Enhancing Your Cyber security? Tips for Vetting a Cyber security Company in 2024

Sharpening your skills on properly vetting a cyber security company / service provider is more important now than ever. It’s no secret that the cyber security industry has exploded. That’s mainly because cyber security is no longer a want but a need.

How much has the industry exploded? According to Mordor Intelligence, the Canadian cyber security market is estimated at almost 13 billion USD and is expected to reach nearly 22 billion by 2029.

While scaling up cyber security, it’s essential to balance in-house and outsourced solutions. Outsourced IT Managed Service Providers (MSPs) or MSSP can provide unique insights and expertise that you may not have in-house due to talent deficit or retention issues. MSPs are strategic partners that will help elevate your IT infrastructure, security and capabilities, allowing you to focus on your core business goals. MSPs will bring:

1. Enhanced cyber security: MSPs offer access to advanced security tools, ensuring top-tier protection against cyber threats, a mechanism that’s often unattainable with in-house resources.
2. Specialized expertise: MSPs provide specialized expertise that fills critical gaps in your team’s capabilities, enabling your organization to confidently tackle complex IT challenges and projects.
3. Skills augmentation: MSPs bridge skills gaps in your team, keeping your IT operations at the cutting edge with their up-to-date knowledge and experience with the latest technologies.

If you’ve been managing your cyber security in-house or haven’t paid much attention to it, this may be your first time vetting cyber security companies (MSSP). What criteria should you consider when evaluating a cyber security vendor?

1. National coverage: This ensures consistent, high-quality cyber security management across all business locations, reducing the risk of regional vulnerabilities and enabling uniform security protocols.
2. Diverse expertise: A team with broad expertise enhances your organization’s ability to defend against a wide array of cyber threats, leading to a more resilient and secure business environment.
3. Advanced cyber security tools: Access to cutting-edge tools translates into more robust defenses against sophisticated cyberattacks, safeguarding your business’s critical data and reputation.
4. Industry-specific knowledge: A specialized understanding of your industry’s cyber security landscape means tailored security strategies, reducing the likelihood of industry-specific threats impacting your business.
5. Customizable and scalable solutions: The ability to tailor and scale services ensures that your cyber security measures grow with your business, continuously meeting your evolving security needs without overextending resources.
6. Comprehensive services: A full suite of services, from risk assessment to incident response, provides a holistic approach to cyber security, minimizing gaps in your defense strategy and enhancing overall security posture.
7. Defined SLAs: Clear SLAs guarantee a reliable level of service and swift response times, reducing downtime and enhancing operational efficiency in the face of security incidents.
8. Regulatory compliance: Adherence to Canadian and international data protection regulations protects your business from legal and financial penalties while also building trust with customers and partners.
9. Cost-effectiveness and ROI: Evaluating the financial impact and ROI of these services ensures you are investing in cyber security measures that not only protect but also add value to your business, striking a balance between cost and security effectiveness.

Beyond that, here are some other best practices for evaluating any vendor:

1. Online presence and reviews: Checking Google and other review platforms for the vendor’s online reputation can prevent partnerships with unreliable vendors, which will protect your business from potential setbacks and maintain operational integrity.
2. Credential verification: Validating credentials ensures you engage with qualified professionals, thus reducing the risk of non-compliance and enhancing the quality of service you receive.
3. LinkedIn connections and recommendations: Networking with the vendor on professional platforms like LinkedIn allows you to assess their market reputation and expertise based on peer reviews, leading to informed and trustworthy collaborations.
4. Company size and reach: Understanding the company size, number of offices, and the vendor’s employee strength can provide insight into their capacity to handle your business needs, ensuring they can scale services to match your growth.

As you seek a cyber security partner, consider F12 – your premier choice for IT cyber security services across Canada.

• Nationwide leader: As one of Canada’s largest IT service providers, F12 brings proven experience and an excellent track record.
• Local presence and national reach: With offices in most provinces, F12 offers a unique combination of local attentiveness and national coverage, ensuring rapid response and support wherever your business is located.
• Expert team: F12’s large team is skilled and diverse in expertise, which enables us to tackle a wide range of cyber security challenges with agility and depth of knowledge.
• Technological edge: F12 will equip your business with the most advanced cyber security tools and resources available, providing a robust shield against even the most sophisticated threats.
• Trusted and acclaimed: Our reputation precedes us and is underscored by positive reviews and commendations. Partner with F12 for peace of mind, knowing that your cyber security is in highly regarded hands.

Are you ready to take your organization’s cyber security to the next level? We have some exciting, limited-time promotions that we’re thrilled to share with you.

Complimentary Dark Web Scan: Until the end of February, we’re offering a free Dark Web Scan. This essential service will provide you with a detailed report of any of your company’s information that’s been exposed on the dark web. Click here to register.

Free Penetration Test: Also until the end of February, your business may be eligible for a free Penetration Test, typically valued at a minimum of $10,000. This is a rare chance to assess your system’s vulnerabilities at no cost.  Click here to see if you qualify.

Exclusive Meet-and-Greet: Want to dive deeper into your cyber security concerns or brainstorm project ideas? Schedule a meet-and-greet with a member of our cyber security leadership team. Contact our dedicated SMB cyber security team to arrange for a 1:1 session that could transform your approach to cyber security.

We’re committed to providing your business with actionable insights and robust protection. If you’ve found this information helpful and wish to learn more about cyber security, visit us at F12.net or follow our LinkedIn page for the latest updates and expert .