How often do you receive a call from someone wanting to discuss your IT security strategy? Do you brush them off immediately, saying, “We’re all set”—because you truly believe it, or simply because you’re too busy? Maybe cybersecurity isn’t a priority right now, or perhaps you feel uncomfortable discussing technical details. But do you really know if your IT provider has security completely handled?
Many business owners and executives assume their IT provider—whether an in-house “IT guy” or an outsourced Managed IT Services Provider (MSP)—is fully equipped to manage both IT operations and cybersecurity. However, what many don’t realize is that IT network management and cybersecurity are not the same thing.
The Evolving Cybersecurity Landscape
There was a time when a good firewall and antivirus software were enough to keep businesses protected. Unfortunately, cybercriminals have become far more sophisticated, using phishing, ransomware, and social engineering attacks to breach networks. Yet, one thing hasn’t changed—hackers still go for the easiest targets: businesses with the least security measures in place.
That’s why many companies now separate IT operations from IT security—because managing daily IT support is entirely different from proactively defending against cyber threats.
Can Your IT Provider Handle a Cyber Incident?
Even if your IT provider has a security stack in place, do they know how to use it effectively? Security tools require constant monitoring, management, and expertise. If your IT team is also responsible for help desk support, software updates, and infrastructure management, how much time can they realistically dedicate to cybersecurity threats and prevention?
And what happens if you suffer a ransomware attack or a data breach?
- Does your IT provider have incident response experience?
- Can they contain and mitigate the damage before data is lost?
- Do they know how to preserve forensic evidence in case of legal or compliance concerns?
If the answer is no, your business could be at serious risk—not just from hackers, but from the consequences of an ineffective response.
Time for a Second Opinion?
The next time someone offers to discuss your IT security needs, don’t dismiss them right away. Instead, take a moment to ask yourself:
Has my IT provider performed a recent security audit?
Are they proactively monitoring threats, or just reacting to issues?
Do they have cybersecurity certifications or incident response experience?
Would I bet my company’s data and reputation on their security expertise?
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and assuming your IT provider has security fully covered could be a costly mistake. Taking a few minutes to evaluate your security posture today might save your business from a devastating cyberattack tomorrow.
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For information about this article contact Lesilie Leonard.