Most MSPs say they “handle security,” but that doesn’t automatically mean your environment is secure. The challenge is that security is hard to verify, especially when it spans dozens of tools, dashboards, and configurations.
In practice, many organizations don’t revisit their security posture until a vendor questionnaire lands, a compliance deadline approaches, or a breach triggers hard questions. Waiting until that moment turns security into a scramble instead of a controlled review. Verifying security earlier gives you time to fix issues instead of having to deal with gaps later.
The fastest way to understand your real posture is to ask for proof. The checklist below shows what your MSP should be able to demonstrate, and how to validate it. Use the following questions to guide your evaluation and ensure your MSP meets essential security standards.
If you’re unsure what your MSP does, it may be time to make the switch to Zip Security’s MSP alternative. Book a demo.
Here are five things you should ask your MSP in order to validate whether your security is actually working, plus how you can verify each one yourself, manually. Your MSP should be able to answer questions clearly and thoroughly, demonstrating both their expertise and reliability.
Your MSP should be able to prove they know exactly who has access to what. If they need a spreadsheet and a week to “pull reports,” they don’t actually know.
How to check this manually
If you can’t answer this quickly, attackers already can.
Buying security tools doesn’t protect you. Coverage does. Your MSP should be able to prove your security controls apply everywhere they should.
Other things your MSP should be able show you to prove your security controls are working:
One unmanaged device is all it takes.
How to check this manually
If you find gaps, attackers will too.
Detection without response equals expensive logging. Your MSP should be able to prove that your security detects and acts on real threats.
Your MSP should also be able demonstrate what actions the responsible party takes to resolve the threat.
If alerts pile up with no clear ownership, no one protects your environment.
How to check this manually
If they can’t walk you through real incidents, response doesn’t exist.
When something breaks, minutes matter. Your MSP should be able to prove that you can contain an incident quickly.
Other ways you can ask your MSP to show this:
If containment depends on calling the right person, you don’t have readiness. You have luck.
How to check this manually
Run a tabletop exercise and make the MSP narrate every step.
Scenario: A user clicks a phishing link and the attacker logs into email.
Scenario: A laptop shows ransomware behavior.
Strong MSPs answer without improvising.
Security should improve continuously. Otherwise, risk quietly stacks up.
Your MSP should track:
If reports look identical every month, security stagnates.
How to check this manually
If nothing changes, the program isn’t working.
You can validate all of this manually—but manual checks don’t scale. They rely on exports, point-in-time reviews, and someone remembering to look in the right place.
Zip exists to prove, continuously, that security controls actually work. Zip’s software-as-your-MSP platform provides ongoing support for companies of all sizes, ensuring that their security posture remains strong and up-to-date.
Here’s how Zip verifies each of the five proof points above:
Zip doesn’t ask you to trust that security works. It allows you to prove it yourself, with evidence easy to access in one place, at any time.
Ready to get started? Book a demo today.
Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) are on the front lines of defending your business against cyber threats. As organizations rely more on digital tools and cloud services, the security of customer data and IT infrastructure becomes increasingly crucial. MSPs must implement robust security measures to protect sensitive data from evolving risks, including ransomware, phishing, and insider threats. This means going beyond basic protections—conducting regular security audits, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessments to identify weaknesses in network security before attackers do. By prioritizing strong cybersecurity protocols, MSPs help ensure the integrity of your data, reduce potential risks, and build lasting trust with clients. In today’s threat landscape, security is mission critical—proactive security isn’t optional; it’s essential for every business that values its reputation and customer relationships.
Cybersecurity protocols are the backbone of any effective security strategy. These protocols define the procedures and measures MSPs use to protect sensitive data and defend against threats. Key elements include encryption to safeguard data in transit and at rest, firewalls to block unauthorized access, and access controls to ensure only approved users can reach critical systems. MSPs also establish procedures for detecting and responding to suspicious activities, such as malware infections or unusual login attempts. By adhering to industry regulations and best practices, MSPs keep their cybersecurity protocols current and effective, helping organizations stay compliant and resilient in the face of ever-changing cyber risks.
Penetration testing and security evaluation are essential tools for finding vulnerabilities before attackers do. By simulating real-world cyber attacks on your networks and systems, MSPs can identify weaknesses and potential risks that might otherwise go unnoticed. Regular penetration testing, combined with comprehensive security evaluations, allows MSPs to develop targeted solutions—whether that means updating security measures, refining existing protocols, or providing employee training to address human error. This proactive approach ensures your IT infrastructure remains secure, your data stays protected, and your organization is prepared to defend against the latest cybersecurity threats. For businesses that handle sensitive information, from intellectual property to patient records, ongoing security evaluation is a necessity.
