How to Choose the Right Data Security Services for Your Business

Every 39 seconds, a hacker strikes. Imagine someone relentlessly attacking your home or business every half minute; wouldn’t you want to protect yourself?

If you’re a small business owner, then it’s even more vital that you take the right steps to protect your data. Not only can a breach ruin trust in your brand, but it can be devastating enough that you have no choice but to shut down.

Safeguarding your sensitive information means using the right data security services. So how can you pick the right company for the job?

Keep reading to see how you can choose a third party that can protect your business data fiercely.

Assess Your Needs and Define Your Goals

Start by conducting a thorough assessment of your company’s data security requirements. In this analysis, consider the type of data you handle, as well as the level of sensitivity and potential risks involved. This is a good time to also double-check your compliance obligations based on industry regulations or legal requirements.

From there, you can define your data security goals. Simply saying, “I want to protect my data” isn’t enough.

For example, do you want to prevent data breaches and protect against malware and viruses? Or do you want to focus on securing your network infrastructure and cloud security?

There are no right or wrong answers here, and you can definitely combine goals. The most important thing is that you understand what you’re trying to achieve, as that’ll help you identify the most suitable services.

Research Reputable Providers

Research is the most essential part of picking a data security company. You can’t just select one that looks great, as they may not have a proven track record. Even if they do, they may not be a good fit for you.

If you have industry peers, ask for recommendations. You can also read online reviews and perform Google searches.

When researching these companies, you should check out their expertise in areas such as network security, encryption, access controls, incident response, and data loss prevention.

Take a Look at Their Service Offerings

Part of your research should include delving into their service offerings. Some that serve any business well include:

• Network security
• Endpoint protection
• Encryption
• Vulnerability assessments
• Security audits
• Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS)
• Security information and event management (SIEM)
• Data backup and recovery

Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean you need to check every single service off the list before you opt for a provider. Instead, prioritize what’s critical for your business and keep these points in mind as you shop around.

Consider Scalability and Flexibility

It’s very likely that your business won’t stay at this size; to really conquer the world, you’ll want to grow and expand. Unfortunately, some data security services may initially be excellent, but they’re only suitable for a certain business size.

So if you’re planning on growing your company, then you’ll need a provider such as https://www.fortunadata.com that can scale their offerings alongside. Make sure their services can adapt to changing technologies, emerging threats, and evolving compliance requirements.

Review Certifications and Compliance

A reputable data security provider should be up-to-date with industry best practices. One way to check that they are is to see if they have relevant certifications. These will prove that the company’s taken steps that prove they take their customer’s data seriously.

Some common certifications you should keep an eye out for include:

• ISO 27001 (Information Security Management)
• PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard)
• HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)

Depending on which industry you’re in, you’ll want to look for additional certifications that ensure they’ll help you meet your specific compliance obligations.

Check Their Response Capabilities

Every second counts when there’s a breach, so the provider you choose needs to be responsive.

Ask them how they detect and respond to security incidents. It’s up to you to determine whether their processes for incident investigations, containment, and recovery align with your business ethics. This is crucial for minimizing the impact of potential data breaches.

Consider Your Budget and Cost-Effectiveness

There are different tiers of service that can affect pricing, and the providers’ experience and reputation can affect prices as well. It’d be nice to go with the most well-known and expensive company, but realistically, your finances will drop drastically and quickly.

It’s vital that you evaluate the cost of the data security services and ensure they fit within your budget. Yes, it’s important to prioritize security, but you need to get value for money too.

Compare pricing models, such as fixed monthly fees or pay-as-you-go options. If your finances are shaky, then the more flexible choices can be safer.

Request a Proof-of-Concept

You’ve seen what the various companies can do to keep your customer data safe, and there are a few that stand out. However, while they seem outstanding on paper, can they really deliver on their promises?

Without a proof-of-concept, it can be risky, especially if you’re signing a long-term contract. Make sure you see the effectiveness and compatibility of the data security services with your business first.

If a proof-of-concept isn’t possible, then ask for a trial period at least.

Get Fantastic Data Security Services

Data security services are imperative if you want to safeguard sensitive information. Many businesses mistakenly think they can handle data security on their own so they can save some money, but this backfires in the end.

Don’t leave your company vulnerable to cybercriminals by DIYing things. Spending a little extra money to have experts handle your data will set you up for success.

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