Technology Service News - Managed Security Services

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Managed Security Services
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An increasing number of businesses are taking a hard look at having a Managed Security Services Partner (MSSP) to assist them with the challenges of network security.

Protect Your Network

Organizations in the U.S. are expected to spend an estimated $1 billion on MSSPs in 2005, according to International Data Corporation (IDC). Total security services spending – for consulting, training, monitoring, reporting, and remediation - is projected at roughly $7.4 billion. Security audits and regulatory compliance are two catalysts for the increased interest in MSSPs.

Infonetics expects this growth to be primarily among small and medium seize companies because they can more cost-effectively make use of a service provider's experience and technology than by building a broad-based security capability in-house. Another reason companies have become more willing to outsource their security needs to a third party is due to MSSPs’ increasing success in detecting computer vulnerabilities.

The fact is, despite the huge benefits of the Internet, Web access also brings with it unexpected risks and costs. Businesses face constant and increasing network security threats. To effectively guard against these risks, companies need to implement a comprehensive layered security architecture that is updated and managed in a timely manner.

Keeping Watch on Your Network

An MSSP will not only actively protect networks, but provide action reports and constant updating of safeguards, which saves users a great deal of time trying to stay current with security changes themselves.

Many organizations going to a MSSP find they could not hire one person for what they pay on a managed services contract. And to provide 24/7 coverage, they would have to hire multiple people.

According to analysts at Gartner, three areas should receive particular attention for businesses considering a MSSP: financial stability, breadth of services and Web-based tools.