Managed Security Service Providers, Choosing the Right Security Vendor

Businesses struggling to secure their networks against determined cyber attackers are facing a perfect storm of challenges: most networks are in the midst of a dramatic transformation, including IoT, virtualization, and the cloud, the number and sophistication of network attacks is increasing, the cost of being breached continues to rise, and the security skills shortage continues to widen. As a result, many CISOs are looking to migrate some or all
of their risk out of their IT departments and into the hands of professionals that offer managed IT services Columbia SC.

The challenges facing these MSSPs are also considerable, including defending scores of customers while balancing security effectiveness against business profitability. As a result, today’s MSSPs need tools that are highly scalable, support multi-tenant environments, and provide robust, single-pane-of-glass management and orchestration.

They also need reliable, high-performance, and cost-effective security that allows their networks to dynamically adapt to changing risk environments, and that can also scale to secure hundreds, thousands, or tens of thousands of customers at once, even when traffic spikes unexpectedly.

To make this happen, MSSPs must select a security vendor that not only ensures their own success as a service provider, but also the security of the customers they protect. With hundreds of thousands of customer nodes under management, and billions of dollars of assets under their protection, the world’s top MSSPs hold their firewalls to extremely high standards for reliability, functionality, and flexibility.

Functions of the MSSP

At its core, an MSSP must provide two kinds of basic IT services Columbia SC: security asset management and continuous monitoring. Customers with multiple locations and business-critical applications running across the network have stringent uptime requirements, so device management and monitoring are crucial to maintain business productivity.

Many service providers that provide IT support Columbia SC also add security analytics and threat intelligence services to help mitigate new attacks, including actionable intelligence and a comprehensive view of the distributed security infrastructure. Going forward, these firms will likely differentiate themselves in new areas such as penetration testing, threat intelligence aggregation, information portals, and customer self-service.

Many MSSPs will also want to provide security remediation, incident response, compliance services, or loss prevention to further differentiate them in the market. Securing thousands of customer locations, meeting service delivery SLAs, and balancing profitability with engineering headcount and infrastructure are ongoing challenges facing MSSPs, so they need specialized security vendors that understand their business model and can help them meet customer requirements.

Why Top MSSPs Standardize on Fortinet

Frost & Sullivan recently recognized that “Fortinet has achieved a dominant position with MSSPs with its FortiGate line of high-performance firewalls.” In their recent ranking of over 100 network security platforms, Fortinet scored “the highest possible ranking among North American MSSPs.”

Fortinet covers critical aspects of an MSSP’s business model like no other security manufacturer—offering the best in multi- tenancy, the most hardware flexibility, the highest performance through hardware acceleration, and the lowest total cost of ownership of any security vendor.

What Makes Fortinet Different?

Fortinet understands that the MSSP is a strategically differentiated channel partner, and for years has developed technology specifically suited to the MSSP business model. A foundational tenet of our strategy is to enhance our MSSP Partners’ profitability.

Our unique channel enablement strategy creates a symbiotic relationship with MSSPs, as their customers rely on Fortinet products for network uptime and application availability, while Fortinet relies on the MSSP to win new customers with a blend of professional services and high-touch support that reduces our own cost of support.

Fortinet’s MSSP innovative strategy can best be described
in four key pillars or areas of influence: Vision, Technology, Economics and Support. These areas capture many of Fortinet’s differentiators for MSSPs, and help clarify the reasons for Fortinet’s dominance in the space.

Vision

Fortinet’s vision of security designed to operate as an integrated whole, while providing cost-effective performance and protection is key to its long-term position as a strategic business partner for network and managed security services providers.

Fortinet’s Strategic Visionary Investments

• Industry-leading MSSP partner program
• Global support from dedicated MSSP teams
• Enhanced technologies service development support
• Specialized team supporting best practices, customization, and automation
• Cloud premium brand and broad support
• SDN and NFV Development Partner

Fortinet’s vision focuses on ongoing security innovation, advanced threat intelligence, delivering the fastest security platforms on the market, OS portability to secure the cloud and IoT, and leadership in software-defined networks (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV).

Fortinet’s vision is actualized around our end-to-end
security fabric that allows MSSPs to secure nearly any environment. This approach not only improves security, but also reduces operational costs and complexity for professional service organizations that are entrusted to secure their customers’ networks.

