Cybercrime has become one of businesses’ greatest threats, as malware attacks including ransomware and phishing become more advanced by the day. And as companies look to shield their data, secure their systems, and reduce the risk of data breaches, more and more are opting to hire a managed service provider (MSP) to make sure their cybersecurity plan is as robust as possible.

If you’re not already outsourcing your IT, this guide will outline the privacy benefits that come with hiring a managed service provider:

What is a Managed IT Service Provider?

A managed service provider is a third-party company that offers an array of IT services and solutions, which are designed to optimize efficiency, reduce downtime, increase security, and improve performance.

Reliable MSPs have expert teams on hand who are trained to identify and implement the best IT solutions for your business and to employ preventative measures to reduce the potential for future issues. Data privacy is one of the most pertinent issues facing modern business owners, and working with a managed service provider can help to eliminate security concerns at the same time as improving efficiency and cutting costs.

Most businesses don’t have the time or resources to manage IT concerns efficiently themselves—even with an in-house IT specialist—which is why several successful companies are choosing to outsource their IT. Working with an external IT company can free up time for you to manage your business while a team with greater time and resources manages your cybersecurity.

Why Data Privacy is Crucial for Businesses

Many of us have come across stories of high-profile corporations and organizations that have fallen foul to data breaches or been targeted by hackers. The truth is that any business can be vulnerable to the sophisticated threats that face modern technology, and the effects of a breach are often detrimental.

One such case that illustrates the risk of data breaches involves the UK’s NHS (National Health Service), and more specifically, the Royal Free NHS Foundation. In 2017, the foundation was found guilty of leaking over 1.5 million patient records to Google AI company, DeepMind. The information was collected as part of a medical trial, but investigators found that the Royal Free had failed to obtain consent from the patients involved, and therefore, their information was shared illegally.

Data breaches can lead to a huge loss of client or customer trust as well as violation of cybersecurity regulations. Many businesses are required to remain compliant with security laws that hold you responsible for the loss of others’ data. If you fall out of compliance, you could owe hefty legal fines and face lawsuits, not to mention the costs of a data breach cleanup. In fact, Microsoft estimates that recovering from a data breach costs an average of $3.92 million.

It can be difficult for businesses to attempt to stay compliant with cybersecurity regulations while also trying to manage their company, which is why outsourced IT is a more viable option for keeping data more secure. Managed service providers who are well-versed in compliance regulations such as HIPAA compliance for the healthcare industry, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance for the financial industry, and AICPA compliance for the accounting industry can create a cybersecurity plan that carefully follows these regulations. The also continually stay up-to-date on any changes made to these laws to ensure your business always remains compliant.

The Impacts of Hosting and Other Managed Services on Data Privacy

One of the most significant benefits of working with a managed service provider is having access to experts who have in-depth knowledge of the tools, features, programs, and systems that can be used to minimize the risks of breaches. IT experts can help you explore different hosting solutions available and how each one can be used to keep your data secure.

Some specific privacy options MSPs can discuss with you include the following:

  • Different hosting solutions, including private cloud systems or hyper-converged infrastructures that allow you more internal control over your data. Hyper-convergence provides storage, networking, surveillance, and computing using a single platform and it can help to reduce the complexity associated with data centers.
  • Implementing a multi-layered system, which ensures that sensitive or confidential data can only be accessed by authorized personnel.
  • Using anonymizers and proxy servers to shield confidential data in open cloud systems and networks.
  • Comprehensive device monitoring and management, in which your managed service provider monitors all connected devices to ensure there are no gaps that can be exploited.
  • Compiling and utilizing incident reports to record information that will facilitate more efficient and effective responses in the future.

How a Proactive Approach Can Prevent Data Loss

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to data security and privacy. As well as providing a robust, rapid response to data breaches and signs of suspicious activity, managed service providers can also offer consulting services, tailored advice, and innovative cybersecurity measures to try and eliminate the threat of attacks and breaches before they can occur.

At SC Technology Solutions, our experts can carry out risk assessments, identify potential weak points, provide training, and offer round-the-clock monitoring to keep your systems safe. Investing in robust security will save you time and money at the same time as protecting your reputation and brand image.

If you have any questions about our managed IT services in Irvine, don’t hesitate to contact SC Technology Solutions today.