Choosing a managed service provider (MSP)

As the new year begins, it’s a good time to think about your business resilience. The good news?

You don’t have to do it alone, the right Managed Service Provider (MSP) can be a strong partner, but only if you choose carefully.  Start by checking where you are before picking an MSP, take a moment to ask:

• What systems or data do you actually need help with?

• How much access would an MSP really need?

• Are there any security gaps that worry you?

Being honest about your weak spots will help you find a provider who actually fits your business.  Do your homework.  Don’t rush the decision. Make sure any MSP can clearly show:

• A good reputation, speak to businesses like yours.

• Strong cyber security practices, patching, access control, incident response.

• Clear contracts, especially around what happens if something goes wrong.

This upfront work prevents costly problems later.  Outsourcing doesn’t remove your responsibility.  Even with an MSP, you still own your organisation’s cyber risk. A good provider will support you, monitor systems, and respond to incidents, but you set the direction.  Ask the right questions, challenge any MSP with simple, important questions:

• How do you secure admin access?

• How do you monitor and alert for threats?

• How fast do you respond to incidents?

• How do you manage vulnerabilities and breaches?

They should answer clearly, without jargon, if not, walk away.  Cyber security is not optional.  Any credible MSP should build security into everything they deliver. If they treat it like an add-on, they’re not the right partner.

Why this matters?

Our region’s busy economy makes it a prime target for cyber criminals. A weak MSP doesn’t just affect you, it can impact your whole supply chain. Follow the National Cyber Security Centre recently published important guidance on choosing the right MSP.  It will help protect your business and strengthens resilience across the region.

We’re here to help

The Cyber Resilience Centre for the South East offers free guidance, NCSC tools, and funded cyber services delivered by trained students and professionals.  Take your first step toward cyber resilience today with the right MSP and the right support behind you.