There are some important questions to ask when you entrust your IT needs to a third-party
Millions of businesses in the U.S. today outsource part or all their IT needs to a third party such as a managed service provider (MSP), and it is not difficult to understand why. Working with an MSP can deliver big benefits for a company, such as cost savings, increased efficiency and lessening the burden on internal IT teams. Yet finding the right provider can be a tall order to say the least. To make it easier, we’ve created a handy checklist covering the six important considerations you should look for when selecting an MSP. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be better prepared to make an informed decision that will pay off for your company both now and for many years to come.
Six considerations for your future MSP
☐ Deep and varied cybersecurity expertise – The threat landscape facing agencies today is ever-evolving, complex and highly dangerous. Agencies face familiar threats like phishing, fraud, and identity theft—but also more advanced ones like business email compromise, ransomware, and social engineering. Any MSP you consider should be capable of delivering a multi-layered security solution to deal with these challenges — covering everything from secure email gateways and endpoint detection to 24/7 monitoring and disaster recovery plans.
☐ Industry experience – When it comes to IT outsourcing, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. To get the best bang for their buck, agencies should try to work with MSPs who have experience with the insurance industry and its regulatory environment. Seasoned providers will intuitively understand an agency’s IT needs and deliver a more robust and secure setup at less cost.
☐ Dedicated account manager and responsive support – Think of your MSP as a partner—not a one-and-done provider. Rather, agencies need to approach it as a strategic, long-term and iterative relationship. The reasons why are straightforward. As one’s agency grows and changes over the years, so too will its IT needs. Similarly, technology systems and cybersecurity best practices are never static, meaning that an agency’s setup will need continuous updating, migration and adjustment as time goes by. All this makes it essential to work with MSPs equipped to offer a dedicated account manager and responsive support team. These professionals make sure your tech keeps pace with evolving threats—backed by personal attention and clear communication. Overall, they serve as a powerful vanguard against cybercrime and a catalyst for a more digitally savvy business.
☐ User training – Did you know that one of the top reasons why businesses experience a security breach is user error? In fact, data shows nearly 9 out of 10 breaches are related in some way to employee mistakes.[i] MSPs can help businesses mitigate this risk, reduce the potential for errors and safeguard themselves when operating online through tailored instruction and support. Agencies should inquire with each provider if they offer security awareness training as part of their contract. It is one of the best ways to reduce attack vectors and create better protections for sensitive data, systems and other digital assets.
☐ Keep it local if possible – Partnering with a local MSP offers several advantages over working with a remote-only provider. A local MSP can deliver faster on-site support when urgent technical issues arise, minimizing downtime and ensuring smoother operations. They also better understand the local business environment, compliance requirements, and infrastructure challenges unique to your region. This proximity fosters stronger relationships, more personalized service and greater accountability, making the MSP a true extension of your internal team.
☐ Proven track record – Lastly, agencies should not only look at vendor reviews during their MSP selection process but also relevant certifications. One of the most important to consider would be SOC 2 Type II, which verifies if an MSP adheres to strict controls for data security, confidentiality and privacy. Another would be ISO/IEC 27001, which is the gold standard for securely managing information security. Other certifications worth investigating include CompTIA Security+, for threat and response protocols; MSP Verify/MSPAlliance Certification, which deals with service delivery and risk management issues; and, finally, a Microsoft Solutions Provider certification, which has an obvious, practical application for any agency that utilizes Microsoft products. When a provider has certifications like these, it not only speaks to their technical capabilities but also highlights their commitment to transparency and open, honest communication—all qualities agencies will want to prioritize with a vendor relationship.
Select the right MSP for better business results
In a digital-first business environment like ours, how a company chooses to approach their IT management and cybersecurity needs can be a make-or-break decision. Outsourcing to an MSP is one potential route, and when you find the right partner, the results can be transformative. Yet sourcing, vetting and inking a deal with an MSP can be a whirlwind and overwhelming process, particularly when trying to also manage your company’s day-to-day activities. This checklist can help you cut through the noise and zero in on what really matters. And in the end, it can lead to partnership with a technology provider that amplifies your company’s productivity and profitability, all while keeping your systems, staff and data safe.
[i] Stanford Research: 88% Of Data Breaches Are Caused By Human Error
