Cybersecurity is a salient issue in today’s communications landscape, and it’s particularly important for small and mid-sized businesses to protect their digital interests. Smaller organizations traditionally have been more vulnerable to breaches than bigger companies, which have more resources to dedicate to IT security.

However, by making the right investment, SMBs can employ optimized cybersecurity without breaking the bank. The following are several solutions that managed service providers (MSPs) offer small and mid-sized business clients looking to enhance their overall security.

Cloud Solutions

Cloud-based services offer one of the most affordable, efficient cybersecurity solutions to SMBs. These services typically house multiple tenants on a single platform, allowing providers to offer security for a low price. In addition, the cloud is easily scalable and simple to deploy, and it doesn’t require any investments in expensive hardware or software.

Cloud services also provide effective cross-vector protection against malware, Web-based threats, email threats, and mobile threats. Increasingly, MSPs are offering cloud-based security services to their clients, which is a good idea at a time when data, privacy, and employee security are front and center.

Global Security & BYOD Measures

MSPs must identify and meet unique client needs. In the global age, network perimeters have become blurred as more and more businesses deal internationally. It’s harder to identify exactly where the edge of such business networks reside, which makes them more challenging to secure.

Bring-your-own-device (BYOD) programs are exacerbating these security issues. Clients with networks that extend beyond traditional perimeters and businesses that encourage employees to use their own devices for company purposes require carefully designed, expertly implemented security solutions.

Comprehensive Suite of Options

When suggesting solutions, MSPs must keep in mind that the majority of SMBs have very limited resources to commit to cybersecurity. They also tend to lack in-house personnel capable of implementing solutions.

Ideally, MSPs want to set clients up with a single-vendor solution that provides complete online security, including Internet, email and endpoint protections. The solution should also be flexible enough to offer additional and optional services like these:

• Website and content filtration
• User access controls
• Mobile user protection and monitoring
• Data compliance
• Fully integrated security

Companies with employees that undertake a lot of traveling, maintain offices in other countries, or deal with global supply chains require advanced, multi-layered cybersecurity solutions; these are typically best delivered via the cloud.

SMBs need flexible, scalable, and easy-to-manage services that offer comprehensive protections. Cybersecurity issues most likely will grow as the world becomes increasingly digitized, and SMBs need to make the transition sooner rather than later. MSPs can help guide clients to higher levels of safety and security.