Technology

Ten out of ten top global carrier MSSPs use Fortinet in some of the busiest, highest-performance networks in the world. Why is that? There are several reasons:

Technical Dominance in the MSSP Market

• Native multi-tenancy

• Customizable centralized management and reporting
• Extreme performance scalability and platform flexibility
• Ongoing advanced technology research and development

All of Fortinet’s flagship security products support multi-tenant services and granular, delegated administration. This makes
it easy for a service provider to host multiple customers on a single security appliance or provide delegated administrative capacity and single-pane-of-glass management for the security infrastructure.

FortiGate firewalls also offer a broad suite of security controls that provide MSSPs with a full-featured platform to deliver advanced, adaptive security functionality to their customers. This allows the MSSP to deliver a wide variety of managed security services to match their customers’ security requirements.

Economics

MSSPs have distinct cost components to consider in their management accounting processes because they preside over a complex business model with profit margins as heavily dependent on operational efficiencies as they are on hardware and software costs.

Average revenue per unit (ARPU) is a key factor for MSSPs as they consider selecting security platforms for a managed security service. MSSPs are obviously looking for a higher return on investment, as they will often own the security asset and depreciate it accordingly.

Fortinet delivers the highest ARPU in the industry due to multiple unified threat management controls and high-performance hardware, allowing the MSSP to convert more services into revenue on a single device. Those aren’t the only reasons. Fortinet also delivers:

• High-demand, revenue-generating controls
• Inclusive threat intelligence service
• Native virtualization per device
• Enhanced technologies investment

This flexibility and functionality allows MSSPs to turn on more billable security services and secure more users behind one device than any other manufacturer.

Total cost of ownership (TCO) is another important economic consideration, as this encompasses the direct and indirect costs of deploying and managing a security platform. Fortinet provides the lowest TCO for a variety of reasons:

• Scalable, centralized management and open source APIs for automation
• Cost-effective hardware
• Simplified subscription and support
• OS uniformity across hardware and virtual platforms
• Non-user-based bundled pricing
• Special pricing models for OPEX
• Mass deployment and automation toolkits for improved operational efficiencies

Fortinet presents the lowest TCO and highest ARPU of any security manufacturer.

Support

Fortinet’s MSSP vision is global, with dedicated teams in each area of operation functioning under a worldwide standard for MSSP empowerment.

Fortinet MSSP specialists have backgrounds in managed security service provider operations, product development, and training that cross business development and engineering disciplines. They also understand the executive, operational, and sales aspects of the business. This expert level of support, along with the specialized content and tools they create, dramatically shortens market delivery timeframes and product development cycles, and increases the likelihood of a positive product launch while improving go-to-market results.

Fortinet’s MSSP teams also function as subject matter experts in an overlay organization that supports field sales, providing specialized support for partners with a mission of improving profit margins and operational efficiencies. This specialized support comes in the form of product development, financial modeling and engineering assistance, along with operational best practices documentation, market intelligence, and MSSP-specific sales collateral and go-to-market support.

Selecting a security vendor in today’s congested and confusing security market can be a real challenge. Fortinet has more experience and proven success in helping MSSPs build and deploy profitable managed security services than any other vendor in the industry. We have trained, professional teams ready to help you today.

Learn more about Fortinet’s industry-leading MSSP program here.

 

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now and learn how our managed IT services can help protect your company against cybersecurity. 

SpartanTec, Inc.
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 408-7166
http://manageditservicescolumbia.com/

Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence

The Basics of NIST Cybersecurity Framework

 

Have you ever come across the terms NIST Cybersecurity Framework? Do you know what it is? How is it applicable to your business?

NIST is the abbreviation for the National Institute of Standards and Technology. It’s under the U.S. Department of Commerce. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework can assist companies of different sizes. It helps them get a good understanding, management, and reduction of cybersecurity risks to safeguard data and network.

All these are voluntary. It provides your business a clear outline of the best practices, which you can use to decide in what particular area you have to focus your money and time on to boost your company’s cybersecurity protection. Fortunately, you can count on IT services  Columbia SC providers to assist you with this.

There are five areas where the NIST Cybersecurity Framework can be used on.

