What Features to Prefer When Looking for Top Managed Service Providers?

By Team Consultantsreview Monday, 24 August 2020

What Features to Prefer When Looking for Top Managed Service Providers?

Managed service provider refers to a third-party IT provider managing some or all IT needs of a business. The benefits of outsourcing IT cannot be debated. However, not all managed service providers are the same. To make it easy, we have put a list of features that you should prefer when looking for top managed service providers.

Managed Antivirus

Managed antivirus refers to centrally-managed antivirus software that protects all computers at your business from threats. The IT provider installs antivirus software on all systems and shoulders the responsibility of maintaining and updating software to deal with new threats.

Managed antivirus is a better solution than a standalone virus. Using managed antivirus means all systems will have current versions, and employees cannot switch it off, leading to risks.

Application Control

Application control refers to a security practice that prevents any applications from executing any commands that could put data or systems at risk. Cloud environments are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. There is always a possibility of an attacker gaining control of business applications running from the cloud environment.

By taking control of applications, the attacker can steal data or gain more privileges to wreak havoc. Features like application control include forensic controls, validity checks, identification, authorization, authentication, and input controls to block or restrict unauthorized actions.

System Monitoring

System monitoring in the cloud refers to the process of reviewing and managing the workflow. Top managed service providers use automated monitoring software that offers central access and control over the cloud infrastructure.

Administrators can review the health of cloud servers and essential components. System monitoring is critical to security and performance. It makes it easier for security teams to identify patterns and determine potential security issues in the cloud infrastructure.

File Level Backups

Cloud storage is designed to supplement hard drive storage. With the reliance of computers increasing, backup plays an essential role in ensuring cyberspace security. Backing up files is vital for a contingency plan and can save the organization millions of dollars.

Block level and file level are two backup options in the cloud, the latter being the most cost-effective option. File-level backup works best for small organizations that have to backup a small set of data as it allows keeping costs in control.

Patch Management

Updates and software patches are of paramount importance to cloud security. Patch management refers to managing all updates of components with the information system. These include operating systems, firewalls, antivirus, routers, and many more components within your network.

Cloud patch management is centralized in the cloud. It keeps your laptops, desktops, servers, and other devices free from vulnerabilities. The patch management feature can ensure every device connected to the cloud system is up to date.

3rd Party Patching

Businesses are known to use 3 rd party applications like Adobe, Java, and Chrome. Third-party apps are known for a vast number of compromises. Businesses that use 3 rd party applications must be on guard.

3 rd party patch management refers to addressing the vulnerabilities in existing programs that could be exploited by attackers. A proactive 3 rd party patch management approach provides network security while preventing ransomware, exploits, and other threats.

Password Management

Most cyber-attacks are successful because people are known to re-use the same password for different systems and websites. The Password management tool provides centrally managed password controls to the admin.

The password management feature allows the admin to connect password controls with account privileges. It also allows admins to monitor privileged account sessions. This dramatically reduces the risk of unauthorized cloud access, especially in the case of shared passwords.

These are some of the critical features that must be provided by the managed service provider.

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