In the fast-paced digital world, businesses are constantly exposed to a variety of cyber threats. Whether it’s data breaches, ransomware attacks, or phishing attempts, the risks are ever-evolving and becoming increasingly sophisticated.
In this complex cyber security landscape, choosing the right cyber security consultant is crucial to safeguarding your digital assets and sensitive information. But with so many options available, how do you know who the right consultant is for you?
In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the key questions you should be asking when choosing a cyber security consultant to ensure the protection of your digital world. Plus, we’ll explain why SupPortal could be that partner.
What are your business needs?
Before you even start your journey to finding a cyber security consultant, you must first figure out exactly what your business needs are in terms of cyber security. There are many different aspects of cyber security – network security, data protection, cyber security awareness, incident response, and many more – some of which will be relevant to your business, and others which will not.
Once you know which cyber security solutions are relevant to your business, you’ll find the process of finding the right consultant much easier. If you’re not familiar with cyber security and are unsure which solutions you need, you can get in touch with a cyber security expert to find out. We’re here to help.
Do they offer what you need?
It seems obvious but it’s worth checking, as not all cyber security consultants are able to offer the same level of service. You don’t want to end up agreeing to work with someone who is unable to provide the protection you and your business need.
Take a look at the services we offer here.
What experience and expertise do they have?
A key step to choosing a cyber security consultant is to assess the expertise and experience they have. You should look for experts who have a proven track record in the specific areas of cybersecurity that matter most to your business. To do this, you may want to investigate their past projects, certifications, and industry affiliations. You can also ask the consultant to provide case studies and references, which will give you an insight into their previous work and the outcomes they achieved.
It’s also worth noting if the cyber security consultant appears to have a deep understanding of your industry. In order to protect you to the best of your ability, the consultant must know about the unique challenges you are likely to face in your specific industry.
Find out what experience and expertise SupPortal has here.
What credentials do they have?
Certifications and credentials can be strong indicators of a consultant’s capabilities and commitment to their profession. They demonstrate a commitment to staying up-to-date with industry best practices and maintaining a high level of expertise. Ideally, you want to be working with consultants who hold relevant certifications in cybersecurity, such as a Crest Registered Penetration Tester (CRT). SupPortal are pleased to hold this certification.
Do they have a good reputation?
Someone’s reputation within an industry says a lot about them, and this should not be ignored. If they are providing effective solutions, maintaining client confidentiality, and acting with integrity, then they will quickly build up a positive reputation.
To get a clearer picture on a consultant’s reputation, you can:
- Check online reviews and testimonials: Look for feedback from previous clients to gain insights into their experiences and how satisfied they were.
- Ask for references: Request a list of references from the consultant and reach out to these individuals or businesses to inquire about their experiences.
Remember, a cyber security expert with a strong reputation is much more likely to deliver on their promises and provide you with cyber security you can truly rely on.
Does the cost work for you?
Although cyber security has become a necessity for businesses, budget constraints are a reality. With cybersecurity consulting services varying widely in cost, it’s important to evaluate what is and isn’t realistic for your business.
When considering potential consultants, look at their pricing structure and how it aligns with your budget, but don’t let it be the decider when making that all important choice. The value and expertise that a consultant brings to your business are often more critical than the upfront cost. Plus, you could end up losing a lot more money if you don’t have the right security solutions in place.
Do they seem trustworthy?
Client confidentiality and ethical conduct are non-negotiable when it comes to cyber security. The consultant you choose must be committed to upholding high ethical standards and maintaining complete client confidentiality. After all, you are trusting them with your sensitive and private information, as well as the security of your digital assets. If you feel that their integrity is compromised, then we recommend that you find another consultant to work with.
How is their availability and response time?
When it comes to a cyber security threat, time is of the essence. Your consultant needs to be able to act with speed, making responsiveness a key element in choosing the right consultant. When evaluating potential consultants, ask about their availability and response time in the event of a cybersecurity incident. Ensure that they have a clear incident response plan in place and can provide support when you need it most.
Staying protected with SupPortal
At SupPortal, we work with businesses to prioritise their cyber safety.
Whether it’s a security breach from cyber criminals, viruses, malware or even an accidental employee breach, we can help. We provide a range of CSaaS solutions including Managed Cyber Security subscriptions, Cyber Security Assessments, Cyber Security Awareness Training, Cyber Incident Response and Disaster Recovery.
If you’d like to talk further about how SupPortal can help keep you and your business safe, chat to us at 02380982218.
