Choosing a technology partner is one of the most critical decisions your business can make. Beyond performance and pricing, cybersecurity should be a top priority. The reality is that even trusted vendors can become weak links in your security chain — and the consequences of poor due diligence can be costly.
Before you sign a contract or share sensitive data, take time to evaluate your cybersecurity provider’s capabilities. Here’s how to ensure you’re partnering with a provider that takes security as seriously as you do.
Why Businesses Choose to Work with a Managed Service Provider
For many small and mid-sized businesses, managing cybersecurity, technology, and remote operations in-house has become increasingly difficult. The pace of change, combined with evolving cyber threats, means even the most capable internal IT teams can feel stretched thin. That’s why so many organizations are turning to Managed Service Providers (MSPs) for strategic support.
Recent research from Datto, shows that:
- 44% of businesses partner with an MSP because of rising concerns about cybersecurity risks.
- 61% say they need more technical expertise than they currently have internally.
- 56% look to MSPs for help managing hybrid and remote workforces.
These numbers reveal a growing dependence on MSPs to strengthen security, boost efficiency, and support long-term growth.
By asking the right questions and reviewing the right indicators, you can find a provider whose security capabilities align with your business’s expectations and compliance requirements.
1. Assess Their Security Framework and Certifications
A strong cybersecurity foundation starts with structure and accountability. Look for providers that follow recognized frameworks and hold industry-standard certifications such as ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type II, NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), or CIS benchmarks. These demonstrate that the provider’s security practices are audited and verified by independent experts.
If your business operates in a regulated industry — like healthcare, finance, or e-commerce — ask about their compliance expertise. Do they understand and adhere to frameworks such as HIPAA, GDPR, or PCI DSS?
Finally, request evidence of documented security policies. A reputable provider will have clear internal procedures for data protection, incident response, and employee accountability — and they won’t hesitate to show you how those policies are implemented.
2. Evaluate Their Security Architecture and Controls
Strong cybersecurity isn’t built on tools alone — it’s about how those tools work together. Ask about the technical measures in place to protect your systems and data:
- Network Security: Are there firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and secure VPNs in use? Is network segmentation applied to limit exposure?
- Endpoint Protection: How do they manage antivirus, EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response), and patching? Outdated systems are prime targets for attackers.
- Access Control: Do they enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA)? Are user permissions based on the principle of least privilege?
- Data Protection: How is data encrypted — both in transit and at rest? What are their backup and recovery processes?
If a provider can’t clearly explain these controls, that’s a red flag. Transparency and technical literacy are signs of a capable and trustworthy partner.
3. Examine Their Monitoring and Incident Response
Even with top-tier defenses, no system is invulnerable. What matters most is how quickly a provider can detect and respond when something goes wrong.
Look for evidence of 24/7 monitoring and a dedicated Security Operations Center (SOC). Ask about their incident response procedures — how quickly can they identify, contain, and remediate a threat?
Finally, inquire about their communication process. Will you be notified promptly if your data is affected? A provider that prioritizes transparency during a crisis is one you can trust long-term.
4. Evaluate Their Vendor and Supply Chain Security
Your provider’s cybersecurity is only as strong as the companies they depend on.
With nearly one-in-three breaches now initiated through a third-party relationship, it’s no longer optional to vet your provider’s vendor networks.
Ask whether they vet their own vendors and third-party tools. Do they perform security assessments or require those partners to meet specific standards?
Also, check if contractual clauses are in place to enforce security expectations across their supply chain. This layer of accountability ensures your provider’s partners are just as committed to protecting your data.
5. Ask About Testing, Audits, and Transparency
Cybersecurity isn’t static — threats evolve constantly. That’s why responsible providers test their systems regularly and are open about the results.
Ask about their penetration testing and vulnerability scanning schedule. How often do they perform these tests, and who conducts them? Independent third-party assessments carry more weight than internal reviews.
You can also request redacted audit reports or summaries to confirm they follow through on their security claims. A provider that’s confident in their defenses won’t shy away from sharing audit results or lessons learned from past incidents.
Further Reading: The Importance of Network Security Assessments for SMBs
6. Review Their Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
Prevention is only one side of cybersecurity — resilience is the other. No system is flawless, so it’s important to know how quickly your provider can bounce back from disruptions.
Ask whether backups are tested regularly and stored securely off-site. What’s their recovery time objective (RTO) and recovery point objective (RPO)?
A capable provider should have a documented disaster recovery plan and the ability to restore service swiftly after an outage or cyberattack. Business continuity planning is the difference between a short inconvenience and a major operational setback.
Further Reading: Data Backup and Recovery-The Questions You Need to Ask
7. Consider Their Culture and Team Expertise
Finally, cybersecurity is as much about people as it is about technology. The best providers foster a culture of security awareness across every level of their organization.
Ask how often employees receive cybersecurity training and whether phishing simulations or awareness programs are in place. Find out if they have dedicated security professionals or rely solely on external partners.
A provider with a knowledgeable, proactive team is far more likely to catch and prevent issues before they impact you.
Ready to Strengthen Your Cybersecurity Strategy?
Choosing a cybersecurity provider isn’t about checking boxes — it’s about finding a partner who shares your commitment to protecting your business. The right provider will welcome your questions, offer transparent answers, and demonstrate a clear, consistent approach to safeguarding data.
At Just Solutions, we help businesses build resilience through proactive cybersecurity and dependable IT support. If you’d like help evaluating your current security posture or assessing a new provider, contact our team for a consultation.