• Identify
• Protect
• Detect
• Respond
• Recover

Identify

• With the help of experts in managed IT services Columbia SC, come up with a complete list of all the data, software, and equipment you use. Some examples are point of sale devices, tablets, smartphones, laptops, and desktops.
• Clearly identify the responsibilities and the roles for vendors, staff, and everyone else with access to confidential data.
• Determine the steps that you have to take in order to protect your company against cyberattacks and limit the damage it causes in case it happens.

Protect

• To boost your computer security, you should have full control on the people who are allowed to log on to the network and use devices such as the computer.
• You must use effective security software to protect all your data.
• You must encrypt sensitive data, in transit and at rest.
• You must conduct regular data backups.
• You must regularly, if possible, automate, the software updates.
• You must set formal policies about how to properly dispose old devices and electronic files properly.
• You must set a regular training schedule for everyone who uses your computers, network, and devices. Talk about cybersecurity so your employees know their personal risks and the roles they play in the workplace. 

Detect

• You have to keep track of your computers for any unauthorized access using software and hardware such as USB drives.
• You must inspect your network for unauthorized connections or users.
• Investigate all unusual activities by your staff or within your network.

Respond

• You must set a plan in place on how to inform your clients, employees, and others involved whose data may be at risk.
• You need a plan on how you can keep your business up and running.
• You should create a plan on how to report the cyberattack to the authorities.
• Know how to investigate as well as contain the cyberattack.
• Your cybersecurity policy must be updated regularly. Create a plan that factors in all the takeaways from your experience.
• You must prepare your company for any unexpected event such as calamities that may put your business and client data at risk.
• Don’t forget to test all of your plans on a regular basis.

Recover

• If your company suffered a cyberattack, you have to know how to help your business bounce back.
• You must fix and restore the areas of the network or devices that were affected.
• You must constantly keep your employees and clients up to date about your response to the attack and what steps are being taken to recover from it.

 

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now and let our team of IT experts assist you in protecting your company and your data against cybersecurity threats.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 408-7166
http://manageditservicescolumbia.com/

Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence

Understanding the Basics of Cybersecurity

 

By understanding the basics of cybersecurity and implementing them in your business will help you protect your company and lower its risk of falling victim to cyberattacks. Always remember that cybercriminals don’t discriminate. They will attack small, medium, and even large enterprises when given a chance.

Computer Security Tips: Protect Your Devices and Files

Update your software – You need to set automatic updates for your operating systems, web browsers, and apps.

Secure your files – Store all of your files in a secure location. Don’t forget to back them up on an external hard drive, offline, or in the cloud.

Use strong passwords – Never leave your devices unattended and unlocked whether you’re in your office or in public spaces.

Encrypt your devices – You must encrypt all media and devices that contain confidential information. It applies to your tablet, laptop, smartphones, backup tapes, cloud storage solutions, and removable devices.

Use multi-factor authentication – Set up multi-factor authentication for restricted areas or parts of your network that contain confidential information. Aside from logging in using a password, you may require a temporary code or a passkey that needs to be inserted into the computer.

How to create a strong password?

Experts at managed IT services Columbia SC says a strong password contains at least 12 characters that are a combination of symbols, numbers, and lower and capital letters. Don’t reuse passwords. It’s also not advisable to share them by email, text, or phone. You should also set a limit in the number of log-in attempts to restrict password guessing cyberattacks.

Don’t forget to train your staff

You must develop a culture of security by setting up a regular schedule for training employees. You must update your employees when you find out about new vulnerabilities and risks. In case your staff don’t attend, you should impose a consequence such as rejecting their access to your network.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now and let our IT services Columbia SC specialists help keep your business safe and protected against online threats. 

SpartanTec, Inc.
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 408-7166
http://manageditservicescolumbia.com/

Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence

New PayPal Phishing Attempts Are After Your Account Info

Hackers and scammers have hit the ground running in 2021, launching an extensive new phishing campaign that targets the legions of PayPal users around the world. The campaign is being run on both text message and email channels and if you're a PayPal user, you may have already seen it. If you haven't, in the days and weeks ahead, you'll probably get a text or an email to the effect that the company has detected suspicious activity on your account.

It will say the company has taken the step of "limiting" your account, which puts restrictions on withdrawing, sending or receiving money. Whether you get the text or email variant of the communication, the scammers will "helpfully" include a link, and ask you to verify your account information in order to remove these restrictions.

