Secure Your Small Business like a Superhero: The Benefits of MSPs with a Cybersecurity-First Mentality

As a small business owner, you may feel like you're constantly spinning plates. There's just so much to keep track of, from managing your employees to handling your finances, and all the while trying to grow your business. It can be easy to let cybersecurity fall by the wayside, especially when you're not even sure where to start. But trust me, it's not something you want to neglect. That's where an MSP with a cybersecurity-first mentality comes in.

First things first, let's talk about what an MSP is. MSP stands for Managed Service Provider, and it's essentially a company that provides IT services to other businesses. This can include things like network monitoring, help desk support, and yes, cybersecurity.

Now, you might be thinking, "But I don't need an MSP. I have an IT guy who comes in once a week to fix things." And that's great! But an MSP offers a lot more than just occasional IT support. They have the expertise and resources to proactively manage your IT infrastructure, and that includes keeping it secure.

A cybersecurity-first mentality means that security is at the forefront of everything the MSP does. They don't just react to threats as they come up - they actively work to prevent them from happening in the first place. They'll conduct regular security assessments, implement security best practices, and keep your systems up to date with the latest security patches. Think of them as your own personal cybersecurity Avengers, but without the spandex (unless that's your thing, no judgement here).

But why is this so important? Well, cyber threats are on the rise, and small businesses are often seen as low-hanging fruit by hackers. They know that small businesses are less likely to have robust security measures in place, which makes them an easy target. And if your business does fall victim to a cyber attack, the consequences can be devastating. You could lose sensitive data, face legal liabilities, and suffer damage to your reputation. And if you thought dealing with Yelp reviews was bad, just wait until your business is featured on the front page of every major news outlet.

So, what can you do to protect your business? Well, one option is to get cyber insurance. This is insurance specifically designed to protect against cyber threats, and it can cover things like data breaches, ransomware attacks, and business interruption. But be warned, getting cyber insurance isn't always easy. In 2023, insurance companies require more attestations from businesses before providing coverage. These may include proof of regular security assessments, implementation of certain security controls, and employee training programs.

But don't let that scare you off. Remember, prevention is the best cure. By working with an MSP that has a cybersecurity-first mentality, you're taking proactive steps to protect your business from cyber threats. And hey, if that's not enough to convince you, just think of it this way: if you were in a horror movie, would you rather be the oblivious teenager who wanders off alone in the dark, or the one who calls for backup and survives until the end? I know which one I'd choose.

Cybersecurity is not something you want to neglect as a small business owner. By partnering with an MSP that prioritizes security, you can rest easy knowing that your business is protected. And as insurance companies require more attestations about your security controls, you'll be ahead of the game. So go ahead and focus on those other plates you're spinning - let your MSP handle the cybersecurity plate for you. Just don't forget to tip them well - they're doing important work, after all.