What Is Security as a Service?

Many businesses are turning to the cloud to fulfill their IT demands. From disaster recovery to network management, a third-party cloud provider can manage all aspects of your IT infrastructure. The same is true for your security needs.

Security as a Service (SECaaS) delivers the highest level of security from leading industry experts. This cost-effective solution can be fully managed by a third-party provider, which means your internal IT team can focus on business priorities rather than being occupied with software installs and security upgrades. Learn more how SECaaS helps improve an organizations ability to address threats and protect networks.

With SECaaS, security services are implemented by a third-party cloud provider instead of an internal IT department. Depending on the service provider, businesses can have their security solutions partially or fully managed.

If companies prefer a unified effort, they can choose to have their internal IT staff work with the security professionals provided by the SECaaS provider. However, businesses can eliminate the need for an internal IT team and outsource all their security needs to their provider.

SECaaS offers a blended strategy, including risk assessment, security solutions and threat detection to help businesses stay ahead of cyber-attacks.

Requirements vary for each company, which is why SECaaS offers a flexible model allowing you to pay for only what you need. SECaaS includes many solutions, including both security software and management through a provider.

• Data Encryption: Data in transit, at rest and in use is secured with access only given to authorized individuals.
• Email Security: Security measures are implemented to detect and block malicious email threats, such as malware and phishing.
• Web Security: Firewall management helps block web-based threats as they arise.
• Identity and Access Management: Access privileges to on-site and cloud-based applications are managed to prevent data breaches with IDaaS.
• Vulnerability Scanning: Every device on the network is scanned to identify vulnerabilities that need security updates.
• Data Loss Prevention: Data is inspected and classified to keep sensitive or critical information from leaving the organization.
• Intrusion Prevention: Network traffic is analyzed to detect vulnerabilities.
• Security Information Event Management: Log and event data is monitored for discrepancies.
• Antivirus Management: Antivirus software is installed, updated and managed for the highest protection.
• Incident Response: If any threats are detected, security experts notify internal IT teams and respond accordingly.
• Compliance: Network configurations, policies and procedures are managed to ensure compliance requirements are met.

There are many benefits to SECaaS services, including:

• Cost Savings: SECaaS reduces the need to invest in hardware, labor and licensing. Instead, pay a predictable monthly or yearly subscription based on your needs.
• Efficiency: Security software is installed and automatically updated, saving you time and effort.
• Scalability: Add or remove services based on your business needs. You can also add new users with the click of a button for easy scalability.
• Expertise: SECaaS providers are staffed with security professionals from leading companies to help create custom solutions for your business.
  

Trusting an outside source to handle your organization’s security isn’t an easy decision. Choosing a SECaaS provider takes time and careful evaluation. Here’s what to consider when choosing a provider.

Unexpected downtime is costly and makes businesses vulnerable to cyber threats like ransomware. Ensure your provider’s service-level agreement has a guaranteed uptime and a plan in place in case of outages.

Customer service is vital when it comes to security. Guarantee your provider has quick response times for incidents, support and system updates.

Your provider should work closely with you to address IT infrastructure vulnerabilities, such as power outages, natural disasters, cyber-attacks and human error. They can help you put a plan in place, so your business is able to quickly recover, even after an unexpected event.

Only consider providers that work with leading security technology companies and have a team of experts to support the services being offered.

If you’re looking for a provider to handle your IT needs, Cox Business has a suite of cloud solutions that can help. Our cloud solutions include SECaaS, Backup as a Service, Disaster Recovery as a Service, SD-WAN and more. Outsource your IT infrastructure to a reliable provider, so you can focus on growing your business.