Cyber Security

4 Best Practices When Outsourcing Cybersecurity

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7 November 2023

Today, our world is more connected than ever, providing countless opportunities for businesses to thrive. Nevertheless, this connection has also paved the way for ever evolving challenges, like cyber threats. 

You might be aware of the infamous case of Equifax, a well-known credit reporting company. In 2017, they experienced a massive data breach that exposed the personal information of over 147 million people. This incident serves as a glaring example of the havoc cyberattacks can wreak on even the most established brands.

As a business owner, you know that cybersecurity is no longer an option but a necessity. It’s essential for protecting your data, your clients, and your reputation. However, handling cybersecurity on your own is easier said than done. 

That’s where the benefits of outsourcing cybersecurity come into play. By enlisting the expertise of seasoned professionals like the ones at Redpalm, you can focus on your core operations while safeguarding your digital assets.

However, how can you be certain that you are entrusting your sensitive business information to a trusted and reliable service provider? Or, how can you be sure of a successful partnership that aligns with your cybersecurity goals? 

To help you make the most of your partnership, we have compiled a list of four best practices to follow before outsourcing your cybersecurity needs. 

Let’s explore them!

1. Select Your Service Provider Carefully

If you are planning to outsource cybersecurity, make sure you select the right service provider. The success of your cybersecurity plan highly depends on the external partner you entrust your organisation’s security with. 

There are countless vendors available in the market, however, not all of them will be true to their word. Therefore, before you consider outsourcing cybersecurity services, conducting a thorough assessment of the partner you plan to work with is very important. 

Be sure to choose a reputable partner and verify factors such as their security practices, track record, and industry certifications. Additionally, look for someone who has experience in serving clients with similar needs to ensure they understand the unique security challenges your organisation may face.

At Redpalm, we understand the significance of selecting the right cybersecurity partner. With our extensive experience, we have been a trusted name in delivering robust cybersecurity services to countless businesses across Northampton and the wider UK. If you want to maximise the benefits of outsourcing cybersecurity services, contact us today.

2. Define Clear Security Guidelines in SLA

To enjoy the full benefits of outsourcing cybersecurity services, you need to establish clear and well-defined security guidelines within the Service Level Agreement (SLA). This agreement serves as a strong groundwork for a successful partnership with your cybersecurity service provider. 

The SLA should encompass all the essential factors such as data protection, access controls, incident response protocols, and compliance obligations. This detailed definition of security requirements and expectations within the SLA helps in maintaining clarity and accountability, minimising misunderstandings. 

3. Compliance with Data Privacy and Confidentiality Regulations

Data privacy and confidentiality are one of the most critical factors of any outsourced IT service, be it managing your network security, data storage, or software development projects. Protecting your valuable digital assets and making sure they remain secure from any kind of threats is a shared responsibility between your organisation and the service provider.

One way to ensure that your organisation’s sensitive information is in safe hands is to verify if your chosen partner complies with the standard security regulations relevant to your industry. In addition to that, see to it that their data-handling practices align with your organisation’s specific policies. 

Furthermore, to introduce an added layer of security, ask the service provider to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), preventing the unauthorised disclosure of confidential data to help you gain the benefits of outsourcing cybersecurity to the fullest. 

At Redpalm, we take extensive measures to protect your sensitive information. Our team implements reliable security protocols to safeguard your data. By partnering with us you can rest assured that your digital assets are safe and secure. 

4. Robust Access Control Mechanisms

Limiting and controlling access to your business’ sensitive systems and data will help you create a layer of defence against potential threats. Even with a trusted service provider, the principle of least privilege should be applied, granting access only on a need-to-know basis. This limits the exposure of your most valuable assets, thereby strengthening your overall security.

Implementing access control measures such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) significantly enhances your business’ security posture. MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring users to provide multiple forms of identification before gaining access to critical systems. 

Contact Redpalm to Safeguard Your Digital Assets With Our Comprehensive Cybersecurity Services

By following these best practices, you will be able to successfully enjoy the benefits of outsourcing cybersecurity for your business. However, it’s important to realise that cyber threats are constantly evolving, making it necessary for your business to adapt to these changes continuously.

While this can be a challenging task, the right cybersecurity service provider, such as Redpalm, offers the assurance that your business is secure. Our experts provide a robust cybersecurity plan, enabling your business to scale seamlessly while maintaining its safety.

We also offer various IT services to ensure your business can stay on top of industry trends and keep up with the latest technology. Some of our services include hybrid IT, technology procurement and cloud services and hosting.  

By partnering with our professional IT experts, we can provide everything you need to carry out your business operations efficiently. 

To learn more, visit our services page or contact us today!

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