IT Services Company vs. Cybersecurity Company: Which Is Best for Your Business?
Many business owners are left feeling uncertain about where to seek assistance for their cybersecurity needs. With a vast number of IT service companies, software solutions and tools vying for attention, determining the best course of action can be challenging.
Securing expert guidance is paramount. Typically, cybersecurity services fall into two primary categories: dedicated cybersecurity firms and IT service providers, which may include managed service providers (MSPs). But in this sea of options, how do you make the right choice?
The first thing you need to recognize is that cybersecurity is far more than testing for vulnerabilities or installing software. True cybersecurity can only come from end-to-end technology monitoring and management.
An Inside Look Into Cybersecurity Services Companies
Cybersecurity is one part of the larger information technology umbrella. A cybersecurity company offers IT security without the larger suite of IT support and network infrastructure provided by a managed service provider (MSP).
A cybersecurity firm uses software and can run audits and system tests to tell you what you need to improve your security. This can be a valuable tool for some businesses; it’s like using an accountant to go over your books rather than an internal auditor.
The downside is that those scans and analyses are only for that moment in time and cybersecurity vulnerabilities change often and quickly.
When partnering with an IT services company, you gain unfettered access to a wide array of software and testing solutions tailored to your needs. These offerings are seamlessly integrated into a holistic infrastructure management framework, complete with round-the-clock monitoring and ongoing staff training.
End-to-End Security With a Managed Service Provider
Securing your endpoints via endpoint management is the first step to getting peace of mind when it comes to cybersecurity initiatives.
Cybersecurity falls under the umbrella of IT services, and many MSPs like SkyTerra include cybersecurity as part of their comprehensive IT services. This usually includes periodic audits and reports, but it also encompasses the much-needed support to make changes based on what is uncovered after each audit.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Cyber Security Company | IT Services Company | |
|---|---|---|
| Assessments: Audits, risk analysis and gap assessments that identify vulnerabilities | ✅ | ✅ |
| Infrastructure protection: Path vulnerabilities; recommend and implement specific security and productivity improvements | ✅ | |
| 24x7x365 monitoring: Vigilant monitoring of your systems and support for your team when tech problems arise | ✅ | |
| Employee training: Education for everyone in your company including management and the rest of your team on how to stay secure and avoid falling victim to cyber crime | ✅ |
Recognizing That Every Business Is Vulnerable
Cyber breaches can happen to any business, regardless of size or industry. Attacks are not just on large corporations such as Microsoft or Target. Small businesses are in the crosshairs, too, partly because so many are not making cybersecurity a priority.
According to reports, 41 percent of small businesses fell victim to a cyber attack in 2023, an increase from 38 percent in 2022. The average small business in the U.S. paid more than $16,000 in cyber ransoms over the past 12 months.
With cybersecurity risks and tactics changing quickly, it’s hard to know how to defend your business. Your cybersecurity plan should have you breathing easy, not losing sleep. At SkyTerra, our goal is nothing short of full protection for your data, your assets and your people.
Seeking a Holistic Approach? Choose an IT Services Company
Unless you’re equipped with a substantial in-house team capable of driving necessary decisions and enhancements to your IT infrastructure, achieving impactful and sustainable cybersecurity measures could prove challenging.
You don’t get a competitive edge in business by keeping pace or reacting to the latest trend. You need to be proactive and have the infrastructure to quickly adjust to any change. The same is true for your cybersecurity. An IT services company provides a full range of cybersecurity services that keep your business safe without weighing it down so your team can focus on growing your business.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that all IT services companies are created equal. It’s a good practice to question the level of cybersecurity expertise when choosing your IT support provider. Not sure where to start? Let us show you how easy IT can be. Contact us today or book a meeting to take your technology and cybersecurity strategy to the next level.
