The CrowdStrike crash effecting 8.5 million Windows devices prompted questions about unified technology providers. If one platform cost companies over $5.4 billion, does one system up cyber risk? Do multiple tools create gaps? Or is it better to have a fallback if one crashes?
Security technology is a defensible asset
Managed security services providers (MSSPs) should protect their clients’ business continuity. Point solutions secure specific gaps, but most MSSPs use a platform to manage and monitor the client. MSSPs must secure assets and technology. Time, money, and tool interruptions cost businesses.
So how do you know if your managed security provider is using point solutions or a platform to your advantage? Which is the most cost-effective? Does one cover the gaps better than the other? Can the technology they use grow with you and your business model?
Here’s three questions to ask your MSSP about the tooling they use to secure your business:
1: Low cost or high capability?
How much does the software cost? And are specific capabilities worth the cost? To fight advanced threats, defenders need the best tools out there. And it’s true, tool modernization is critical to cybersecurity success. But the divide between point solutions and platform capability is only getting smaller.
Microsoft Security consistently ranks at the top in Gartner and Forrester. It rivals or bests point solutions in nearly every category. Where Microsoft lacks capabilities, it’s developing and rolling out competitive add-ons. To take full advantage of the capabilities Microsoft offers, MSSPs should configure to the client.
Pricing drives many cyber decisions. On a cost-to-cost comparison, platforms save businesses money through tool consolidation. Instead of paying for multiple licenses, pay for one. Mid-sized businesses need that kind of bang for their buck. Platform toolsets often offer maturity otherwise unavailable to mid-sized businesses.
2: Scalable or static?
Will the technology your MSSP uses grow with your business? Tool configuration is crucial to minimizing security weaknesses. The factory setting isn’t secure by default. Microsoft’s platform is flexible: it’s built to modernize at the business’ pace.
Your managed security partner should keep fine tuning technology to your business growth. For small businesses, one platform simplifies security tasks. Copilot for Security integrates with the security suite and offers accelerated incident response.
3: Custom or one-size-fits-all?
Does the technology your MSSP uses fit your business model? There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to security tools. Point solutions offer targeted coverage. Platforms offer broad capability meant to be customized.
Like most IT problems, there isn’t a right answer. If your employees fall for phishing emails even though you’ve trained, warned, and tested, a specialized tool might help. If an IT team struggles to manage employee devices with different operating systems, one platform could simplify.
Optimizing your Microsoft Security investment
Ascent manages and monitors Microsoft Security for clients. We cover everything from Zero Trust strategy to Microsoft Sentinel implementation. Our consultants optimize Microsoft tools, reducing client time, money, and tool costs. If you are interested in a managed security partner, reach out to info@meetascent.com for more information.
