A system security provider delivers outsourced monitoring and management of a company’s systems and security devices. They also handle upgrades and system changes.
Truly bespoke system security solutions arrive through a scoping process that explores not only the nature of the threat, but how that threat might evolve. Experienced providers with the means to analyze such developments will be able to share these findings and explain their implications for your security specification.
Security Monitoring
Your system security provider should offer a full suite of services that help your organization keep its digital assets safe. These include network monitoring, data protection, threat detection and management, and incident response. The best providers also have experience with compliance management and risk assessment and mitigation. They can work with you to create a comprehensive cybersecurity plan and ensure that your team understands the plan.
Security experts can help you build a business security strategy that fits your unique needs, so they should be knowledgeable of the latest technologies. They should know how each solution will interoperate with your existing technology and can answer any questions you may have about integration and compatibility. They should also be able to explain how each system protects you against a range of threats, from malware and viruses to cyberattacks and physical break-ins.
In addition to technical compatibility, you should also look for a provider that demonstrates a strong understanding of your company’s culture and goals. This is particularly important for a holistic approach to security. For example, a city authority seeking to protect its citizens from vehicle attack might favor passive barrier methods that are designed to blend in with the overall style of the area rather than expensive and intrusive road closures.
The softer compatibility involves a shared understanding of your company’s values and beliefs, which can have a major impact on the effectiveness of your security systems. Find out whether your provider has a good grasp of wider issues and trends, from terrorist threats to changes in global regulations and geopolitical power.
A managed security service provider (MSSP) provides outsourced monitoring and management of a client’s system and security devices. It operates a high-availability security operation center that reduces the number of operational security personnel that an enterprise needs to hire and maintain. These providers also offer services such as network penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, code review and professional security application analysis and testing. They can also support your IT team with incident response and readiness. Some examples of MSSPs are Infovys, SecurePurdue and QAlified.
Intrusion Detection
An intrusion detection system (IDS) is a piece of software that monitors network activity for signs of unauthorized access or in-progress malware infections. It may alert administrators when unusual patterns of behavior or data access are detected. Often, IDS solutions also send out notifications of potential threats via email or text.
An IDS can be either network- or host-based, and it may use signature-based or anomaly-based detection methods. Network-based IDS solutions rely on analyzing traffic and looking for signatures of known attacks to identify suspicious activity. They can detect such events as “Christmas tree scans” and DNS poisoning, among others.
A signature-based IDS looks at each packet of data that flows into a network to recognize the unique characteristics of an attack, and it compares this data against a database of pre-existing patterns. This approach is more accurate but can be time-consuming and difficult to manage because attackers change their tactics to overcome detection systems.
Anomaly-based IDS solutions are less precise but still effective, as they look at deviations from normal activity to identify threats that signature-based detection systems can’t. These tools can recognize attacks such as worms, Trojan horses and botnets, as well as more subtle techniques like data injection, buffer overflows and packet fragmentation.
Both types of IDS solutions can be used to complement an organization’s firewall and other security infrastructure. An IDS can alert administrators to malicious activities that a firewall might miss, while an IPS can adjust firewall rules to block those malicious threats. Many vendors offer IDS and IPS capabilities in a single package.
MSSPs offer IDS services through a managed security service provider platform, which is a centralized solution that delivers unified threat management and endpoint detection and response, as well as monitoring of network and application traffic, and alerting of possible threats. A good MSSP should operate a security operations center, which provides round-the-clock threat monitoring and incident response. An MSP may also offer other types of managed IT and telecommunications support, such as disaster recovery and backup solutions.
Access Control
Logical access control involves tools and protocols that identify, authenticate, authorize, and connect people with computer files and systems. It helps to ensure that people who are granted access only have the level of privilege they need. It can also protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. For example, health care companies use logical access control to limit who can view personal patient records.
A system security provider offers access control services to verify the identity of users and prevent them from entering unauthorized areas. This is done by using biometrics, passwords, and other methods of verification. In addition, the company can offer software that helps to monitor and log unauthorized access. This is especially useful for businesses with high security levels.
Whether it is for a single door or multiple locations, an access control system allows you to restrict access and manage your business from anywhere at any time. The ability to monitor all activity in your building at any time will allow you to respond quickly to security incidents or break-ins. This can save you money in the long run and protect your property from theft, vandalism, and other crimes.
There are different kinds of access control systems, depending on your needs and budget. Some offer cloud-based access management that you can control from your browser on a mobile device. This is ideal for managers who have to travel frequently or work remotely. Some even integrate with digital video surveillance systems to offer a complete solution for any size business.
Backup
Backups are essential to ensuring data and systems remain intact in the event of a disaster or cyberattack. Before managed backup services, it was common for companies to back up data to physical memory storage in a secure location on-site. While this practice offers some protection from local attacks, it does not fully safeguard data against large-scale threats like fire or a malevolent employee. With the advent of managed backup services, it’s now easier for businesses to keep their data protected at all times from a remote location.
Managed backup services offer several benefits for organizations, including reducing upfront costs and ongoing operating expenses. In addition, these services help businesses save time by eliminating the need to build and maintain in-house infrastructure. They also provide technical support to assist clients with recovering their data in the event of an outage or breach.