Outsource your cyber security!

As a small or medium-sized business’ owner in the Middle East, your first priority should always be to ensure your company’s networks are secure against cyber threats.

According to multiple studies, not only are 50% of all small businesses targeted by cyber-attacks across the globe, but the cost of worldwide data breaches is set to reach $2 trillion by 2019!

This is why it’s time for you to outsource all your network security needs. Managed security services are cheaper than hiring an in-house team of specialists, and offer many more benefits.

Beware though! Companies similar to yours have had terrible experiences with unprofessional 3^rd party teams. Most were forced to shut down completely after data breaches still occurred!

Here are 4 things you need to keep in mind when outsourcing your network to a security consulting Qatar or Dubai based firm.

1. Your organization’s needs

Before you go out looking for a consultant, understand your own organization’s own security needs first.

Ask yourself:

• Do I need a new firewall management system?
• Is my data at risk of theft if the network is breached?
• Can my in-house IT specialist handle an intrusion?
• Is my network at risk because of the users, or the technology?

The quickest way to obtain an answer to the questions above is through a Pen-test.

A pen-test exploits the existing vulnerabilities in a network as a hacker would, and shows you where the loopholes lie. Once these loopholes have been identified, you and your potential security provider can better plan against possible network breaches for the future.

2. The consultant’s relevant experience and reputation

Now that you’ve identified where your network safety is lacking, it’s time to start shortlisting different service providers. Look at their relevant experience, and the kinds of industries they’ve served.

Here, Google is your best friend! Thoroughly research all the different firms in your region, and read reviews left by past clients on their websites. If possible, contact the firm directly and ask them to set up a meeting.

You’ll want to make sure that the firm has a decent amount of experience dealing with organizations similar in size and stature to yours.

Remember: A security consultant who’s used to dealing with large corporations may not give you the most cost-effective solutions!

3. Look at their relevant services

A company that offers only firewall solutions is of no use, if your biggest problem is internal breaches of security!

You’ll come across plenty of firms who’ll make big claims about how their limited services can solve all your problems, but keep away! These companies have neither the technical skills nor the technological resources to back up their claims!

Ideally, you’ll want to inspect the consultant’s team for their certifications and credentials. If the company is offering a wide range of services, they should have a large diversified workforce. If they offer only specialized expertise, then the team’s credentials will reflect that!

You should also ask them if they offer managed SOC (Security Operations Center) services. MSOCs deal with a business’s physical security needs in addition to the virtual network security, all from a singular location.

If the answer is ‘no’, you can contact an ELV design consultant Oman based firm, and having them optimize your office’s CCTV cameras, motion sensors, alarms, telephones, and LAN networks for maximum safety.

4. Regular Performance Evaluation

Any good service provider will give you monthly reports on your network’s security situation.

Remember: Open communication is important! You wouldn’t want to find out a network breach had occurred 4 months after your hired team actually tells you about it.

Include all communication details in the contract, and make sure you’re aware of what the service provider is doing and how they’re doing it before you begin.

We also recommend conducting random pen tests without informing the 3^rd party. This will help you figure out if your network is actually more secure than before, or if the company is just ripping you off with false promises!