When it comes to cybersecurity, not all IT security stacks are created equally. Some Managed Service Providers (MSPs) offer low-cost or even free tools bundled into their services, but these tools often fall short when it comes to protecting your business from today’s sophisticated cyber threats.
At Systems Integration Inc. (SII), we believe in transparency, accountability, and enterprise-grade protection. Here are seven (7) key questions to ask your MSP when vetting them as your security vendor, why these questions matter, what to look for, and SII’s approach to supporting our clients.
1. What is included in my cybersecurity stack?
Many MSPs advertise a “security package” that sounds comprehensive; however, it often only includes basic tools like antivirus software and a firewall. Though important, these are only the first layer of defense and are not enough to protect against advanced threats. To ensure comprehensive security, your MSP needs to implement a multi-layered security strategy.
What should be included:
- Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV) Software: This goes beyond signature-based detection to identify suspicious behavior and unknown threats.
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): This monitors endpoints in real-time and provides advanced threat detection, investigation, and response capabilities.
- Firewall with Intrusion Detection/Prevention (IDS/IPS): This goes beyond being a basic firewall and actively monitors and blocks malicious traffic. Not just a firewall, but one that actively monitors and blocks malicious traffic.
- Email Security & Anti-Phishing Tools: These protect against phishing, spoofing, and malicious attachments.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This adds a critical layer of identity protection, especially for cloud services.
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): This aggregates and analyzes logs from across your network to detect anomalies and threats.
- Security Operations Center (SOC): A live team is monitoring your systems, not just relying on automated alerts.
- Patch Management & Vulnerability Scanning: This ensures that all systems are up to date and secure against known issues.
- Data Backup & Disaster Recovery: Secure, encrypted backups with a tested recovery plan in case of ransomware or data loss.
- Compliance & Governance Tools: The MSP ensures your business meets industry standards like HIPAA, FINRA, or NIST.
- Incident Response Plans: In the event of an issue, you clearly know what your MSP will do.
SII’s Approach:
At SII, our cybersecurity services are built with enterprise-grade solutions, tailored to your industry and risk profile. Every component is selected for its ability to detect, prevent, and respond to threats in real time. And we back it all with human expertise, not just automation.
2. What types of threats will my cybersecurity stack protect me from?
Cyber threats are changing and becoming more sophisticated every day. The tools used to protect your IT infrastructure from ransomware, phishing, insider threats, zero-day exploits, and more need to be robust and capable of identifying and dealing with the latest threats.
What to ask your MSP:
- Does this security stack protect against ransomware and malware?
- Does this protect cloud apps and remote workers?
SII’s Approach:
At SII, we use behavior analytics and endpoint monitoring to block ransomware, phishing, insider threats, and zero-day exploits, whether your team is in the office or working remotely.
3. How is your cybersecurity software updated or patched?
Outdated software is one of the top causes of breaches.
What to ask your MSP:
- Are software updates automatic or done manually?
- How often are patches applied?
SII’s Approach:
We automate patch management and monitor for network vulnerabilities in real time. We ensure that your network is never exposed.
4. What level of monitoring is provided?
Security is not a one-time setup. It requires continuous monitoring of your systems.
What to ask your MSP:
- Is the monitoring you provide proactive or reactive?
- Do you have a live team watching alerts?
SII’s Approach:
At SII, we provide proactive monitoring, ensuring that potential threats are identified and addressed before they become a problem.
5. Is data backup and recovery included?
If your data is compromised, how quickly can it be recovered to minimize disruptions to your business operations?
What to ask your MSP:
- Are backups encrypted and offsite?
- How often are they tested?
SII’s Approach:
We include encrypted, cloud-based backups with regular testing and rapid recovery protocols.
6. What compliance and industry standards does this security meet?
If you’re in healthcare, finance, or government, compliance isn’t optional. You need to make sure that your MSP not only understands but also has the tools in place to meet the stringent requirements of these standards.
What to ask your MSP:
- Does this meet HIPAA, PCI-DSS, NIST, or other standards?
- Can you provide documentation of your compliance certifications and efforts?
SII’s Approach:
We align with industry frameworks and provide audit-ready documentation for your peace of mind.
7. What happens if we experience a cyberattack or data breach?
An actual cyberattack or data breach is the real test of how your MSP responds when things go wrong.
What to ask your MSP:
- Do you have an incident response plan?
- Will you help with breach reporting and recovery?
SII’s Approach:
We have a documented, rapid response plan in place for each of our clients. If disaster strikes, we’re your partner, not your vendor.
Whether you are just starting your cybersecurity journey or are re-evaluating your current MSP, we’re here to help. At SII, we don’t leave your business vulnerable. Instead, we offer:
- Transparent, enterprise-grade security solutions
- Proactive monitoring and real-time response
- Compliance-ready documentation and support
- A true partnership in protecting your business
Are you ready to audit your current IT security setup?
If you’re ready to create or re-evaluate your IT security, get in touch with us at https://www.sys-int.com/ or call us at 860-513-0100. We’ll review your current security plan and show you how Systems Integration Inc. can deliver real protection for your network.