It’s not a secret that a significant cybersecurity skills shortage persists across industries. Factors aggravating this deficit include continuing digital transformation efforts and heavier workloads driven by the hybrid workforce.
This skills gap can be especially challenging for a small- to mid-sized businesses (SMBs). Analysts say SMBs as a group suffer nearly half of all cyberattacks but typically lack equivalent internal resources to protect themselves. This situation can make engaging cybersecurity expertise an existential issue for an SMB, as IBM’s recent research estimates a single data breach can cost a small company between $2 million to $3 million.
That’s one reason many SMBs turn to managed services providers (MSPs) to augment their IT security. In addition to knowing the best cybersecurity technologies and practices, well-rounded MSPs offer these supporting services:
Risk assessments: A thorough review of your IT infrastructure using techniques such as penetration testing can reveal vulnerabilities and enable your staff to anticipate and avoid incursions.
Digital forensics: MSPs can assist cybercrime investigations by collecting, preserving and analyzing evidence from attacks. This process requires a diverse IT skill set with proficiency in networking and cloud computing.
Training programs: Researchers continually cite human error as a pivotal element in cybercrime. MSPs can help with continuing internal education and awareness campaigns—from sharing examples of common scams like phishing to participating in incident-response drills.
Is there a gap in your company’s cybersecurity skill set? We’re here to help fill it.