In this article, we talk to Gareth Dalton, Head of IT for the Beavis Morgan group and Managing Director of Techn22, about the vital roles of Managed Services Providers (MSPs) and the importance of Dark Web Monitoring in safeguarding business interests.
Q: Gareth, could you start by explaining what Managed Services Providers are, and how they benefit businesses?
Gareth: Managed Services Providers, or MSPs, are companies that manage a customer’s IT infrastructure and end-user systems on a proactive basis. This management can include network, application, infrastructure, and security services, among others. For businesses, the primary benefits of partnering with an MSP are cost-efficiency, enhanced security, and access to up-to-date technology without the need to invest heavily in IT departments. MSPs handle day-to-day IT operations and to ensure its reliability and security, allowing businesses to focus on core activities while ensuring their tech needs are met effectively and cost efficiently.
Q: How significant is the role of MSPs in ensuring cyber safety for businesses?
Gareth: MSPs play an essential role in cybersecurity, especially given the increasing complexity of cyber threats. Having an MSP means your IT environment is continually monitored and managed by dedicated IT professionals. They implement proactive measures to protect against a broad range of cyber threats and ensure compliance with relevant data protection regulations.
MSPs offer several benefits that are crucial for businesses today. Firstly, they allow companies to offload specific IT operations, which means MSPs assume an ongoing responsibility for monitoring, managing, and resolving IT problems. This is particularly beneficial for small to medium-sized enterprises that may not have the resources to manage these tasks in-house.
Additionally, MSPs help businesses improve operational efficiency and reduce operational costs. They also aid in minimizing downtime and managing IT infrastructure more effectively. Essentially, MSPs enable businesses to focus more on their core operations while ensuring their IT needs are met professionally and efficiently.
By partnering with an MSP, businesses gain access to top-tier IT expertise and advanced technological solutions that they might not otherwise afford or manage on their own. This strategic partnership is crucial for maintaining robust security measures, enhancing business operations, and navigating the complexities of the modern digital landscape.
Q: While we’re discussing cybersecurity, can you explain what Dark Web Monitoring is and why it’s important?
Gareth: Dark Web Monitoring is a service that scans, searches, and monitors for an organisation’s compromised data on the dark web – a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines and is often used for illegal activities. This service alerts businesses when sensitive corporate information, such as email addresses, employee IDs, or proprietary documents, appear on the dark web.
The importance of Dark Web Monitoring stems from its ability to act as an early warning system. It enables businesses to respond quickly to data breaches by taking proactive steps to secure their data before it can be misused. Today, where data breaches are increasingly common, having this kind of monitoring in place can significantly and proactively mitigate potential damage from cyber threats.
Q: How does Techn22 integrate Dark Web Monitoring into its Managed Services?
Gareth: At Techn22, we offer Dark Web Monitoring for a relatively small cost as part of our suite of Managed Services, ensuring a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity and adding an additional layer of security that helps protect our clients’ sensitive data. We continuously monitor and analyse the dark web for signs of compromised data related to our clients. If any data is found, we immediately notify the client and provide guidance on how to address the issue – be it changing passwords, securing network access, or other necessary actions.
Q: What challenges do businesses face when it comes to Dark Web Monitoring, and how does Techn22 help overcome them?
Gareth: One of the primary challenges is the vastness and anonymity of the dark web, which makes it a difficult landscape to navigate effectively. Additionally, the sheer volume of stolen data circulating on the dark web can be overwhelming for businesses to manage on their own.
At Techn22, our Security Operations Centre protects businesses around the clock, giving clients peace of mind, knowing that their digital assets are monitored, protected, and compliant with the latest regulatory standards. We employ advanced technology for continuous monitoring and scanning their networks to keep their operations secure. Our cybersecurity experts specialise in identifying compromised data, assessing its significance, and providing actionable insights. Through Dark Web Monitoring, we also counteract risks like password reuse with targeted security measures and deliver alerts.
Q: What advice would you give to businesses that are considering Dark Web Monitoring?
Gareth: My advice would be to consider Dark Web Monitoring as an essential component of your cybersecurity strategy. It’s a valuable tool in the fight against data breaches, providing critical insights that could prevent significant financial and reputational damage. Businesses should look for a trusted and experienced MSP like Techn22 that offers comprehensive monitoring solutions tailored to their specific needs. It’s also important to stay informed about cybersecurity trends and best practices, as the digital threat landscape is always evolving.
If you’d like to find out if your company or personal data has been exposed to the Dark Web, we’re offering a complimentary scan. Request your complimentary Dark Web analysis here.
Q: Any final thoughts for our readers?
Gareth: Just to reiterate, being proactive about cybersecurity is more crucial than ever before, both for businesses and individuals. Services like Dark Web Monitoring aren’t just add-ons but necessary components of a robust security strategy. At Techn22, we’re committed to helping businesses stay secure and are always here to assist with advanced solutions and expert advice.
For more information about Techn22’s comprehensive IT solutions tailored to your needs, and to safeguard your business from cyber threats, please visit the Techn22 website or contact Gareth Dalton or your usual relationship partner. And don’t forget to claim your complimentary Dark Web analysis.
Gareth Dalton
T: 07734073194 | E. gareth.dalton@techn22.co.uk
www.techn22.co.uk