The benefits of a Managed Service Provider supplying your business’s IT security

Published On - February 7, 2025

SDT Managed IT Services
combining MSp and IT security

While the old adage of not putting all your eggs in one basket can be successfully applied to a host of scenarios, is this the best approach for your business’s IT security? Separating IT management and security may seem sound in principle. It enables business owners to divide suppliers by certain specialities and assess their suitability and effectiveness by distinct results. This issue in this approach arises when a security breach occurs.

If a breach takes down a business’s IT systems, the vital question is, ‘When will we get up and running again?’ The longer it takes for a business’s systems to get back up and running, the more revenue is lost from halted operations, data breaches, and reputational damage.

In this scenario, time is the key factor. And this factor can become a significant issue when separating IT suppliers.

Timeliness

When IT security is managed through an MSP, they can monitor all your IT systems and security on your behalf. This enables the MSP to detect security threats or breaches much quicker than two suppliers working separately.

However, this does not necessarily mean your MSP runs your IT security. In fact, most MSPs work with a dedicated Security Operations Centre (SOC) that monitors and implements a business’s IT security. The benefit comes from the MSP coordinating this relationship on your behalf.

In handing your business’s IT security to an MSP, you can expect quicker intervention on security threats, timely alterations for continued protection, and reduced operational downtime if a breach occurs. Working with an MSP with 24/7 monitoring and reporting will help your business remain secure even after hours.

Cost factors

Having your MSP manage your IT security has several cost benefits. As mentioned above, reducing downtime and implementing security changes quickly when a threat arises can save a business from revenue losses. However, the time needed to coordinate between two different suppliers is also a factor for business owners looking to streamline their operations for efficiency.

By integrating these services, directors can work with a dedicated contact to discuss and review their managed IT services and security. The reduced headcount cost from combining services means your MSPs can pass on cost savings to you through the integration of IT management and security services.

The takeaway

Integrating your IT management and security can have several benefits for a business:

  • Reducing cyber security threats through coordinated IT systems and suppliers.
  • Acting quickly on any threats or breaches to continue business operations.
  • Working with a single MSP who can recommend and oversee the best and most cost-effective options for your IT security, depending on your business needs.

Find out more

If you would like to discuss your business’s cyber security, Cyber Essentials certification or any other aspects of this article, please get in touch with us here.