Just as cybersecurity threats are continuing to evolve, so are IT security services in Utah. Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) offer a variety of services. These products and tools can enhance the security of any business, regardless of your size. Don’t leave your security to chance. Keep reading to see how an MSSP can help you get the most value out of your security products.
IT Security Services & Management
According to Business Journals, 60% of reported security breaches in 2017 were caused by hacking. In order to effectively protect your network from attacks, you need to have a security plan in place. An MSSP can enhance your security model through IT security management.
Managed Firewall
Essentially, a firewall’s job is to protect your computers and devices by permitting authorized access and blocking unauthorized access.
However, a firewall can do more than block unwanted traffic. You can also use a firewall strategically to monitor and analyze your web traffic. This gives you a comprehensive view of the threats targeting your business. It will also leave you more prepared to prevent and respond to these attacks.
When it comes to IT security services in Utah, maintenance is key. But a lot of Utah companies lack the resources to manage their own firewall. Even with your own IT department, it can be difficult to manage multiple firewalls.
An MSSP can help you overcome these roadblocks with a managed firewall, by offering:
- Real-time security
- Anti-virus technology
- Web content filtering
- Remote access
- Around-the-clock monitoring
- Closed security gaps
- Comprehensive firewall management
Firewall Auditing
After installing your managed firewall, it’s important to perform firewall auditing at least every six months. SecurityMetrics shared an experience that illustrates just how important it is to keep your firewall secure.
According to SecurityMetrics, the company’s firewall hadn’t been reviewed in over two years. After logging in one day, an auditor discovered a VPN connection linking the firewall to a previous employee’s home network. By not performing regular audits, the company was placing sensitive data at risk.
Managed IDS/IPS
Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) complement firewalls by preventing harmful traffic from entering your network. The role of IDS/IPS is twofold:
- 1. Receive early warnings and real-time alerts about threats.
- 2. Monitor for unusual traffic and choose specific traffic you want to block.
First, IDS works to detect suspicious forms of traffic. IPS can then take action on the traffic that the IDS has detected. Keep in mind that blocking too many forms of traffic can create false positives. This occurs when legitimate traffic is blocked. To avoid this, only define a small number of items to take action on.
Your devices require constant protection, but management and maintenance takes time and expertise. Like a managed firewall, a managed IDS/IPS is monitored by experienced security engineers. We can help you create a customizable plan that best serves you and your business.
Managed Next-Generation Firewall
Threats to devices are changing every day. Nowadays, having a next-generation firewall is almost an essential. But what is next-gen, and is it really a step up from a regular firewall?
Basically, a next-generation firewall is a more advanced version of a regular firewall that offers the same benefits. A next-gen firewall allows you to:
- Filter packets based on applications
- Have greater control and visibility of applications
- Distinguish between safe and dangerous applications through SSL decryption
- Block malware from entering a network
The SSL Store reports that enterprise ransomware attacks increased by 12% in 2018. With a managed next-generation firewall, you can eliminate malicious traffic without the burden of device management. Overall, it’s a great low-cost option for companies wanting to improve their security.
Managed Web Application Firewall (WAF)
Like a regular firewall, a Web Application Firewall (WAF) monitors, filters, or blocks data.
A WAF also offers protection against malware infections, impersonations, and other threats.
There are multiple types of WAFs, so we’ll go ahead and outline those here. That way you can choose the best option for you and your business.
A network-based WAF is installed on-premise next to the application it will control. Many WAF vendors allow rules to be replicated across multiple appliances, allowing for large-scale deployment and management. However, this option also comes with larger up-front and operational costs.
A host-based WAF is fully integrated into the application code itself. While it’s more cost-effective, it also requires more resources to manage.
Finally, a cloud-hosted WAF is a low-cost solution that requires minimal resources. The cloud utilizes threat-intelligence to identify and block security threats. A cloud-hosted WAF is easy to deploy, since the provider manages everything for you.
Internet of Things (IoT) Cybersecurity
The Internet of Things (IoT) includes any networking device that connects to the internet. While the internet improves productivity and performance, it also offers a number of security risks to interconnected devices. 45% of IoT organizations suffered a cyber attack in 2018 (Business Journals).
