How to choose a cybersecurity provider: questions to ask

Questions to ask

1. What exactly will you protect, monitor and manage?
2. Who watches alerts, and at what hours?
3. What happens in the first hour if you see a real attack?
4. How do you protect your own access to our systems?
5. What will your monthly report show?
6. Can we speak with two customers of a similar size?
7. What does it cost, and what is extra?
8. If we leave, how do we get our data, settings and accounts back?

Good signs

• They start by asking about your business, data and current setup.
• They explain risks in plain words, without fear tactics.
• They put scope, response times and costs in writing.
• They recommend fixing basics before selling expensive tools.

Warning signs

• Promises that you will never be breached.
• Pressure to sign immediately after a scary demo.
• Refusal to share how they handle their own security.
• No clear answer about who owns your accounts and data.

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