Choosing a partner to manage your organisation’s IT and cybersecurity is one of the most critical decisions a business can make. In a digital world fraught with threats, you need a provider who is not only technically competent but also transparent and strategically aligned with your best interests. However, not all providers are created equal.
Some may prioritise selling high-margin products over implementing foundational, effective security measures. This can leave your business exposed, even while you are paying for a service you believe is comprehensive. To help you navigate this complex landscape, here are some potential warning signs that your IT or cybersecurity provider’s approach may not be as robust as it should be.
1. The Immediate Offer of Monitoring (SOC/SIEM)
If the first solution a provider proposes is a Security Operations Centre (SOC) or a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platform, it is worth pausing to ask why.
- What are they? In simple terms, SOC and SIEM services are focused on monitoring your network activity to detect potential threats. They are designed to watch for and alert you to suspicious behaviour.
- The Potential Issue: While monitoring is an important component of a mature cybersecurity strategy, it should not be the starting point. Effective security begins with prevention. A provider who leads with expensive monitoring solutions without first addressing fundamental controls—such as robust access controls, regular software patching, and secure system configurations—may be focusing on a high-cost service that offers less preventative protection. It is akin to installing a sophisticated camera system around a house before fitting locks on the doors. Detection is important, but preventing entry in the first place is paramount.
2. Presenting MDR or XDR as the Ultimate Solution
Another common scenario is the promotion of Managed Detection and Response (MDR) or Extended Detection and Response (XDR) as a fix-all for your cybersecurity challenges.
- What are they? MDR and XDR are essentially advanced antivirus services combined with 24/7 human monitoring. They aim to detect, investigate, and respond to threats that bypass traditional preventative measures.
- The Potential Issue: The very existence of MDR and XDR highlights a crucial point: traditional antivirus is often no longer effective enough on its own. These services are necessary because baseline protections can fail. A provider who presents MDR or XDR as a complete solution, without explaining its role within a wider, layered security strategy, may not fully grasp the complexities of cyber defence. They may simply be reselling a product rather than providing expert, tailored guidance. Did your provider explain that this technology is a response to the ineffectiveness of older methods, or was it sold as an impenetrable shield?
3. The ‘We Have Everything Covered’ Assurance
Cybersecurity is an immensely broad and complex field, encompassing more than a hundred distinct areas of control and specialisation. If your IT or Managed Service Provider (MSP) claims they have “all your cybersecurity covered,” it could be a significant red flag.
- The Reality: It is highly improbable that a single provider, particularly a generalist IT provider, has successfully mastered and implemented every necessary security control for your organisation. This kind of blanket statement can create a dangerous false sense of security.
- The Aftermath: Too often, after a business suffers a cyber attack, the leadership team is left asking, “I thought our MSP was managing that.” The gap between a client’s expectations and the specific services outlined in a contract can be vast. A reputable provider will be clear about what is and is not covered, and will work with you to identify and address any gaps, rather than offering hollow assurances. Many companies that are successfully hacked are using an MSP, which underscores the importance of clarity and genuine expertise.
Building a Truly Secure Partnership
A strategic and trustworthy cybersecurity partner will prioritise understanding your business and building your defences from the ground up. They will focus on foundational protections first, recommend advanced tools only when appropriate, and be transparent about the scope of their services.
If the points raised in this article cause you concern, it may be time to reassess the support you are receiving.
For a clear, strategic approach to cybersecurity, contact Vertex. We are committed to providing expert guidance and building resilient security foundations for our clients. Visit our website to learn more about our comprehensive services.