Exploring Professional Security Services

There’s been a huge shift in remote and hybrid working over the past few years. This means there are now more places and devices to attack for cyber criminals.

Many employees now work either some time or full time away from the office. They also could use their own devices to connect to company networks. This could increase the potential risk of cyber-attacks.

Building cyber strength is now an important strategy for all businesses. Cyber attacks themselves are now extremely advanced, as cyber criminals find new ways to exploit vulnerabilities and weaknesses.

Different providers offer a range of cyber security solutions, to help companies navigate the constantly evolving threat landscape. As such, choosing a provider that’s well established and experienced in both professional security services (PSS) and managed security services (MSS) can be extremely helpful to your business. This is because it means you can be sure your cyber security is in safe hands.

Three types of cyber attack

Phishing

There’s been a considerable rise in phishing attacks in recent years¹. These attacks target businesses by sending malicious emails or texts disguised as legitimate ones and continue to be widespread. This means employees need to be educated and trained on the latest phishing methods, as it will be critical for your cyber security.

Phishing Attack Statistics²

As of March 2023, the National Cyber Security Centre received reports of 19 million phishing attempts

In the last 12 months, 79% of identified UK business attacks were phishing attempts, easily the most common threat

In the past year, 19% of businesses used tests like phishing exercises to identify cyber risks
Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware. It prevents businesses from accessing devices and any data on it, usually by encrypting the files. You’ll then be asked to pay a ransom to a criminal group to decrypt the files.
Denial of service (DoS)

DoS attacks are when cyber criminals attack services to make them inaccessible. When websites suffer DoS attacks, the apparent effect will depend on your perspective. It will appear to most users that the site has stopped displaying content. For businesses, it could mean online systems that they need do not work.

Mitigate cyberattacks with the right services

Companies often outsource their cyber security services to trusted providers, who offer managed security services (MSS) and professional security services (PSS). Businesses can benefit from both.

The big question is though, what is the difference between the two and which one suits your business needs?

MSS vs PSS

MSS are capabilities specific to business security technologies and outcomes.

Instead of building a cyber security team in house, companies might hire a partner that offers expert cyber security services, such as:

Security technology implementation
Security monitoring
Managed detection and response
Exposure assessment and management
Vulnerability management

PSS are like security consultancy services, which can include:

Phishing awareness assessments
Vulnerability assessments of specific services, operating systems and applications
Penetration testing for networks and web applications to expose weaknesses
Cyber breach response services to help you respond to cyber attacks
Exposure diagnostics which provide wider assessments of applications, users and data, as well as highlighting areas where cyber security could be enhanced

What are professional security services?

A PSS is a project-based model aimed at solving problems.

Often, a PSS does not need a long-term commitment. This means the flexible service could be beneficial for businesses looking to address specific concerns, for example phishing and ransomware attacks.

Phishing awareness tests can help businesses understand and learn the security awareness level in their organisation.

Fake phishing emails are created and sent to employees in the business, with the aim of obtaining sensitive information, like a real phishing email would.

The results show how cyber conscious employees are and find potential improvements needed to protect the business against further possible attacks, such as employee training.

What are the benefits?

One-time: project-based solution addressing a particular problem, involving a one-time fee
Focused: a targeted approach, addressing a specific issue
Flexible: solution tailored to your business needs and goals
Access: to specialist security skills
Actionable outcomes: providing your business with data and the next steps to tackle cyber vulnerabilites

Why does your business need professional security services?

Expert PSS providers focus on solving problems and addressing challenges.

They carry out robust, thorough testing and validation of your security controls and IT infrastructure. They can also help you if you’ve been breached to recover from the situation and protect against repeat occurrences. They provide expertise, so you can focus on your business.

Professional cyber solutions from Vodafone Business

We simplify security for organisations of all sizes by bringing together industry-leading security partners to offer key insights and solutions.

We defend your business against cyber threats, so that your people, places, things and data are protected.

Assess, protect, detect and respond to vulnerabilities with our modular cyber security solutions that are tailored to your needs and easy to understand, deploy and grow – as your business needs it.

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