
What Is A Cybersecurity Company?
A cybersecurity company is an agency that helps organizations keep their electronic information safe from malicious attacks.
Due to the increased internet and online data usage and the growth in hacker attacks, these firms represent a type of business that has become a key partner for all sectors that perform any online activities.
They offer a full scope of services that include:
- Software tools
- Consulting
- Outsourced technology support
- Managed services
- Penetration testing
- Vulnerability analysis
- Systems auditing
Data is one of the most valuable assets businesses possess.
It is a key element that helps you inform various decisions - from making investments to creating marketing campaigns and developing products.
However, a huge part of this information is sensitive which makes it valuable for hackers and cybercriminals.
The bottom line: it puts your business, your financial gain and customers at risk.
This is where cybersecurity companies become helpful.
What Do Cyber Security Companies Do?
The key offerings of cybersecurity firms include:
Anti-Virus Protection
One of the most basic forms of cybersecurity is anti-virus, malware and spyware protection.
These safeguarding systems are typically in the form of downloadable software that prevents, detects and removes unwanted or hidden programs that somehow attach themselves to your computer.
Computer viruses, malware (or malicious software) and spyware are dangerous to companies because they have the potential to collect information or damage existing programs on your computer server.
For companies that deal with confidential, important or sensitive information, a digital breach could mean serious legal and business ramifications in the future.
Safe Storage
Considering the fact that we are fully-ingrained in a digital world, an increased number of businesses are straying from physical information storage to cloud-based.
While this shift improves productivity for companies, it also increases the likelihood of data breaches.
Cyber security companies in the US have systems and experts in place who are well-versed in protecting data stored digitally -- especially on well-known and reputable cloud storage platforms.
Threat Detection
Perhaps the biggest benefit cybersecurity companies bring to the table is the near-immediate ability to detect any digital threats.
The term covers anything that has the potential to cause damage to digital platforms.
Not every threat is a real danger to your system. However, some may be, and early detection is the key to stopping data breaches and saving as much sensitive information as possible before it’s too late.
Incident Response
After a cyber security company detects a threat and confirms it is malicious they issue an automatic incident response.
This fast solution to any digital danger is the key to stopping it and protecting your business.
Cybersecurity firms can also help recover information and secure data after complex or large-scale breaches.
This alleviates stress on your internal employees while ensuring you have the best-of-the-best on call to secure your company’s information if needed, without shelling out for a full-time in-house team.
Monitor Safety
Ultimately, we recommend every business, big or small, invest in a cybersecurity and risk management team for the peace of mind it affords.
These programs and companies are continually monitoring your company’s digital presence, and ultimately empower you to focus your energy on the task at hand while they manage internet safety.
There’s no bigger disaster than compromising your business’s important information -- or worse, your clients’ or consumers’ data.
By partnering with a great risk management firm, your brand can avoid a logistical headache, public relations nightmare and potential legal ramifications that data breaches bring.
The Most Common Types Of Cyber Attacks That IT Security Companies Prevent
Cyber attacks come in many different forms, which is part of what makes cyber security and such a complex field.
Some common attacks that professional cyber security companies take measures to guard against include:
- Malware: It is a combination of the words “malicious” and “software”. Malware infects a system or computer, allowing the attacker to use that system for any number of malicious purposes (ie; spamming, data theft, etc.) The term malware includes things like viruses, spyware and trojans.
- Ransomware: It is a type of malware (combining the words “ransom” and “software”). In a ransomware attack, cyber criminals hijack a system or files and demand a ransom (paid in the cryptocurrency, Bitcoin) in return for the release of the materials back to the owner.
- Phishing: If you have an email address, you’ve probably been exposed to a phishing attack at some point or another. Phishing is when attackers impersonate a legitimate company or person in an effort to extract personal information (account credentials, credit card numbers, etc.)
- Denial-of-service: They are also called DoS attacks and entail making a system or platform inaccessible to its users. These attacks are executed by sending influxes of traffic to a system to exceed capacity, or by otherwise deliberately orchestrating a crash.
- SQL injection: It happens when attackers insert malevolent code into a server that uses a structured query language injection to reveal specific information.
- Man-in-the-middle: This attack involves hackers inserting themselves into a two-party transaction. They are capable of interrupting traffic and stealing data.
How Much Do Cybersecurity Firms Charge For Their Services?
