Is your business data secure with managed IT? Know the essential protection measures for your agreement.
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A foundational aspect of any managed IT agreement should be comprehensive network security. This includes the implementation and continuous monitoring of firewalls to prevent unauthorized access to your network. Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) are also critical for identifying and blocking malicious activity in real time. Your MSP should detail their methods for proactive monitoring of your network traffic, looking for anomalies that could indicate a security breach. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should also be part of their service to identify and address potential weaknesses in your IT solutions.
Secure your network by recognizing that every connected device—desktops, laptops, mobile phones, and tablets—can be an entry point for cyber threats. Demand comprehensive endpoint security as a fundamental part of your managed IT agreement. This should feature advanced antivirus and anti-malware software, kept current to protect against the newest threats. Insist on a proactive patch management strategy from your MSP, with a defined process for rapidly applying security updates to operating systems and applications to eliminate known vulnerabilities.
Every device that connects to your network, from desktops and laptops to mobile phones and tablets, represents a potential entry point for cyber threats. Therefore, endpoint security is a uncompromisable element of your managed IT agreement. This should include advanced antivirus and anti-malware solutions, regularly updated to protect against the latest threats. Patch management is also important; your MSP should have a clear process for urgently applying security updates to operating systems and applications to close known vulnerabilities. Additionally, Mobile device management (MDM) policies are quintessential if your employees access company data on personal devices.
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Controlling who has access to your sensitive business data is a fundamental security principle. Your managed IT agreement should detail the MSP’s approach to identity and access management. This includes implementing strong password policies, multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all user accounts, and the principle of least privilege, granting users only the necessary access to perform their job duties. The agreement should also outline procedures for onboarding and offboarding users, including promptly revoking access when an employee leaves the company. Regular reviews of user access rights are also important.
Your employees should be defensive against cyber threats. Therefore, your managed IT agreement should include security awareness training for your staff. Training should cover topics such as identifying phishing emails, recognizing social engineering tactics, and understanding best practices for password security and data handling. Regular training sessions and updates keep your employees informed about the changing threat landscape and foster a security-conscious culture within your organization in Indiana or Illinois.
Depending on your industry and the type of data your business handles, there may be specific regulatory compliance requirements (e.g., HIPAA, PCI DSS). Your managed IT agreement should address how the MSP will assist you in meeting these obligations. This includes implementing relevant security controls and providing active reports on your security posture. The agreement should also outline the procedures for incident response, detailing how the MSP will handle security breaches and notify you in accordance with legal and contractual requirements.
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Since 1991, CTS Computers has been a leading provider of IT support and consulting, focusing on small and medium sized businesses in central Illinois and Indiana. We have helped hundreds of businesses increase productivity and profitability by making IT a streamlined part of operations. We equip our clients with customized technology solutions for greater operational value and to reduce risk.
