One of our cybersecurity consultants told her kids that presents might be late this year because all the elves had to work from home and it was taking longer to build toys.
When we heard this, we asked what would happen if Santa sent his elves home to work unsupervised? We imaged one elf sawing at their dining room table. People wondered how long it would take until an elf welding in their living accidently set fire to the couch.
Before you think we enjoyed a little too much eggnog that day, tell us this:
What are your employees doing as they try to stay productive and navigate working in ever-changing environments?
We Don’t Need to Guess – We Know Cybersecurity Standards are Slipping
Our consultants have worked on countless projects and new accounts since March 2020. Whether it’s a business owner looking to satisfy cyber insurance requirements or an IT director concerned by a plummeting Microsoft Secure Score, we’ve experienced first-hand how cloud security and workplace cyber safety went out the window.
Bring in an outside expert to safeguard your business
You are not blessed (or burdened) with Santa’s lightning speed. You can’t be everywhere at once and need a trusted advisor. To continue our Christmas theme, think of this person like an Elf on the Shelf, someone who will be your eyes and ears in the cyberspace. They’ll evaluate what’s happening and report back findings and recommendations to you.
So, what happens when you outsource some or all of your cybersecurity? Let’s find out.
11 Ways Outsourcing Cybersecurity Makes Your Life Easier
1. You stop wasting money
Incorrect software licensing, duplicate apps, bad cloud configurations – the costs quickly add up and create the impression that IT is a drain on your budget.
Knowledgeable consultants regularly save money for their clients
When you choose your point person, look for someone who:
- Applies a proven, methodical approach to identify your true business needs
- Implements the right solutions (case studies will show their track record of success)
- Provides end-to-end white-glove management
At Nortec, we start with assessments.
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2. Vulnerabilities are strategically addressed
Assessments are about more than keeping your IT budget in check. When you deep dive into your environment, you get a real understanding about what’s happening – not what you think is happening.
Risk Assessments shape your overall IT priorities
Get a top-to-bottom picture of your IT environment, where your weaknesses lie and how to mitigate risks.
Get into specifics with a Cybersecurity Assessment
Hackers change tactics all the time. Check that your systems are equipped to defeat the latest threats with a cybersecurity assessment.
42 Powerful Ways to Protect Your Business from Cyber Threats
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3. You have a rapid response cybersecurity team
When an employee at one of our clients accidentally clicked a malicious link, she didn’t notice anything unusual. We did because we’re always watching all client systems (just like the Elf!). We immediately disconnected her computer from the network before the malware had a chance to spread to their cloud environment and onto other machines.
The company is small, 100% remote and trusts us to be their IT department. Having us as their rapid response team was the difference between remaining a functional company and having every single file corrupted.
“Their quick action prevented a successful phishing attempt from becoming a ransomware nightmare for our entire company. Nortec was able to quickly remove the malware from the employee’s computer and restore her ability to work. She was offline for only a few hours.” Thanks, Nortec!”
– President, small 100% remote B2B company
4. Key updates happen on-time, every time
Cybercriminals know these tasks probably not on your radar:
- Renewing your firewall
- Updating software
- Replacing old devices
Unfortunately, when a firewall isn’t renewed, or you run outdated software, you open a door for hackers to your network.
Safely keep these tasks off your plate
Have your outsourced IT security partner manage updates and patches for you.
5. Breach prevention measures are put in place
Automatic alerts, like the one described above, put the brakes on attacks that are in progress. We add layers of security to prevent attacks. Some measures are purely technical, like advanced firewalls. Others involve training to stop employees from clicking on malicious links (yes, the employee mentioned above received additional training!)
6. You get and keep cyber insurance
It’s become more expensive and difficult to get cyber insurance. Insurers are also requiring that organizations have specific safeguards in place – like multifactor authentication. No MFA, no policy. With our assistance, it’s easier for our clients to implement the right measures, then obtain and retain a cyber policy.
7. You win more sales
Insurance companies aren’t the only ones cracking down on cyber requirements. Department of Defense contractors now have to follow a rigorous set of requirements with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), with levels 1 – 5 depending on the level of security required on the contract.
Businesses are also starting to add cybersecurity requirements to contracts. This is the future of doing business in a digital world – everyone you work with will want proof that you aren’t a liability.
8. You see measurable improvements to security
A global cybersecurity trade organization experienced a 10-fold increase in their Microsoft Secure Score after they engaged us for managed IT and cybersecurity services. The improvement took place over several months, with visible progress along the way.
Good cybersecurity isn’t subjective
It’s possible to see results. Using metrics like Microsoft’s Secure Score, which summarizes your security posture, you can see whether your partner enhances security or if they’re making empty promises.
How We Secure Our Clients
Read: A Holistic Approach to Cybersecurity
9. Staffing isn’t your problem
Most organizations cannot afford to hire a full IT team. They either go without, hire a help desk generalist or add a few specialists to the team. Each of these options creates support and resource gaps.
When you contract with a managed service provider, you can fill holes without going through the process of hiring. You explain to your IT partner where you need help – like with advanced cloud security or remote IT support. Their experts become your experts.
10. Risk mitigation happens 24/7
Earlier, we talked about using risk assessments to create strategic priorities. But risks can be introduced at any time. Constantly running assessments isn’t a viable option.
Operationally, it makes more sense to have systems that can detect unusual behavior. Your cyber team can then review the alert and decide if the threat is legitimate, needs further investigation or is a false alarm.
11. You’re prepared for the future of work
One long-lasting trend of the pandemic will be more remote work and fewer business trips. We’ll be more reliant on virtual communications. Today, that means more video conferencing and calls. In the future, it could be a virtual conference room you join via VR headset.
A strategic, business-minded consultant will advise you when it makes sense to adopt new technologies and help you do it safely.
Ways You Can Work with a Cybersecurity Partner
If you already have an IT team, your partner can come in on a project, as needed or on a co-managed basis, augmenting your staff where you have gaps, and allowing them to focus on what they do best, while enhancing your IT department. We work with companies like Schneider Downs this way. If you don’t have any in-house tech support, you can outsource all your cybersecurity and IT to a third-party like Nortec. This is how we work with J Street Group.