Due to complexity of networks and the increasing onslaught of Advanced Persistent Threats, many small-to-medium-sized Caribbean companies and organisations are choosing to outsource cyber security services to Jamaican IT managed services providers.
IT Managers make this move for several compelling reasons – an inadequate IT budget, the complex and sophisticated advanced persistent threats that plague businesses daily, the bewildering number of technology choices to be made, compounded by an inexperienced and overworked staff who are expected to make these decisions and effectively monitor security systems. With budget constraints often prohibiting IT Managers from employing the talent to manage security themselves, there really is only one option – to outsource to security experts. Not only is it the less expensive route, but unless you have a large security budget, it is the best way for you to put up a defence system that will put you ahead of cyber criminals.
It isn’t easy, however, to allow an outsider to see the inner workings of your business or even, for that matter, to give up control of an area that is so critical. The decision to move to a security service provider can seem overwhelming, and the choice as to which service provider to choose an even more daunting decision.
Here we would like to outline five decision criteria to be considered and hopefully this will help you in making the right choice when choosing a Jamaican IT managed security services provider (MSSP).
1. Advanced Persistent Threat Protection and Innovative Technology
When looking for a full-service IT managed services provider, advanced threat protection should be the number one concern. These threats are constantly evolving to higher levels of sophistication and it will take a top-notch IT MSSP to stay ahead of the curve. The best MSSP should have an array of solutions and a collective of knowledge, not only for today’s threats, but also solutions that will address new threats as they come about. Security experts must be on guard 24/7, giving you the freedom to focus on your core business.
2. Experienced & Qualified Staff
As you are essentially handing over potentially one of the most valuable assets that your company owns, you want to make sure that any MSSP has the requisite knowledge and experience. Questions to ask – how long have they been a MSSP and do they have strong industry partnerships? What security certifications do their engineers have? If you feel the need, ask to interview their key team members. And also, don’t be afraid to ask questions to better understand ‘the why’ and ‘the how’ as it pertains to the changes recommended for your system.
3. Accessibility
You are putting your sensitive data into their hands; you want to make sure that you can reach them when you need to. What type of response system do they have in place? Do you get to speak with an engineer or are you just a number in a ticket management system? This MSSP should not only reduce your workload, but they should function as an extension of your team.
4. Custom Services to Fit Your Needs
Determine what your needs and expectations are – then communicate them clearly to the MSSP. An experienced MSSP will want to inspect your system for themselves and often come up with a solution that you may never have thought of before. Only by fully understanding your system, and the needs of your users, can they come up with a custom fit for your business.
5. Ask for References
If at any point extra reassurance is needed that this is the right IT managed services provider for your business, request references to determine their potential and commitment to customer service.
At Info Exchange, we have outstanding qualifications, a unique approach, and multiple advanced services. Our staff each has over 20 years of experience and a wide range of advanced services that we tailor to your business’s needs. Efficiency and cost-effective solutions are central to our thought process, and our core objective is to find solutions that are operationally effective. Let us take the hassle and worry out of the equation and make choosing a Jamaican IT managed services provider an easy decision. For more information about offered services, visit www.infoexchangeja.com, email mybusiness@infoexchangeja.com, or call (876) 931-9552.
