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When helping a customer come up with a network security solution, there are a multitude of things VARs can do to help ease their clients’ transition and setup. Network security is an integral part of business today, and with hacking and identity theft concerns taking center stage of many network discussions, helping customers to feel more secure is a must. There are a few things VARs can do when consulting with customers to help them build the security network that’s the best fit for their businesses.
First, you must identify the data the client would like to secure. Hackers aren’t just looking for customer’s credit card and banking information. They are also interested in sensitive personal data such as SSNs, names, addresses, birth dates. There is also value to hackers in medical records and health information for identity theft.
VARs should also be aware that a PCI or HIPPA compliance certificate does not necessarily guarantee a network’s security. Addressing network security first will help an organization to fulfill these particular compliance mandates, however. Companies need to be educated on network security best practices and how to implement them within their organization.
Creating a fully secure network does require investing in resources such as personnel and equipment. Network security is a 24/7/356 job, and many organizations do not have the internal resources for this responsibility. It requires a full-time, dedicated team of professionals to combat hackers, and there can be a shortage of highly trained security experts. It’s because of this that many smaller companies may need to look at outsourcing their security functions to a managed security service provider (MSSP). Once a company identifies which cyber assets need to be protected, their required compliance mandates and internal IT limitations, they can put together a list of requirements they may need from an MSSP.
Network security is certainly one area in which VARs and end-users should not skimp on purchasing and assembling the best solutions for the job. With the threat of hacking and security issues not going away any time soon, it’s important to ensure that your clients will be protected and secure for a long time.
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