Focus on IT Security: RMM Provider Continuum
MSPmentor is taking a deeper dive into the IT security features and options that are available to managed service providers (MSPs) from their remote monitoring and management (RMM) and other platform partners. This week we are looking at what Boston-based Continuum has for MSPs.
Continuum applies a risk-based approach to IT security and provides its managed service provider (MSP) partners with several audit reports that track activities on its remote monitoring and management (RMM) solution, according to Nick Bruno, chief information security officer (CISO).
Nick Bruno became the company’s first CISO last year. He said that Continuum continually evaluates its processes and procedures to keep its business’ and customers’ information secure.
“The future of IT security will and has been focusing more on controls and protection mechanisms around data elements themselves,” Bruno told MSPmentor. “The actual location of the information will not matter, but the multiple protection layers, including different forms of authentication and authorization as well as encryption, will drastically change how users are granted access. Access will be granted on a risk-based approach and account for various characteristics of a session prior to allowing users access to company resources.”
How does Continuum protect MSPs and their customers against data breaches, malware and other IT security issues? Here are three things MSPs need to know about Continuum’s approach to IT security:
1. Continuum leverages antivirus and anti-malware software
Continuum offers a security bundle for monitoring and securing mobile devices and has adopted the ISO 27000 series of security standards framework.
The company’s RMM solution includes antivirus software and Malwarebytes anti-malware software, which detects and removes malware such as spyware and Trojans.
Bruno noted Continuum’s network operations center (NOC) technicians ensure its antivirus definitions are up to date.
2. Partnerships and integrations are key for Continuum
Continuum has partnered with several technology companies to help MSPs secure their data.
The RMM software provider’s technology partners include:
- LogMeIn (LOGM) to provide secure remote access, which comes with every agent Continuum deploys
- IBM (IBM) company FiberLink to provide mobile device monitoring (MDM) that includes remote wipe and user access controls
Continuum also has integrated with AuthAnvil to enable MSPs to use multi-factor authentication to access its portal.
Bruno added Continuum offers a patching solution that supports various third-party application patches and automatically updates all Microsoft (MSFT) security patches after testing them to ensure they do not disrupt any Microsoft operating systems.
“We integrated a script that MSPs can customize to help patch additional third-party applications,” Bruno said.
3. Continuum eyes the cloud
Bruno noted Continuum plans to invest in products and technologies that “take advantage of all of the benefits of a mobile workforce and storage of data in the cloud while ensuring that data stays secure.”
Continuum also wants to support its partners’ compliance needs, Bruno said, and will continue to take a risk-based approach to IT security.
“Encryption will remain a critical component to IT security, specifically as information is stored in cloud environments,” he said. “Data at rest, in motion and in use will constantly be challenged and continuously tested for weaknesses.”
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