Are you worried about the security of your network? Do you want to protect your business from cyberattacks, data breaches, and downtime? If so, you might be wondering how much it would cost to hire a professional IT support company to manage your network security.
So, let's check how much managed network security costs in Ireland and what factors affect the price. This blog post will answer these questions and help you understand the value of managed network security for your business.
What is Managed Network Security?
Managed network security is a type of managed IT service that focuses on securing your network from external and internal threats. It includes monitoring, maintenance, updates, backups, firewalls, antivirus, encryption, VPN, and more. Managed network security can help you reduce the risk of cyber threats, improve performance, and save money.
Managed network security covers various aspects of network security, such as:
Network Monitoring
This involves keeping an eye on your network activity and performance, detecting and resolving any issues, and preventing potential problems.
Network monitoring can help you identify and stop cyberattacks, such as denial-of-service (DoS), ransomware, phishing, and malware. It can also help you optimise your network speed and availability.
Network Maintenance
This involves keeping your network devices and software up-to-date, patched, and configured properly. Network maintenance can help you avoid security, bugs, and compatibility issues. It can also help you enhance your network's functionality, efficiency, and reliability.
Network Backup
This involves creating and storing copies of your network data and settings, either on-site or off-site, in case of a disaster or data loss. Network backup can help you recover your network quickly and easily without compromising your security or productivity.
Network Firewall
This involves setting up and managing a barrier between your network and the internet, blocking unwanted traffic, and allowing authorised traffic. A network firewall can help you protect your network from hackers, malware, and other malicious actors. It can also help you control and monitor your network access and usage.
Network Antivirus
This involves installing and updating software that scans and removes viruses, worms, and other malicious programmes from your network devices. Network antivirus can help you prevent and eliminate infections that can compromise your network security and performance.
Network Encryption
This involves converting your network data into an unreadable format using a secret key to prevent unauthorised access or tampering. Network encryption can help you secure your network communication and transmission, especially when using wireless or public networks.
Network VPN
This involves creating and managing a secure and private connection between your network and a remote network, such as a cloud service or a branch office. A network VPN can help you access and share network resources securely without exposing your network to the internet.
How Much Does Managed Network Security Cost in Ireland?
The cost of managed network security in Ireland depends on several factors, such as:
The size and complexity of your network
The more network devices, users, and locations you have, the more network security you need, and the higher the cost.
For example, a small business with 10 network devices and one location might pay less than a large enterprise with 100 network devices and multiple locations.
The level and scope of service you require
The more network security services you need and the more comprehensive and customised they are, the higher the cost.
For example, a basic network security package that includes network monitoring, maintenance, and backup might cost less than a premium network security package that includes a network firewall, antivirus, encryption, and VPN.
The quality and reputation of the IT support company you choose
The more qualified, experienced, and reputable the IT support company is, the more value they can provide and the higher the cost.
For example, an IT support company that has industry certifications, awards, and testimonials might charge more than an IT support company that does not have these credentials.
The average annual cost is €1,200 per network device. This means that if you have 50 network devices, you might pay around €60,000 per year for managed IT services, including managed network security. However, this is only a rough estimate, as the actual cost may vary depending on the factors mentioned above.
How to Find the Best Managed Network Security Provider for Your Business Needs and Budget?
Finding the best managed network security provider for your business needs and budget can be a challenging task. There are many factors to consider, such as the size and complexity of your network, the level and scope of service you require, the quality and reputation of the provider, and the cost and value of the service.
To help you with your search, here are some tips and steps you can follow:
Define your network security goals and requirements
Before you start looking for a provider, you should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and what you need from a managed network security service.
For example, do you want to improve your network performance, reduce your network security risk, comply with specific regulations, or achieve a certain level of security maturity? What are the main network security challenges and pain points you face? What are the network security services and features you need, such as network monitoring, firewall, antivirus, encryption, VPN, etc.?
Research and compare different providers
Once you have defined your network security goals and requirements, you can start researching and comparing different providers that offer managed network security services. You can use various sources of information, such as online reviews, testimonials, case studies, awards, certifications, etc.
Evaluate and shortlist potential providers
After you have done your research and comparisons, you can select a few potential providers that meet your network security goals and requirements. You can then evaluate and shortlist them based on factors such as their experience and expertise, their service offerings and capabilities, their customer service and support, their pricing and value, and their reputation and reliability.
You can also ask for references and testimonials from their existing or previous clients to verify their claims and performance.
Request and review proposals and quotes
The next step is to request and review proposals and quotes from the shortlisted providers. You should ask for detailed and customised proposals that outline the scope, deliverables, timeline, and cost of the managed network security service. You should also ask for a breakdown of the fees and charges, as well as the terms and conditions of the contract.
You should review the proposals and quotes carefully and compare them with your network security goals and requirements, as well as with those of other providers. You should also look for any hidden or extra costs, such as setup fees, maintenance fees, or cancellation fees.
Choose the best provider for your business
The final step is to choose the best provider for your business based on the proposals and quotes, as well as your own evaluation and comparison. You should choose the provider that offers the best value for your money, that meets or exceeds your network security expectations, and that has a proven track record of delivering high-quality and reliable managed network security services.
You should also choose a provider that you trust and feel comfortable working with and that can provide you with ongoing support and guidance.
Conclusion
To sum up, managed network security is a vital investment for safeguarding your business in Ireland. The cost varies based on your network's size, the service level required, and the chosen IT support company's reputation. This service not only protects against cyber threats but also enhances compliance and performance, proving to be cost-effective. With an average annual cost of around €1,200 per network device, it's a valuable investment for secure operations.
For businesses seeking a custom security solution, it's important to carefully select a provider. Let IT Support 4U guide you in protecting your network. Contact IT Support 4U today for a customised network security plan that aligns with your business's unique needs and budget.
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