a way to undo the worst-case scenarios while also protecting the critical data of the business . In order to stay compliant , overcome security breaches , or simply maintain business , having a fresh , reliable backup is critical .
• Compliance Automation Tools : These tools use AI to simplify compliance procedures and provide you with workflow capabilities related to compliance , including self-assessments , control analysis , corrective action planning , and controls testing . By automating these processes , implementation is more time- and cost-effective compared to manual controls , reducing the likelihood of encountering compliance fines or breaches and minimizing the number of inadequate or inaccurate reporting mistakes .
3 . Streamline Vendors , Interfaces , And Management Time
Favor tools you ’ re familiar with and vendors you have relationships with in order to reduce the complexity in managing your defenses along with those of your customers . Seek tools that are purposely built for MSPs and SMBs , integrate with each other , follow similar billing / contract terms , and provide a complete package of threat protections .
4 . Presume A Breach Is Inevitable
We all know it is not a matter of if but when a cyberattack will occur . No matter how well you defend yourself and your customers , the numbers suggest that a breach is almost inevitable . Be prepared for what happens after you have been compromised .
5 . Identify Breach Impact
With that in mind , consider your contingency plans for when something goes wrong , including how you lock down for increased security , restore backups to recover from loss , communicate with your employees and your customers , and what compliance documentation you have to prove that the breach was not due to negligence . Every second counts in recovery , and that includes reputation management . As part of your disclosure , you can reassure your clients that you ’ re addressing the issue that led to the breach . It ’ s essential that you not only admit that the breach happened , but also disclose how it happened and what you ’ re doing to fix it .
6 . Build A Business Protection Plan
Whether it ' s your MSP business that is targeted or a customer who suffers a breach , you need to have a plan in place to react quickly . The most recent IBM / Ponemon Institute " Cost of a Data Breach Report " details the benefits of speedy recovery with an incident response plan . Companies with a defined incident response team that regularly ran drills and a comprehensive incident response plan saw savings of $ 2 million compared to those that had no such measures in place .
Compliance not only meets regulatory requirements but also protects the life of your business when a breach occurs . Having a comprehensive , automated , and reliable compliance system ensures you can weather the storm .
7 . Advertise Your Readiness
Existing customers will appreciate a published overview of your defenses and preparedness process in the case of a breach , as will potential customers . Consider your readiness to be an asset to be " sold " as a value of your business , right beside your experience and staff . Work with your vendors to see what marketing materials they can provide that can help you advertise your position and encourage your customers to increase their security .
Don ’ t Be A Gateway For Cybercrime
The " anywhere operations " model is opening you and your customers up to cyberattacks and you to a possible compliance and legal nightmare . You need a strategy that not only protects your data and company , but your customers as well . Employ the seven rules to save your business — and your customers — from today ’ s cyber-risks . ■
Compliance Services Grow In 2021
Currently , only about half of MSPs provide compliance services , according to the 2021 MSP Benchmark survey results from Kaseya , but the need for compliance services has grown . Between the new CMMC defense contractor requirements and Virginia ’ s latest addition to increasingly common state-driven data privacy laws , a majority ( 69 %) of MSPs agree that their clients struggle to meet compliance requirements .
As industry dependence on cloud-based software and other connected technologies grows , regulators will continue to enact data privacy laws . MSPs can develop and leverage a niche expertise in this space to help clients maintain compliance with an increasingly complex set of regulations , while also keeping abreast of the regulations for their own business .
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