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Whether you are looking for a new IT services provider in San Antonio or already have an existing relationship, security needs to be your number one priority.
Hiring an MSP to manage internal IT needs is a smart move for small to medium-sized businesses. It gives them access to expert resources without the overhead cost of an internal full-size IT department. However, problems arise when an SMB fails to ensure their MSP take security seriously. Overlooking that could cost the SMB everything.
It can be difficult for a non-IT expert to gauge the security knowledge and expertise of an MSP. That is why it’s important for SMB owners and managers to educate themselves on the basics of IT security so they can ensure that an MSP will make it a top priority. Here are four basics to get you started:
IT Security
The basic definition of IT security is the protection of your company’s IT assets, including data, software, email, servers, PCs, laptops, mobile devices, and networks. Comprehensive IT security should have multiple layers that are constantly tested and improved. It starts with safeguards that protect the infrastructure from unauthorized access, malicious code, and internal malpractice. It includes comprehensive policies on computer use, password security, disaster recovery and external access.
Backups
Data losses happen all the time. A server crashes at the wrong time or a virus hits the network. Backing up critical data ensures quick recovery and minimizes a loss of productivity. The term “backing up” refers to copying computer data and archiving it to a local server and to an external site. The external backup ensures your business continuity in case of a local problem. The MSP should use the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with a minimum key length of 128 bits.
Disaster Recovery
If your company gets hit by a disaster, you need to be able to recover quickly. Disaster recovery planning for your IT assets should be part of any company’s internal strategy. This is especially critical in any MSP relationship. When you rely on an IT services provider in San Antonio to handle your IT assets, you need to know that they will be there to help you recover from a disaster. An IT provider can create a well-designed disaster recovery plan for your business.
Compliance
Many industries, such as healthcare and legal services, have strict guidelines when it comes to handling sensitive data. Remaining compliant with these guidelines is a major business concern in these sectors. If your company is in one of these sectors, your MSP needs to be fully aware of the guidelines and have established policies and procedures for bringing and keeping clients into compliance. It will save your company money while protecting your brand at the same time.
Security needs to be a top priority when building a relationship with an IT service provider. Understanding the basics of IT security is the first step. If you are in the market for IT services in San Antonio, contact us at ICS today. We have the knowledge and expertise in IT security to ensure your infrastructure remains safe.
Further reading
ICS is a Texas-based 40-year-old technology company specializing in Managed IT, VoIP, Video Conferencing and Video Surveillance solutions for US and International businesses. ICS has over 4000 regional installations and specializes in multi-site businesses between 25 and 2500 employees. ICS’s customers enjoy the experience of ICS’s Total Care program which provides clients flat fee services with obsolescence and growth protection. Whether a customer elects to deploy their IT, Video Conferencing or VoIP in the cloud or on the customer’s premise, ICS can provide a full turn-key solution for our clients under one flat monthly fee.