Australia is a country that boasts a wealth of talented IT specialists, whether it be for general IT services or robust cyber security solutions. Choosing the right company for you isn’t so much a matter of whether one company is good and the other not so good. It’s more about what services, experience and protocols suit you and your business best.
In this post, we’ll take a look at some handy tips on choosing the right IT services company and whether managed IT services or cyber security services is the best choice.
What Are Managed IT Services and Cyber Security Services
Just in case you’re not fully aware, we’ll go over a very quick explanation of each.
Managed IT services basically mean you’ll hire an IT firm to handle your IT requirements. This can include things like installing computer systems, setting up networks, along with troubleshooting any issues and performing upgrades. In general, ongoing system management.
Cyber security is all about ensuring your business IT system is secure and guarded against potential data loss, cyber incidents and cybercrime.
Why Cyber Security is Crucial to Business
Cyber threats are rising in number and becoming more complex, highlighting the need for well-planned cyber security measures. Ransomware, phishing, and supply chain attacks are among the top threats identified in the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) Cyber Threat Report 2023-2024.
Ransomware attacks now often involve double extortion, where criminals threaten to release stolen data if ransoms aren’t paid. Phishing schemes are also on the rise, exploiting human errors to access sensitive information.
A few years ago, the Australian Government warned about a cyber-attack targeting various sectors, including government, industry, education, and critical infrastructure. The Minister of Defence recommended patching your devices, using multi-factor authentication, and partnering with the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).
Today, the ACSC recommends aligning with the Essential 8 framework. It is a structured approach to managing cyber security risks that focuses on basic security practices to address typical vulnerabilities.
How Managed IT Services Can Supercharge Your Business
Imagine getting expert assistance from professionals with specialised knowledge when you need them most – even if you don’t have your own in-house IT crew. Managed IT Services ensure your IT systems are in good hands, so your team can focus on what they do best without worrying about tech issues.
Managed IT Services also help cut operational costs. Your need for in-house IT staff is reduced, along with all associated expenses. Also, because it can minimise downtime through proactive maintenance and quick problem-solving, your team’s efficiency improves and they can do more with less.
Here’s a few more things about Managed IT:
- It gives you access to the latest tech innovations like AI and automation.
- It helps you make the most of your cloud resources, whether you scale your cloud usage up or down as needed, saving you money and improving efficiency.
- Its proactive monitoring and maintenance ensure your security measures are always up-to-date – protecting your business from cyber threats and reducing downtime risk.
Overall, Managed IT Services can support the long-term success of your organisation. But now, the question is…
Should You Choose One or the Other?
For a well-rounded, safe and secure IT system, you really need both. Realistically, a quality IT company should be able to provide both managed IT services along with cyber security services. The company you choose may offer each service as a separate package or include both in the one convenient price, but either way, for your business to run efficiently with minimal downtime and to be secure, you’ll want both services included in your business budget. After all, there’s very little point having an awesome computer system that’s well-maintained if it’s not entirely safe from cyber-criminals or potential loss of vital data.
The two services really go hand-in -hand and any modern business would be putting themselves at a disadvantage by only choosing one option.
Finding the Right Local Cyber Security Services
Before you can determine what’s the right fit for you and your business, you need to work out your IT and cyber security requirements as well as your budget. Your budget needs to cover setup costs as well as ongoing or flat-rate fees for cyber security services.
One way to start your search for the right cyber security provider is to jump online. Check out the “About” pages of the companies, so you get an idea of the services they offer, how many years they’ve been in business and what the goals of the company are regarding their customers.
If you’re looking for cyber security solutions in Brisbane or in Cairns, then give the team at Future IT Services a call. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will answer any queries you may have, and we can take care of your digital protection needs.