Managed Security: Why Every Business Should Consider It

1
Managed Security Why Every Business Should
Consider It
2
Managed Security

• In a managed security model, businesses
  enlist a service provider to protect their data,
  operations and bottom lines against online
  attacks.
• Cloud computing environments, regulatory
  compliances, sophisticated threats, limited
  budgets and expensive security analysts all
  contribute to huge security hurdles for
  businesses.
• Outsourcing your IT infrastructure security
  provides an economical solution for getting the
  tools and round-the-clock expertise needed to
  safeguard your information assets.
•  

2
3
Why Use Managed Security?

• With hacker techniques constantly evolving,
  security becomes a moving target. Companies can
  out-pace the bad guys by partnering with a
  managed security provider. Outsourcing your
  security offers powerful benefits 
• Maximize IT Investments. Budget constraints
  remain the top reason businesses choose an
  outsourced security approach. Service providers
  are able to provide a higher level of service at
  a lower total cost than organizations can do on
  their own. They help organizations slash the
  capital investment required for a comprehensive
  security system. Because providers typically
  charge organizations a fixed monthly fee,
  companies benefit from predictable, recurring
  costs. 
• Managed security is especially attractive to
  small and mid-size businesses. Most SMBs dont
  have the financial resources to support internal
  security measures. Instead, they can eliminate
  the need for in-house technology and experts by
  outsourcing. As a result, companies can focus on
  their strategic objectives while getting 24/7
  security coverage.
•  

3
4
Why Use Managed Security?

• Access Specialized Technology and Expertise.
  Service providers incorporate powerful
  technology, accurate threat intelligence, proven
  processes and experienced professionals into
  their security solutions. When using a
  highly-qualified service provider, companies
  always have access to the latest technologies and
  most expert security personnel.
•  
• Eliminate the High Cost of Breaches. The average
  cost of online security breaches is staggering
  and increasing each year. According to the
  Ponemon Institutes study 2010 U.S. Cost of a
  Data Breach, the average organizational cost of
  an online security breach increased from 6.8
  million in 2009 to 7.2 million in 2010.

4
5
Why Use Managed Security?

• Meet Compliance Requirements. A well-qualified
  service provider will understand compliance
  regulations and help your business comply.
  Protecting critical corporate information,
  guarding against data theft, proactively
  monitoring your network and mitigating threats
  help ensure your company meets current compliance
  standards.
• Preserve Your Good Reputation. Online security
  breaches can result in information theft. Loss
  of proprietary information will damage a
  business reputation and could impact customer
  retention.
•  

5
6
What Does a Managed Security Solution Include?

• A managed security solution should safeguard
  your information assets from all possible
  threats. To do this, fully managed solutions
  typically include
• Web Application Firewall
• Managed Firewall
• Intrusion Detection and Prevention
• Log Management
• Managed Virtual Private Network
• Web Security
• Vulnerability Scanning Penetration Testing
• eMail Security
• Payment Card Industry (PCI) Compliance Measures

6
7
 Tips for Choosing a Managed Security Provider

• Today, organizations can select from a variety of
  service providers. The following guidelines can
  help narrow your options.
•  
• Choose a company with a full suite of security
  services available on both virtual and physical
  platforms. You want your provider to tailor and
  bundle solutions to meet your specific business
  requirements.
•  
• Pay particular attention to a service providers
  financial stability. You want to make sure
  vendors are around for as long as you need them.
  Customers should look for vendors committed to
  their businesses and focused on evolving
  solutions to keep pace with industry demands.

8
Tips for Choosing a Managed Security Provider

• Tour a service providers data center to confirm
  capabilities. Data centers should be
  professionally staffed and equipped with the
  latest technologies and systems. For example, the
  most advanced managed security providers use
  extensive global intelligence networks to provide
  real-time analysis of security attacks in
  progress.
•  
• Verify qualifications using third-party feedback.
  As part of the selection process, you should
  check the service providers references. In
  addition, review the results of the providers
  SAS70 Type II audit and evaluate other
  certifications.
•  
• Under constant threat of attack, your
  companys network and data require 24/7
  monitoring by qualified experts. An outsourced
  security solution alleviates these threats and
  allows you to focus on your core business.

9
About the Author

• Michael Duckett, President of CoreLink Data
  Centers, has authored Top 5 Things Every
  Business Should Know About Online Security - a
  free white paper about managed security
  solutions. Visit http//www.corelink.com/data-cent
  er-network-security.htm to download your copy
  today.
•  

9