Connectus Business Solutions Urges Businesses to Choose Their Managed Service Provider Carefully Following New Cyber Security Guidance

Businesses are being urged to review their IT support arrangements following updated guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) on how to choose a Managed Service Provider (MSP).

The NCSC has reinforced the importance of cyber security resilience and highlighted the critical role MSPs play in protecting organisations from growing digital threats.

The guidance stresses that selecting the right IT partner is not simply a procurement decision, but a key strategic move that can significantly impact business continuity, data protection and regulatory compliance.

Roy Shelton of Connectus Business Solutions says the new advice underlines what many organisations still underestimate.

“Cyber threats are evolving at pace, and businesses of all sizes are targets,” he said. “The NCSC guidance makes it clear that organisations must carry out proper due diligence when choosing a Managed Service Provider. Not all MSPs offer the same levels of security, governance or expertise.”

The NCSC advises businesses to assess providers against clear criteria including security credentials, incident response capabilities, supply chain transparency, monitoring standards and compliance frameworks. It also encourages organisations to understand exactly what security responsibilities sit with their provider and which remain in-house.

Connectus Business Solutions is fully aligned with the standards and best practice outlined in the guidance.

“We welcome the NCSC’s advice because it reinforces the approach we’ve always taken,” Roy continued. “Cyber security cannot be an afterthought. It must be embedded into every layer of IT infrastructure, from endpoint protection and network monitoring to backup strategy and user training.”

Connectus provides managed IT services, cyber security solutions and business connectivity support to organisations across multiple sectors. The company works closely with clients to assess risk exposure, implement proactive monitoring and provide rapid response support where required.

“Choosing an MSP should be about more than fixing laptops or resetting passwords,” Roy added. “It’s about partnering with a provider who can demonstrate compliance, transparency and a proactive security mindset. Businesses need reassurance that their IT partner understands evolving threats and can respond quickly and effectively.”

The NCSC has warned that cyber incidents involving MSPs can have far-reaching consequences due to the number of clients they typically support. As a result, organisations are being encouraged to ask tougher questions and demand greater visibility over how their IT provider protects systems and data.

Roy believes this moment presents an opportunity for businesses to strengthen their digital foundations.

“Many organisations assume their current provider ‘has it covered’, but few have tested that assumption against recognised national guidance,” he said. “Now is the time to review your IT partnership and ensure it meets the highest standards.”

For more information about Connectus Business Solutions and its managed IT and cyber security services, visit www.connectus.org.uk.