Many companies are outsourcing their security services to achieve the maximum benefit of network security through the usage of managed security services (MSS). The process of MSS incorporates an organized method that details how a company’s security needs are met and managed. This involves determining whether the network security is handled by the company itself or outsourced to businesses that are established specifically for this type of operation.
By using Manages Security Services, businesses can lower their operational costs, increase the reliability of their networks and increase their security posture. MSS can be broken down into six distinct categories that handle the tasks in different ways. These six areas are on-site consulting, value-added product resale, managed security monitoring, remote perimeter management, compliance monitoring, and network vulnerability testing.
On-site Consulting
On-site consulting gives companies the advantage of having the MSS provider help with the assessment of network security and business risks. A MSS provider can offer assessments of a company’s security architecture and infrastructure, security policies and the overall risks involved whether they may be technical or business oriented.
Value-added Product Resale
Many MSS providers will offer value-added hardware products and enhanced software as part of their security services. For MSS providers, this can be very beneficial as ways to enhance their revenues.
Managed Security Monitoring
MSS provides a process that enables 24-7 monitoring of network systems to handle various incidents that may occur. These incidents can include any type of unauthorized activity ranging from hacking, denials of service and other malicious behavior. The managed security monitoring can also aid in providing data used for trend analysis.
Remote Perimeter Management
Installation and configuration of the software and hardware that protects the network is another component of Managed Security Services. It is implemented on the firewall, system perimeters and across Virtual Private Networks to track and prevent any interruptions or disturbances to the perimeters of the system.
Compliance Monitoring
MSS can be used to ensure that the network system is maintaining its integrity and keeps a record of any changes. It can be used to ensure that they system is meeting requirements, standards or any predetermined guidelines that help keep the network to be compliant.
Network Vulnerability Testing
To ensure that the network can withstand attacks from hackers or other threats to the network, MSS can simulate hacking attempts. This helps the client assess the vulnerability of their networks by implementing software scans that can be setup at specified intervals. The testing is critical to ensuring the integrity and security of their network.