As an MSP, you are aware that your clients rely on you to maintain their software up to date and their endpoints operating without a hitch. More significantly, they anticipate that you will safeguard their information and assets. Data security management is crucial because of this.
We’ll discuss common data security threats, best practices for handling them, and technology you can use to enhance data security and overall MSP operations in this post.
What is data security management?
The practices, policies, and technology that safeguard sensitive business data from unauthorized access are together referred to as data security management. To maintain data security, MSPs might have to:
Ensure data security by offsite server backup and automatic patch management.
Track and modify user permissions.
Identify obsolete or unsupported consumer devices
Utilize integrations to strengthen security
Establish regulations, such as multi-factor authentication, compelling users to safeguard their login credentials.
These are only a few of the jobs that an MSP could manage on behalf of a client.
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What are the main data security threats?
MSPs need to be aware of a variety of threats, both internal and external.
Malware
Malware, which is shorthand for “malicious software,” is typically concealed in a link, email, or website that users click to initiate a malicious download. Malware can spread swiftly throughout a network once it is installed on a device, interfering with or stopping important business processes.
Attacks known as distributed denial of service (DDoS)
Cybercriminals use denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks to bring down a server, device, or network. Attacks may target any number of these points, ultimately resulting in a deluge of internet traffic that renders a website or server unreachable.
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Vulnerability to third parties
Lax security from a third party can pose a serious risk to any business. Assume, for illustration, that an MSP has a client who creates and manages WordPress websites. The client hires an external contractor to write blog content to two websites, however the contractor uses unsecure WiFi while working at a coffee shop. A further individual within the coffee shop obtains the contractor’s login credentials and assumes command over the two websites.
Ineffective access control
Businesses that handle large volumes of data typically have procedures in place for tracking and managing user access. Users might have access to sensitive information that isn’t necessary for their job function if there isn’t a process in place for that, or they might continue to have privileges even after they leave the organization.
Error in human
Daily errors are frequently the source of data security breaches. Data security can be compromised by anything as easy as accidentally downloading a client’s file on a personal device or sending an invitation to the incorrect client.
Natural catastrophes
Ensuring that no data is lost is just as important as protecting it from unauthorized access in terms of data security. Data stored in a single on-premises location can be destroyed by a natural disaster, such as a flood or fire, for example.
Unbacked software
Using outdated software that the provider no longer supports poses a serious security risk. Regular security patches and fixes are necessary to keep software vulnerable to attacks.
Unsafe hardware
To ensure security, any device connected to a network need ongoing support. To demonstrate the significance of security measures and a cybersecurity team from CyberNights, around 28,000 printers were taken over in 2022 and forced to print a guide on printer security.
Inadequate password policies
Automated password cracking specialists frequently generate thousands of guesses on user credentials. Furthermore, businesses’ requirements for password security might occasionally work in Favor of password crackers.
For instance, if a business requires users to enter a number, symbol, uppercase, and lowercase letter, and the password cracker is aware of these parameters, they might potentially eliminate irrelevant users and crack the password more quickly.
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What are the best practices for data security management?
Data security requires a combination of technology and policy. Let’s examine how leading MSPs protect their client information.
software for viruses and intrusion detection
Using malwarebytes, webroot, and additional antivirus software is the first line of defence against malware. This technology operates continuously to detect and neutralize threats and incursions. Certain MSP software can also identify instances in which services and procedures are being executed outside of regular business hours and establish automated responses for such circumstances.
Third-party consultation for agreements
Because a client’s vendors, contractors, and MSPs are more likely to pose a threat from a third party, they can provide some advice on how clients can reduce risk by fortifying their contracts, without providing legal advice. For instance, clients may demand that vendors and contractors sign an agreement promising not to use open WiFi networks when interacting with corporate data or systems.
Access and Permissions Setting
Administrators can set access permissions for technicians as a whole or customize permissions by client with strong MSP software. RMM tools and PSA software can also be used by administrators to manage access at the client level.
Establishing boundaries
Several forms of human error can be avoided by implementing appropriate regulations. For instance, you won’t ever have to be concerned about showing a client the incorrect invoice thanks to automated billing. Additionally, you can prevent file downloads to personal devices.
Safe backup
MSPs can backup data across many secure servers offline to prevent data loss.
Software can be used by automated patch management MSPs to determine when support for legacy systems will end and to notify clients. MSPs and supported systems can automate patch management to guarantee software security.
SNMP surveillance
By using SNMP monitoring, MSPs can identify when a hard drive goes offline. This covers printers, firewalls, and servers. MSPs can track individual hardware attributes throughout their whole portfolio with the aid of object identifiers (OIDs).
Several factors of authentication
When it comes to password security, MFA is the best option. If an MSP platform discovers that a user is attempting to log in or retrieve their password from an unfamiliar device, it may immediately require the user to authenticate that activity using a different method, such as verifying a code sent to their smartphone.