Legislation of IT Service Providers: What to Look For When Considering Services & IT Needs

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Legislation of IT Service Providers: What to Look For When Considering Services & IT Needs

It was only a matter of time before governments began regulating MSP and IT service providers. They hold an important role in overall cybersecurity and technology operations because they service the technology infrastructure of multiple businesses.

In a first-of-its-kind regulation, the state of Louisiana enacted a new law that requires MSPs (managed services providers) and IT providers to register with the Louisiana Secretary of State.

The registration must be filed regularly and kept updated, and the new law requires reporting of any cyber incidents and ransomware payments. It also includes public access to certain information related to cybersecurity incidents so companies can make an informed decision about the firm they trust with their technology systems and data. 

While Louisiana is the first to enact legislation of this kind, they’re likely just the spearhead, and you can expect other states to follow suit as the cybersecurity landscape becomes more dangerous.

Managed services providers are in a unique position in that they oversee the systems of many different clients. Should an IT service provider have a breach, it can instantly impact the companies for which they provide services. This is due to the fact that most MSPs use automated systems that connect to their clients’ devices, which allow for things like patch and update management, monitoring, and threat mitigation.

One recent example of an MSP breach impacting thousands of customers was the ransomware attack that impacted Kaseya software. This is a company that provides that remote connection software to MSPs. The software itself was attacked, and this attack trickled down through managed services providers to their company clients.

What Should You Look for When Considering a Managed IT Services Provider?

Puts Security First for Themselves & You

You want to work with an IT provider that puts security first, not only when discussing your technology with you but also for their own systems.

Don’t be shy about asking a potential IT partner what type of security systems they use. Or whether they use the same types of protection on their devices that they’re recommending you use. 

You can tell if an IT provider has security at top of mind by how often it’s mentioned when discussing your various IT infrastructure areas. For example, when discussing cloud software, cloud security should come up. When looking at remote solutions for your work-from-home team, device security should be part of the discussion.

Has Partnerships with Top Software Manufacturers

To be a Microsoft Partner or a partner with another software company, an MSP has to uphold certain requirements and standards. When you see that an IT provider has partnerships with top software providers it’s a sign that they maintain high standards and do things “by the book.”

For example, C Solutions has partnerships with:

  • Microsoft
  • Trend Micro
  • Acronis
  • Barracuda
  • Backblaze

Understands Your Business & Listens

When an IT provider comes in and just starts telling you what you’ve (or your former IT provider has) done wrong, but doesn’t take time to listen to your needs, it’s a red flag.

Being a good MSP is about listening to clients, understanding their challenges, successes, and needs. And after that, applying our knowledge and expertise to find solutions where they’re needed and enhance what is already working well.

Ensure you’re working with an IT provider that takes the time to fully understand your business so they can understand how technology needs to support it.

Is Transparent About Risks

Nothing is 100% guaranteed in most cases in life. If you have an IT provider tell you that their antivirus will keep you from ever having another attack again, run fast. This just isn’t realistic.

While there are many protective technologies out there that can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to an attack, there can always be an area of uncertainty. This is due to the speed at which cyber attacks continue to evolve.

An honest and reliable IT provider will be upfront about protections and risks and won’t promise you the moon. 

Holds IT Industry Certification

Another sign of a good IT provider and one that follows industry standards to ensure quality of service is when they have an IT industry certification. There are specific education and skills requirements needed to earn these.

One of the standards is the CompTIA A+ Certified. This certification requires two examinations that involve a wide range of IT-related skill sets, including:

  • Cybersecurity
  • Understanding of OS configurations (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Chrome OS, Android)
  • Troubleshooting & problem-solving skills
  • Understanding of IT infrastructure and networking
  • Configuration and support of PC, mobile, and IoT device hardware
  • Implementation of backup and recovery best practices

Looking for a Trusted IT Provider in the Orlando Area?

C Solutions can help your Orlando area business with a wide range of technology needs, from networking to device management to cybersecurity, and more.

Schedule a free consultation today! Call 407-536-8381 or reach us online.