What to Look For When Partnering With an IT Security Partner

When it comes to IT security, you want to make sure that the partner you choose is reliable and knowledgeable. Whether it’s providing managed IT services, network security solutions, or encryption services, you need to make sure that your partner has the necessary experience and expertise. Otherwise, you could be putting your company’s sensitive data at risk of paying billions of dollars in ransomware or losing client trust.

Here are some criteria to look for when evaluating potential partners:

1. Experience

Make sure the partner has experience in cyber security and understands the latest trends and strategies. Ask about their track record of successful projects they’ve completed and any certifications they hold. Other questions you can ask include the following:

• How long have they been in business?
• Do their solutions meet the latest industry standards and regulations?
• What is their process for updating customer systems with new security features and patches?

2. Proven Processes & Methodologies

The partner should be able to demonstrate the processes and methodologies they use to ensure a secure IT environment. This includes how they operate, what systems they use, and how often data is backed up. Once you understand their approach, you can determine if it’s in line with your security needs like compliance, data protection, and more.

3. Knowledge of Regulations & Compliance

It’s important to make sure the partner is aware of any local and international regulations that may impact your business. They should understand how to comply with relevant policies and what steps need to be taken to keep you compliant. Different industries must follow different regulations:

• Financial: PCI DSS
• Basel III Healthcare: HIPAA

If your provider isn’t able to discuss the requirements and how they will help you meet them, they may not be the right partner for your needs.

4. Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

You should have a clear, written agreement in place that outlines the responsibilities of both parties, including response times and other expectations such as:

• What is the provider’s availability?
• Are there penalties for missed deadlines, or for delays due to technical issues?
• What are the expectations for customer support?

These agreements should also include provisions that protect you from unanticipated costs. Make sure they have guarantees in place if something goes wrong and they can’t deliver on their end

5. Reputation

Finally, it’s important to choose a partner who has a good reputation for delivering quality services. Check online reviews or ask for referrals from trusted colleagues and contacts. There’s nothing like hearing first-hand accounts of a company’s services and it will help you make an informed decision. Places you can look for reviews are LinkedIn, G2 Crowd, TrustRadius, and more.

Overall, choosing the right IT security partner is essential to protect your data and systems. Make sure you do your research and evaluate potential partners based on their experience, processes & methodologies, knowledge of regulations & compliance, service level agreements, and reputation. This will ensure that you find a partner who can meet your security needs and provide the necessary protection for your business.