Considering the fact that cybersecurity companies in the USA vary in size and shape, they will offer several pricing structures and different fees.
While the most common option is the cost per hour, you can expect to see rates that range between $15 and $200.
Some factors that will influence this fee are:
- Company location
- Company stature
- Project complexity
- Type of services
Project-based pricing, on the other hand, varies between $1,000 and $50,000.
Why Hire A Cyber Security Company?
Cyber attacks cost businesses $3.5 billion in 2019. (FBI)
And the top three reported attacks were:
- Phishing/vishing/smishing/pharming
- Non-payment/non-delivery
- Extortion
The most affected US state was California.
Another report by Cisco reveals that the five biggest threats in 2019 were:
- DNS hijacking
- Remote access trojans (RATs)
- Threats in encrypted traffic
- Office 365 phishing
- Social media and black markets
Juniper Research projects that cybercrime business losses will reach $5 trillion by 2024.
Cyber attackers exploit vulnerabilities in companies’ IT environments:
- To make a political or social point
- To destroy or alter data
- For financial gain
- For intellectual challenges
This may cost businesses a loss of valuable data, money, customers and reputation. So, cyber security is something that they cannot afford to let fall to chance.
Partnering with a professional cyber security company will help in:
- Following data protection rules and regulations
- Committing to cybersecurity compliance
- Staying up-to-date on cybersecurity trends
These specialized IT security companies have the know-how and the tools to:
- Protect your data from unauthorized access
- Protect your customers and increase their confidence and loyalty
- Increase your business productivity
- Improve information security and business continuity management
- Ensure faster recovery times in the event of a breach
- And more
How To Choose The Best Cybersecurity Firm?
While the search for the best cyber security company can be a tricky process, here are a few factors to consider that will save time and effort in the long run:
Step #1: Discover If They Have The Relevant Experience
Cybersecurity is a complex issue and one that is top of mind for businesses who know they need to minimize risk and protect themselves from threats.
This is why experience is the number one factor you should look for in a cybersecurity partner, as it’s the best indicator that the company has the expertise on staff to handle even the most complex security issues.
To understand every potential cyber security company’s experience, be sure to ask questions about past projects as well as the training of the employees who will be working on your account.
Step #2: Understand If They Offer Custom Solutions
Many cyber security companies offer pre-packaged services that they can implement quickly and easily.
However, since digital security is a risk-based process, not the same package will work for every single client.
The cybersecurity needs of every company are unique. There isn’t a one size fits all solution that a vendor can offer to satisfy every customer.
Less reputable companies may try to talk you into solutions that aren’t right for you but are easy for them to execute. Don’t take the bait.
Top cybersecurity companies offer solutions that are tailored to the needs of each individual client.
So, before going into meetings, be sure that your company has a clear understanding of what your goals and objectives are so these can be conveyed to the vendors you interview.
Step #3: See If They Have Transparent Reporting
With any vendor partnership, it’s important for the client to be in the loop on the work the vendor is doing on their behalf.
Though cybersecurity is a highly technical field, the company you work with should still be able to clearly articulate what work is being done on your behalf, and what the outcomes will be.
The cyber security company you hire should set expectations for regular reporting and communication so that you’re secure in the knowledge that your investment is being well-spent, and that your company’s security is protected.
Step #4: Find Out Who Will Work On Your Project
In addition to custom strategies and solid protection, the best cybersecurity companies should be backed by competent and experienced experts
Therefore, before you commit to an agency, understand the company’s team size, who will work on your project precisely and what training and certifications they have.
Moreover, determine the level of account management support, incident response assistance and even onboarding help that they are prepared to give.
If that doesn’t align with your needs, particularly if you’re hoping for more one-on-one attention, it is likely not the right company for you.
Step #5: Check Their Reputation
Protecting your business’s important information is one of the few expenses that is well worth it.
So, even if the price is right, don’t settle for a company with anything less than glowing reviews and shining notoriety.
Find out what past clients say to find out how trustworthy the potential cybersecurity companies are and learn if they have any recognition for stellar work and strong protection.
Step #6: Find Out What Type Of Clients They Serve
The best IT security companies usually work with businesses in many industries, most of whom they should be willing to state their happiness with the security agency on-record.
However, what you particularly should find out is if these firms have worked with any of your competitors, brands in your industry or secured similar data files (and the success rate).
