In today’s threat landscape, having a managed service provider (MSP) handle your IT infrastructure isn’t enough if they’re not equipped with advanced cybersecurity expertise. Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, with everything from ransomware to zero-day vulnerabilities threatening the integrity of your systems. The question isn’t just whether your MSP offers basic security measures like antivirus and firewalls but whether they can provide the level of protection needed to defend against advanced, targeted attacks.

So, how do you assess whether your MSP is up to the task? Here’s what you need to look for when evaluating their cybersecurity expertise.

Proactive threat monitoring and incident response

One of the first indicators of a strong cybersecurity practice is whether your MSP actively monitors your network for potential threats in real time. Passive monitoring is a thing of the past. Proactive threat detection, powered by real-time data analysis and automated alerting, ensures your network is continuously scanned for unusual behavior, anomalies, and potential breaches.

If your business experiences a sudden, unexplained surge in network traffic from an IP address known for malicious activity, an MSP with cybersecurity expertise won’t wait until after an incident occurs to investigate. Instead, they’ll detect the anomaly as it happens and take immediate action to isolate the threat and begin remediation. This kind of proactive monitoring requires tools like security information and event management (SIEM) systems, which collect and analyze data in real time to flag suspicious activity.

Expertise in advanced threats and vulnerabilities

Cybersecurity isn’t static. Threats evolve every day. A competent MSP must demonstrate familiarity with the latest cyber threats, from zero-day vulnerabilities to sophisticated phishing attacks. Do they conduct regular penetration testing? Can they identify and remediate security gaps in your infrastructure?

A zero-day exploit takes advantage of a software’s vulnerability before it is patched. MSPs with robust cybersecurity expertise will actively monitor for these vulnerabilities and deploy patches or workarounds before your systems are exploited. More advanced MSPs also use threat intelligence feeds to stay informed about emerging vulnerabilities specific to your industry, enabling them to act faster than those reliant on generic, broad-spectrum solutions.

Multi-layered defense strategies

Today’s cyber threats require more than just a firewall and antivirus software. Effective cybersecurity hinges on a multi-layered defense strategy, often referred to as “defense in depth.” This approach involves deploying multiple security measures across different levels of your infrastructure, so if one layer is compromised, others remain intact. These layers may include:

• Endpoint detection and response (EDR) to continuously monitor and respond to potential threats on individual devices
• Network segmentation to isolate sensitive data and limit lateral movement in case of a breach
• Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) to monitor traffic for malicious activities and provide alerts

Consider a scenario where a hacker breaches a company’s network through a phishing attack. An MSP with a multi-layered defense strategy would have isolated critical segments of the network, preventing the attacker from gaining access to sensitive data. Additionally, EDR tools would detect unusual behavior at the endpoint level and contain the attack before it spreads.

Regulatory compliance and risk management

Whether your business handles sensitive financial information, healthcare data, or intellectual property, regulatory compliance is non-negotiable. A lack of compliance puts your data at risk and can result in hefty fines and legal liabilities. An MSP with strong cybersecurity expertise will help ensure your company meets regulatory requirements like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) through security controls and documented policies.

For example, a healthcare provider might be required to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which mandates strict security protocols for handling patient data. An MSP experienced in healthcare cybersecurity will understand the nuances of HIPAA regulations and implement encryption, access control, and auditing tools that meet these stringent requirements, all while regularly conducting risk assessments to guarantee ongoing compliance.

Incident response and recovery

A key differentiator between MSPs with and without cybersecurity expertise is their ability to respond to incidents. It’s not enough to just recognize a breach. Your MSP should have a well-documented incident response plan, which includes containment, eradication, and recovery.

In the event of a ransomware attack, how quickly can your MSP isolate affected systems and begin the recovery process? A cybersecurity-focused MSP will have an incident response team ready to act immediately so encrypted data is restored from backups and systems are hardened to prevent future attacks. The best MSPs also perform post-incident reviews to identify how the attack occurred and what can be improved in your security posture moving forward.

Don’t settle for less

Cybersecurity expertise isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Your MSP should not only be able to manage your IT infrastructure but also provide advanced cybersecurity defenses that adapt to the ever-changing threat landscape.

Proactive threat monitoring, advanced vulnerability management, multi-layered defenses, compliance assurance, and an incident response strategy are all indicators your MSP has the cybersecurity expertise your business needs. Don’t settle for anything less.

Ready to take the next step in improving your email security? GainSide can help. Request a consultation with one of our experts today to get started.