Selecting among cybersecurity companies out there is no small task. Modern security threats now impact small businesses as well as large enterprise companies. In fact, cybersecurity incidents now cost businesses of all sizes $200,000 on average, reveals insurance carrier Hiscox. When evaluating a cybersecurity companies to maintain your organization’s data, here are some best practices to consider:
- Focus on Risk: Take a risk-based approach as you evaluate options. As yourself if the vendor in review will truly help you reduce the risk to your organization.
- Know What You Need: Clearly define your requirements for a cybersecurity company to partner with.
- Spend time with the key members of your organization and map out your high-level requirements.
- Group your requirements into “must haves” and “would be nice” buckets.
- Determine how the solution needs to fit and integrate within your broader technology stack.
- Create a use case to ensure your requirements list lines up against it.
- Test Plan: Make sure to have a documented plan to compare solutions.
- Most vendors have a POC evaluation criteria to leverage as a starting point.
- Follow a test methodology to quickly compare and score solutions.
- Limit Scope: Save yourself time and energy by narrowing it down to a few options.
- Having clear requirements will eliminate the need to test dozens of options.
- For most small businesses, it’s not possible to endless vet cybersecurity companies.
- Your requirements will help you hone-in a few to take a deep dive into exploring.
- Tap into Your Network: Use existing resources to help you make your choice.
- Industry reports and trusted peers are a possible option.
- Request deep dive vendor demos tailored to your use cases.
- Pilot Before You Buy: While lab POC testing is fine to start, it has its limits.
- If possible, pilot a solution in a controlled and isolated production area.
Additional Considerations for Cybersecurity Companies
- Does the cybersecurity company take the time to understand your business and what they will be protecting?
- Do they provide information and concepts in laymen speak so that everyone, including non-technical team members, can easily understand?
- Do they stay current with the latest technologies and trends as well as issues such as threats and attacks?
- During discussion, do they demonstrate a high degree of collaboration to help support your goals and objectives?
- Do you feel that you can trust them as your cybersecurity partner?
Your business has a lot to protect. There is a wide variety of quality and scope of services among cybersecurity companies. Taking the time to evaluate cybersecurity companies it an important step in selecting the right partner. Proper vetting will ensure that you make a confident choice.
At MyTek, an Arizona managed IT services company, we offer cybersecurity assessment, consulting and services. We’d love the opportunity to help you evaluate your cybersecurity needs. Please contact us to learn more.