Their familiarity with your needs will be a strong indicator of their ability to protect your information.
Step #7: Understand If They Have Creative Problem Solving Skills
Cybersecurity might not seem like the most creative field, but innovative thinking is invaluable in the security and risk management industry.
Top cybersecurity companies value rigorous, analytical thinking in their employees, but they also recognize the importance of being able to come up with creative solutions to difficult problems.
You want to work with a team that is passionate about their field and committed to learning. These traits mean the company is open-minded and flexible - two essential qualities in a field that changes as rapidly as technology does.
Step #8: Ask About Their Pricing Structures
Once you have determined if an agency is competent and reliable enough to protect your information properly, make sure you understand their pricing structure and what you’ll be entitled to.
Some United States cybersecurity companies may make you pay extra for additional support in the event of a catastrophe, but you certainly don’t want to wait until you’re in the thick of a scandal to learn that.
Finally, ask if you will need to use their service or company for a specific amount of time - you don’t want to get stuck with a service if you determine it’s not satisfactory.
Then enlist the help of your legal department to put every detail into a comprehensive contract to protect your business and guarantee success.
25 Questions To Ask Cyber Security Companies Before You Hire One
These are the key questions that you should ask every potential cyber security company to make the right choice:
Services
Cybersecurity is a complex field and not every business needs the same amount of protection.
Assess the amount of data you need to be protected, where it is stored, then find the reputable company that suits your needs.
Questions to address:
- What cybersecurity or risk management services do you offer?
- Does your company offer any other business, marketing or cybersecurity-related services?
- What data or information does your business protect?
- Will we need to perform any system updates or digital improvements before we begin utilizing your company?
- Do you have a team in place to help or manage this?
- How long will it be until we are fully protected?
Support
Although plenty of cybersecurity is automated, there may be times when you need additional human support - if you have a question, billing issue or worse, a true security breach.
Ask the questions below to determine how much additional support and account management you could expect if you were to work with an agency:
- Who will be our point of contact?
- Will we receive regular security updates?
- Do you plan on placing one or more employees in our office as a consultant? Why or why not?
- Who should we call in case of a security breach?
- Who will respond if we have a high-grade security breach? How long will that take and how involved will they be?
Process
The process of downloading or onboarding a new cybersecurity system looks vastly different for every company.
But if you’re looking for major, comprehensive protection, you’ll need a dedicated team to facilitate a smooth transition that doesn’t leave any security gaps open.
Make sure you have a clear understanding of how the implementation process will work.
- How does your company protect our data and information?
- Will this require software installations, system updates, etc.?
- What is the alert process if the system finds a breach at varying levels? Who will be notified and when?
- What do you consider a low-grade or high-grade threat and why?
Data
Most importantly, businesses need to know what data is protected and to what degree.
So, don’t let the logistics of the process overshadow the most important questions: how protected you will be and how you will secure your data in the event of a digital breach.
Ask the top cybersecurity companies these questions:
- What information of ours will be protected?
- Is any data currently at risk?
- Will any data be at risk after partnering with you? What is that risk?
- If client or customer data is exploited and we need to inform them, who will handle that communication?
- If a cybersecurity breach results in legal and/or governmental ramifications, who will be held responsible?
- Can you tell us about a few security breaches and how your company and/or staff rectified the situation?
Cost
Just as services and support vary in cybersecurity companies, so does pricing.
Ask the questions below to fully comprehend how their structure works, what data is protected, how a risk management company will act in the event of a data breach and how long your information will be safe:
- How much do your services cost?
- Are their tiers to your pricing structure?
- How long are we protected for?
- What digital and personal support are we entitled to at that cost?
Takeaways On Cybersecurity Companies
IT security companies help brands like yours keep valuable data safe, establish a reputation and get loyal and returning clients.
They offer a full scope of services including:
- Anti-virus protection
- Safe storage
- Threats detection
- Incident response
- Monitor safety
They typically charge for their services on hourly rates and their cost ranges between $15 and $200.
To choose the best partner for your business needs, make sure you:
- Discover if they have the relevant experience
- Understand if they offer custom solutions
- See if they have transparent reporting
- Find out who will work on your project
- Check their reputation
- Find out what type of clients they serve
- Understand if they have creative problem-solving skills
- Ask about their pricing structures
Best of luck!
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