How to choose the best network security vendor for your organization

With solutions lining up to be your ‘perfect match’ for network protection, finding the right one can be like hunting for a needle in a haystack

· TechRadar

Sponsor Content Created With Nordlayer

Features By Sead Fadilpašić published 6 November 2024

(Image credit: Blue Planet Studio/Shutterstock)

While network security is not exactly the life of the party, it is definitely the bodyguard we all need to make sure no uninvited guests slip through our digital doors. As threats continue to evolve and hackers constantly devise sneakier ways to get in, deploying a proper security provider is no longer a ‘nice to have’ but a ‘must-have.’

But where do you even begin?

With solutions lining up to be your ‘perfect match’ for network protection, finding the right one can be like hunting for a needle in a haystack - especially if that haystack keeps throwing shady offers your way. If you are ready to start sorting through options and find a platform that has your back (and your firewall), here is a handy roadmap to get you there.

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Determine what you are looking for

Do you manage a large corporation that deals with data coming in from all over the world, or a tiny startup with just a few endpoints? Network security isn’t exactly a one-size-fits-all deal, and knowing the unique quirks of your setup will help you choose a supplier that actually fits your needs.

Say you are a small business, so you don’t have a huge budget or a massive IT team, but security is crucial for you. In such a case, you will likely want an easy-to-use, automated setup, with a price tag to match its simplicity and options at disposal.

At the same time, more endpoints and maybe some more sensitive customer information handled by a business with medium-sized operations means you are in the market for more serious protection. However, it might not be on the scale of a multinational corporation. That said, if you run remote locations and complex systems, and have a lot of data around, then you need a provider for the big leagues.

And be aware that each industry has its own particular set of demands and security criteria. Say you are in retail business, for instance. Keeping client payment information safe by adhering to PCI regulations is your number one responsibility. Meanwhile, healthcare businesses must check off all the HIPAA boxes.

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