Choosing to switch IT providers is never a decision taken lightly. With technology being such an integral part of any business these days, switching IT providers can sometimes cause a certain level of heartburn for business owners and their employees. Let’s face it, change is hard!
That’s why some choose to stick with the “devil they know” until the pain becomes too great to endure. Even then, some business owners tend to resist their new IT provider’s processes, tools, and technologies out of fear of having to learn new ways of doing things. But a Managed Service Provider (MSP) can provide both expertise and tailored solutions they have specifically selected, configured and updated to help their clients focus on business goals while securing company data.
What is a Security Stack?
In the world of cybersecurity, a security stack is a comprehensive collection of tools, technologies, and protocols designed to protect a business from a wide range of digital threats. This stack typically includes solutions for network security, endpoint protection, email filtering, threat detection and response, backup and recovery, vulnerability management, and more. Each tool in the stack serves a specific purpose, but together they form a cohesive and highly effective defense system.
When an MSP develops its security stack, it’s meticulously crafted to maximize efficiency and coverage across all attack vectors. The stack is chosen to work seamlessly together, providing layers of security that reinforce each other to reduce vulnerabilities. The end goal of a security stack is to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats quickly and effectively.
Why Should You Use Your MSP’s Security Stack?
Enhanced Security and Reduced Vulnerabilities
Your MSP has carefully selected and vetted each tool in its security stack for specific reasons. By standardizing the stack across all their clients, MSPs can ensure that they have visibility into potential threats and can respond to incidents quickly and effectively. When every client uses the same tools, the MSP’s technicians can monitor and respond to threats more easily, identify unusual behavior, and patch vulnerabilities before they become serious problems. Custom setups or mismatched tools can create blind spots, leaving your business at risk.
Streamlined Management and Faster Response Times
When an MSP manages hundreds of devices across multiple clients, consistency is crucial. The same security stack allows technicians to manage security settings, policies, and updates in a streamlined manner. Familiarity with a single stack reduces the time it takes to troubleshoot issues and fix vulnerabilities, as technicians can act quickly and confidently. This unified approach also means that if a security alert or breach is detected, the MSP can respond faster and more effectively, minimizing potential damage.
Cost-efficiency and Predictable Budgeting
Adopting your MSP’s security stack can actually be more cost-effective in the long run. When an MSP standardizes on a single stack, they often secure vendor discounts, which they can pass on to clients. Moreover, by not needing to troubleshoot and integrate with unfamiliar tools, the MSP can reduce labor costs, allowing them to keep rates predictable. Standardized stacks also mean reduced costs in terms of training and onboarding, ensuring your team doesn’t waste hours trying to understand or use incompatible tools. With a consistent setup, both your MSP and your business can predict and manage costs effectively.
Proactive Updates and Compliance Alignment
Staying compliant with industry regulations is more important than ever, especially if your business operates in highly regulated industries such as healthcare, finance, or government contracting. Many regulations have specific security requirements, and failing to meet these can lead to hefty fines and legal issues. Your MSP’s security stack is designed with these regulations in mind, ensuring that compliance updates are rolled out proactively. By using the same stack, you can rest assured that your technology remains compliant and up to date without needing to worry about individual component updates.
The Risks of Using Your Own Tools
While you may feel comfortable with your current security tools, choosing not to adopt your MSP’s security stack comes with risks that could compromise both your business and your MSP’s ability to protect it effectively.
Increased Complexity and Higher Risk of Human Error
When your MSP has to juggle different tools across clients, it increases complexity and the likelihood of human error. Security tools are intricate and require specific expertise. If your MSP team has to learn and remember the specifics of your non-standard stack, the chances of configuration mistakes or oversight increase. Over time, this can lead to security gaps that cybercriminals can exploit.
Reduced Effectiveness in Threat Detection and Response
If you choose to stick with your existing security tools, your MSP may lack visibility into certain areas of your network. This fragmented visibility means that threats could go undetected, or worse, a critical alert might be missed because it isn’t integrated into the MSP’s monitoring system. When a cyber incident occurs, the MSP may find it challenging to respond swiftly, as they won’t have the integrated tools they need to act immediately.
Compliance Challenges and Potential Liabilities
Many industries now require strict adherence to security standards, and failing to meet these can have serious consequences. Without adopting the MSP’s stack, you may inadvertently fail to comply with data protection regulations. Moreover, if an MSP doesn’t have control over certain tools or configurations, it becomes difficult for them to ensure your business meets these standards, putting you at greater risk of non-compliance fines or legal action.
Conclusion
Partnering with an MSP for your IT security is one of the best decisions an SMB can make, but it requires trust and alignment on the tools and approaches used. An MSP’s security stack is carefully chosen to deliver the best possible protection, streamlined management, and cost efficiency. By adopting their stack, you give your MSP the tools they need to protect your business effectively, respond quickly to threats, and ensure compliance with industry standards. The risks of continuing with your current tools may outweigh any short-term benefits. Embracing your MSP’s security stack isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a proactive step toward better cybersecurity and peace of mind.