The role of MSPs in providing comprehensive security solutions to their clients cannot be over emphasized. With the increasing number of cyber threats, MSPs need to partner with a reliable SOC as a Service provider to ensure their clients’ data is secure.
However, not all SOC solutions are created equal, and MSPs need to ask the right questions before partnering with a SOCaaS vendor.
How to choose a SOCaaS partner
In this article, we discuss the 7 questions every MSP should ask before selecting the right SOCaaS partner for their success.
1. What if I already have an in-house SOC team?
One of the first questions MSPs should ask is whether the SOCaaS partner they are considering can easily slot into their existing team. Some MSPs may have their own SOC team, but they may not have the necessary resources to handle all security concerns.
A reliable SOCaaS partner should be able to work alongside your in-house team and provide additional support when needed. This collaboration can help to create a more robust security solution for the MSP’s clients.
2. Can the SOC integrate with our ticketing system?
A SOC should be able to seamlessly integrate with your existing workflow. This includes integrating with your ticketing system to ensure that all security incidents are tracked and resolved in a timely manner reducing the risk of data breaches. It is important to ask if the SOC can integrate with your ticketing system, such as Datto Autotask, Connectwise, Halo PSA or other major ticketing systems.
3. Where are the SOCaaS vendor’s data processors located?
Data privacy and security are critical concerns for MSPs and their clients. It’s important to know where the SOC’s data processors are located to ensure compliance with regional regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, DFARS and APPs. This ensures that client data is stored and processed in a secure location, reducing the risk of data breaches.
4. What does the onboarding process look like?
The onboarding process is critical to ensuring that the SOCaaS provider understands your business and security needs. A reliable SOC should work with your team to harden each supported environment to the NIST CSF and appropriate CIS Critical Security Controls.
This process significantly reduces security risks for your clients and can take an average of 30-45 days per site. The onboarding process should be comprehensive and tailored to the MSP’s specific needs to ensure that the SOC understands the MSP’s business environment and security requirements.
5. How does the monthly reporting work?
Monthly reporting is essential for MSPs to understand and demonstrate the security posture of their clients. A reliable SOCaaS provider should provide a visual C-level overview, along with detailed recommendations and instructions for your technical team. The SOC should also work alongside you to improve the security posture score.
This reporting process helps MSPs to identify potential security threats and vulnerabilities and take proactive measures to mitigate them.
6. Do you monitor cloud environments?
With the increasing use of cloud environments, it’s important for MSPs to partner with a SOCaaS provider that can monitor all major cloud environments.
A reliable SOC should provide cloud connectors to monitor Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Google Workspace, Amazon Web Services and more. This ensures that all client data stored in the cloud is secure and protected from potential cyber threats.
7. Can you monitor my PSA or RMM?
A reliable SOC should be able to monitor front and back door access to all mainstream MSP platforms, including Datto Autotask, Connectwise, and ServiceNow. By monitoring PSA and RMM platforms, the SOC can detect and prevent intrusion and take proactive measures to mitigate future security threats.
In conclusion, partnering with a reliable SOCaaS provider is critical for MSPs to ensure the security of their clients’ data. By asking these 7 questions, MSPs can ensure that they are partnering with a SOCaaS provider that can tick all the critical security boxes.
The right partner can help MSPs to create a more robust security solution for their clients and reduce the risk of data breaches and cyber threats.
Is inSOC the right choice for my MSP?
Head to our FAQ to find out! We’re sure you’ll be happy with the answers, and if you’d like to discuss growing your MSP with inSOC as your SOCaaS partner – book a time to talk.
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