 

 

Naturally, this isn't a legitimate PayPal communication and if you tap or click on the link, you'll be sent to a spoof page that looks like it contains a PayPal login box. Unfortunately, if you attempt to log in, all you'll be doing is handing your login credentials over to the scammers, giving them unfettered access to your account. If you maintain a balance in your PayPal account, it will be promptly drained. If you have bank accounts or credit cards linked to your account, you can expect them to be abused.

This isn't a new idea or a new type of campaign, but it is one of the first coordinated efforts we've seen in 2021 and as such, it pays to be aware of it and improve your cybersecurity strategies.

If you get a communication regarding your PayPpal account and you even suspect that it might be true, rather than relying on the link supplied in the text or email, open a new tab and navigate to PayPal's login page manually. That's the easiest way to avoid this type of scam. You should also consider getting managed IT Services Columbia SC and let IT professionals boost your company's cybersecurity.

 

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now and let our team of IT experts help keep your business and client information safe from cybercriminals.

 

SpartanTec, Inc.
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 408-7166
http://manageditservicescolumbia.com/

Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence

Why Managed IT Services Is Critical To Small Businesses Success

You might be wondering why you should care about managed IT services for small businesses. If you have a small businesses, you most likely do not have an in-house IT department. Hiring a full time staff that will take care of your IT needs can be expensive. So, how can you monitor and secure your network? How do you install, integrate, as well as maintain your network? How do you give desktop support to your employees? Choose a new technology? In most cases, the answer isn’t very well or even not at all. What if there’s an affordable way to help you with all these? – Managed IT Services.
The professionals behind small business managed network services will work with you to set up IT procedures, processes, as well as tools that are specific to your company’s network and needs, while also giving out suggestions, system repairs, as well as updates so are well prepared when an emergency happens.

Reasons Your Business Need Managed IT Services

1. Decrease in downtime

Every business these days can really benefit from having an IT strategy that is proactive. This will allow your company to react efficiently and quickly whenever problems come up. With managed IT services Columbia SC, you will have team of IT experts who are always ready to assist you whenever there’s an IT emergency like security breaches, power failures, data loss, or other IT disasters that may damage accounts and cause your clients to question your credibility. These professionals know your IT network and will work fast to prevent a downtime event, which could have a damaging impact on your business.

2. Cost Savings

IT budgets are comprised of network costs, software and hardware costs, maintenance, labor, and cloud solution costs. These resources are crucial when it comes to keeping your network working and operating properly. In most cases, small businesses are outsourcing each one of these items separately, which could begin to add up. With a managed IT service provider like SpartanTec, Inc., your team of IT professionals will create a roadmap of service needs and costs. It will let you know all the costs that are associated with your network and create a plan every month, which will provide cost savings.

3. Team of IT Experts

If you have a managed IT service provider, you will have a team of IT professionals at your fingertips. These experts possess a working knowledge of your small business available to help troubleshoot and fix issues that come up without your business. They are always ready to answer your questions, help your business stay updated with the most recent technology trends and develop solutions that will help ensure profitability and uptime for your business. They also could help you in specialized projects and talk to you about all network related tasks. For small businesses like yours, this is another crucial aspect to business success.

4. Employee Productivity

As a small business, your staff are considered as the heart and soul of your company. In many small companies, your employees is your small significant monthly expense, so why don’t you ensure that they have all the resources they need to do their job properly? Depending on the kind of business you have, it’s most likely that many of your employees use a computer to do the work you hired them to do. If the computer has a virus or crushes suddenly, they cannot do their job. Taking a proactive strategy to having managed IT services on call allows you handle issues like this quickly. They can also help you staff by minimizing frustration because they know that their IT problem will be handled and they can return to work right away.

5. Updated Technology

Your business should evolve just like how technology evolves. Managed IT services will let your business adapt to the most recent technologies as they become more available. Your team of IT professionals will keep you updated on the newest cloud solutions, take care of network security, and much more. You could expect them to always be in the know of the latest and best software applications as well as modern programs. Cybercrimes are growing and evolving, your team of IT experts can offer the newest information on how to protect yourself, your network, and businesses from online threats. Your IT professionals will work with you and your staff directly so you’ll know how to detect and avoid cybercrime.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you need managed IT services.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 408-7166
http://manageditservicescolumbia.com/
cities served:
Columbia, West Columbia, Cayce, St Andrews, Lexington, Oak Grove