To address these risks, make sure your IoT security is airtight. Every IoT device should have a firewall and security system.
You should also decide who will manage multiple firewalls. You can accomplish this with an in-house IT team or an MSSP. We offer a variety of options that make it easier for companies to enjoy the benefits of IT security services in Utah.
Patching & Endpoint Protection
An endpoint is a remote device that communicates with the network. Endpoints include devices such as desktops, laptops, servers, and mobile devices.
Endpoints often become points of entry for cyber attacks since a criminal can more easily exploit vulnerabilities at the endpoint level. According to Absolute, 70% of security breaches originate at the endpoint. And 92% of malware is delivered via email (Solutions Review).
By securing your endpoints, you make it more difficult for criminals to infect your computer with these kinds of threats.
IT Security Monitoring
Security Operation Center as a Service (SOCaaS)
A Security Operations Center (SOC) can help you protect sensitive data and guard against security breaches. Made up of a team of security experts, a SOC moves beyond a traditional IT department to help you excel in cybersecurity.
While most businesses recognize the benefits of cybersecurity, building your own SOC can be expensive and time-consuming. There are recurring maintenance costs, and you have to be ready to adapt to new security measures, which are constantly changing.
Managing a SOC requires time and expertise that many businesses don’t have. However, SOC as a Service can provide you with 24/7 monitoring, security updates, detection services, and reports that assess your security.
Security Information Event Monitoring (SIEM)
- Threat detection
- Industry compliance
- Security incident management
- Collect data from network devices, servers, etc.
- Organize the collected data
- Analyze the data to detect threats
- Identify and investigate security breaches
Log Management & Compliance Reporting
With such a large volume of security products to keep track of, it can be hard to maintain an efficient log management system. An MSSP can help you efficiently log your data, while still meeting compliance requirements. Simplify your security management needs with the help of an MSP.
Advanced Threat Services
Once you have your basic security needs covered, it’s time to decide which areas you can strengthen even more. An MSSP is a great resource to help you take advantage of the best advanced IT security services in Utah.
Advanced Endpoint Threat Detection (AETD) and Prevention (AETP)
Like standard endpoint security measures, Advanced Endpoint Threat Detection (AETD) and Prevention (AETP) allow you to discover threats at the endpoint level. This includes 24/7 monitoring of endpoint activity and consultations on how to remove the threats as quickly as possible.
With AETD and AETP, you can improve your response times as you take advantage of:
- Deeper detection and response
- Continuous monitoring
- Protection against advanced attacks
Advanced Malware Protection and Detection (AMPD)
Advanced Malware Protection and Detection (AMPD) offers greater visibility and control to defend against advanced attacks. AMPD utilizes global threat intelligence and real-time malware blocking. With AMPD, you can more easily detect and remove advanced malware from your devices.
Back Up Disaster & Recovery (BDR)
Every company will suffer losses, but the risk is greater when you don’t have the necessary protections in place. There were 1,244 data breaches in the US in 2018 alone.
When you implement Backup Disaster & Recovery, such as Unitrends, you have the power to detect ransomware, while also keeping your files protected. In the case that your data becomes compromised, you will have a permanent backup in the cloud.When you switch to the cloud, you can enjoy instant backup to a forever cloud, as well as access to instant test environments.
Additionally, companies need an emergency response procedure for how and when to act. You need to identify who will make the call for initiating a DR instance, how and what to restore, shutdown, or keep, and when everything will be completed.
A Managed Service Provider that offers IT security services can help build and enforce your emergency response policy as needed.
Stay Prepared. Stay Protected.
Making security a priority will help you minimize your risks and stay protected. IT security services in Utah can help you achieve stronger cybersecurity than ever before, no matter what level of security your business is at.
Here at CR-T, we take pride in providing enterprise-level IT services at prices that work for small businesses. Our team of experts can become your IT support department, responding to issues quickly, often before you even know about them. Covering everything from your servers and network infrastructure, to your computers, workstations and mobile devices, we provide end-to-end solutions for all your technology needs.
Time and experience have helped us develop best practices and workflow procedures designed to keep your focus on your business, not your technology.
