.
Power Consulting is a leading cybersecurity company that provides cybersecurity assessments, audits, and support. They can help you create or enhance your cybersecurity policies.
Contact us to improve your security practices today for a better tomorrow.
