Whether you’re working with a marketing firm, an HVAC company, or a managed services provider (MSP), you want to make sure they know what they’re doing, and that your assets are in good hands.
Chicago business owners don’t always properly research a technology support firm before working with them, which can lead to problems with cybersecurity and lack of proper IT support.
If your IT isn’t running smoothly, then neither is your business, which makes your MSP one of the most important decisions you can make for business productivity and performance.
But how can you know if an IT provider is doing what they need to do or just taking your money for minimal work? Will their cybersecurity strategy keep you safe or are they just fitting you into the same thing they give everyone?
Following are several questions you can ask to make sure an MSP is doing their due diligence and taking proper care of your technology efficiency and security.
How Do They Handle Their Own Cybersecurity?
An MSP will typically present you with recommendations as to what you need to do for your business cybersecurity, but what are they doing for theirs?
MSPs are a big target for hackers because they can be a way into multiple other companies. For example, late in 2018 there was a large ransomware attack of MSP customers, which locked them out of their systems. The attack impacted 1,500 to 2,000 different clients and was done not by hacking those customers, but by hacking their MSPs.
Ask your IT provider what type of security they use to protect their own systems, including any of your data that may be stored by them. If they can’t provide a good answer, that’s a sign that you probably don’t want to trust them with your own cybersecurity management.
Do They Offer Tailored Managed Services Plans?
Some MSPs will have a set of support services that they provide for everyone, regardless of industry, size, or needs. This “cookie-cutter” approach could leave you missing some valuable services or paying more than you need to for services you don’t require.
Our support plans are tailored to each client’s needs. We understand that an accounting firm may have different IT support requirements than a dental office.
You want to ensure the provider you work with takes the time to learn about your business and offers you solutions based upon your specific needs.
Do They Take the Time to Get to Know Your Applications?
If you have an IT provider that is only looking at your devices and maintaining them, but not paying any attention to the business applications you use, then you could do better!
The apps you use play a big part in your overall business technology performance, and a good MSP will take time to understand your workflows with programs like Microsoft Teams or a VoIP service, so they can offer support and recommendations for streamlining and improving productivity.
Are They Familiar with Data Privacy Regulations?
There are many different data privacy regulations that businesses have to navigate. These include ones that impact the entire country, like PCI for companies that take debit and credit cards, and HIPAA in the healthcare industry. An additional one Chicago and Illinois businesses need to be aware of is the Personal Information Protection Act.
If you’re working with an MSP, you want to make sure they’re well versed in data privacy regulations and guidelines in general as well as for your industry, so they’ll know what systems you need to have in place to ensure your business is in compliance and doesn’t suffer a violation that could’ve been avoided.
Are They Full Service? (i.e. Do They Offer Cybersecurity Training, etc.)
If you ask your MSP to provide employee awareness training on cybersecurity or if they can help with a better email solution, and you get a blank stare back, then you may want to find someone else.
The best MSPs offer full service, meaning they can help with a wide variety of IT needs, rather than just maintaining or fixing your computers.
For example, at ProdigyTeks, we offer multiple IT services so our clients know they can come to us for all their needs. Some of these include:
- Managed Services
- Computer repair
- Cybersecurity Services
- Employee Security Awareness Training
- Cloud Email Solutions
- Network Setup
- Cable Installation & Maintenance
- Backup & Disaster Recovery Services
- and more
Work with an MSP Provider You Can Trust to Make Your Business Better
ProdigyTeks has one goal in mind when we work with you, and that’s to make your business the best it can be through an efficient and productive technology infrastructure.
Schedule a free phone consultation today! Call 312-600-8357 or reach us online.
Leave a Reply