Lizeth GeorgeCredit unions, more than ever, need a security-focused managed IT service provider to help relieve the burden of maintaining, monitoring, and securing their internal IT networks.
Selecting a provider is not as easy as searching for the most affordable option or picking the provider with the best reviews. It requires a deeper look.
The cheapest option may not provide all the support your business needs, the best reviews may offer services unnecessary for your business, and not all managed service providers are familiar with the unique regulations credit unions face.
To put it simply, if you want to get the most out of your IT support services, you must do some research. If you haven’t spent a lot of time in the world of IT, it can be difficult to figure out where to even begin with your research.
If you’ve found yourself in this situation previously or you are interested in your IT support options, we’ve got you covered.
Managed IT Services
In this option, the IT services company works with your in-house IT department for a fixed and agreed-upon monthly rate. If you don’t currently have an IT department, then the managed services provider can become your IT team. They’ll install, support, and maintain all the users, devices and PCs connected to your network on a routine basis. They will even take care of your hardware and software needs for an extra cost. If you’re trying to plan for a monthly budget or want routine maintenance and IT support, this option will work wonders for your business.
The managed IT approach is undoubtedly the most cost-effective and smartest option for any business. With managed IT services, your business will be protected from IT-related problems, and they will keep your systems up and running. They can mitigate common “disasters” such as lost devices, hardware failures, fires, natural disasters, and a host of other issues that can interrupt or outright destroy your IT infrastructure and the data it holds.
Essential Security Services
In this option, the IT service company will implement security services that are essential for your business. While you can purchase security services ad hoc, these services are best paired with a managed IT service plan.
Advanced Malware Detection & Prevention
Using artificial intelligence and machine learning, this anti-virus solution can detect and prevent malware from executing on your endpoints.
Email Defense Spam Filtering
Email defense spam filtering uses cloud-based tools to provide a protective gateway that integrates with Exchange, Office 365, and Gmail.
Domain Name System (DNS) Content Filtering
A customizable internet blocker that allows you to deny your users access to a variety of websites that present security threats.
Dark Web Monitoring
This service provides continuous monitoring and reporting of both domain and personal credentials on the dark web.
Security Awareness Training
Our security awareness training program improves your security posture by educating your employees to spot threats and respond effectively.
Hardware As A Service (HaaS)
Another option that would work well for your business is using a company that offers a device as a service. HaaS provides the physical equipment and software used in the business, which are workstations, laptops, servers, firewalls, switches, etc. Combined with a managed services plan, you’ll get everything that managed IT services offers with the addition of new hardware, software, and support.
This service ensures that your business is always up to date with the newest software and hardware. The greatest benefit of hardware as a service is that you’ll avoid the heavy cost of new hardware and software when you need it.
Break Fix IT Support
Break-fix means you pay an agreed-upon hourly rate for a technician to “fix” a problem when something “breaks.” It’s a simple and straightforward way to pay for IT services but often doesn’t work in your favor and can lead you to pay more for basic services.
The break fix method would only be recommended if you already have an IT team, and you need additional support for a problem that your current IT team does not have the expertise to resolve.
Under the break-fix model, the IT company responds to issues to fix something that is broken. There is no ongoing monitoring or documentation of the environment. The break-fix model does not supply ongoing maintenance and monitoring, which computer networks need to stay secure, stable, and reliable.
Conclusion
Choosing the right IT option for your business can take time and is certainly not something you want to rush into. Take your time and do your research to find the best option to fit your needs.
Dynamic Quest is the preferred IT partner of LEVERAGE. Our team has decades of experience working with credit unions of varying sizes. We understand the security requirements credit unions must comply with. To learn more about how LEVERAGE and Dynamic Quest can assist your credit union, please email consult@myleverage.com.
