With the intense momentum of cloud migrations, paired with fast-changing security threats, it’s no surprise that enterprises are investing in outsourced security. A managed security services provider offers a turnkey solution, or may be used to augment in-house security teams.

A high level of demand inevitably leads to a wide range of quality. Many providers are hurrying to hire technicians that may not be qualified in a rush to capture the growth in the market. Before you select a managed security services provider, there are a few key questions you should be asking:

What Is the Cost of Security Management? It’s important to know the total cost of the service you’ll be receiving, which may include a number of variables from one provider to the next:

• Is the provider open to the idea of using your existing hardware, or will they require that you install their proprietary equipment? This question is vitally important for staying within your budget.
• Keep in mind that if you purchase equipment, you’ll also need to budget for its maintenance and eventually its replacement.
• Which of your needs are not going to be met by the solution, and what will it cost to obtain a solution elsewhere?

How Will the Managed Security Services Provider Secure Your Data and Systems? First, you’ll need to know how they will ensure that data processed in the cloud will be kept secure. This is becoming a core competency, and providers should have a detailed description ready that gives you transparent insight into security measures.

You also need to know how the company stays up-to-date on the latest security threat intelligence. It’s unreasonable to expect any one provider to have all the answers, but they should be taking a collaborative approach with a number of contributors to their understanding of the environment.

It’s a good idea to learn as much as you can about how the provider staffs their technicians. Do they subcontract, and how do they determine which subcontractors meet their high standards of service?

Is It a Good Fit for Your Business? You will want there to be a comfortable fit between the culture of your enterprise and that of your managed security services provider. You also want to be sure they understand your business and industry, particularly if you have requirements when it comes to compliance regulations.

You may also wonder whether a service provider will act as a business partner, taking an interest in the goals and objectives your organization is pursuing. Talk with them about the role they typically play with enterprises like yours.These are just a few of the questions you will want to examine before selecting a managed security services provider. Contact us at eXemplify for more insight into the right outsourcing solutions.