Blog | Charles IT

Navigating Change: MSPs as Compliance Guides in Shifting Regulations

Written by Charles IT | Feb 22, 2024 3:00:00 PM

Are you a small to medium-sized business (SMB) leader inundated with acronyms such as HIPAA, FINRA, CMMC, and SOC 2? Do the ever-changing regulations and evolving cybersecurity threats cause you concern? Rest assured, you are not alone. Maneuvering through the complex compliance landscape of today can be daunting, particularly for smaller businesses lacking dedicated IT security resources.

This is where Managed Compliance Services (MCS) from an MSP can be your valuable asset. Consider them as your compliance allies, helping you navigate through complexity and ensuring you remain compliant with the ever-evolving regulatory landscape.

Why Outsource Compliance to an MSP?

Handling compliance internally can be overwhelming and challenging, like navigating a maze blindfolded. For many SMBs, the lack of specialized resources and expertise can make it a daunting task to keep up with the ever-changing compliance landscape. This is where Managed Compliance Services (MCS) from an MSP come in as your valuable ally. Here's how they can help you save time, money, and maintain your peace of mind:

Cost-Effectiveness:

    • Eliminate hiring costs: Eliminate the hassle of costly recruitment, interviews, and onboarding for specialized compliance staff. MSPs provide collective expertise, spreading out the expenses among multiple clients, resulting in a more budget-friendly option compared to assembling your own team.
    • Reduced software expenses: You won't have to worry about purchasing multiple compliance software licenses. MSPs typically utilize their own extensive tools and platforms, which are already part of their service package.
    • Minimize training expenses: Continuous training for internal staff can be quite burdensome. MSPs stay current on the latest regulations, relieving you of the training workload and its related expenses.

Efficiency Boost:

    • Expertise on tap: Access a team of compliance experts with specialized knowledge of regulations in your industry, saving you valuable time and effort compared to researching and training your own team internally.
    • Automated workflows: Bid farewell to manual tasks and never-ending paperwork. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) streamline compliance processes, allowing your internal team to concentrate on essential business activities.
    • Streamlined audits: Compliance audits can be disruptive and time-consuming. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) take care of audit preparation and communication with auditors, minimizing any disruptions and ensuring a seamless process.

Reduced Risk and Improved Security:

    • Proactive threat detection: Compliance extends beyond mere checkboxes. MSPs vigilantly monitor your systems for vulnerabilities and promptly address cyber threats, reducing the risk and potential impact of any potential damage.
    • Expert guidance on best practices: Stay proactive in enhancing your security posture by seeking expert guidance on implementing best practices that go above and beyond the minimum compliance requirements.
    • Peace of mind: Feeling confident in your compliance and security enables you to shift your focus towards strategic growth and innovation, knowing that your data and systems are safe.

Remember, outsourcing compliance isn't just about saving money; it's about gaining access to valuable expertise, streamlining processes, and minimizing risk.

But Isn't Outsourcing Expensive?

Considering the potential cost concerns that may arise when considering outsourcing, it's important to delve deeper and challenge any misconceptions that may exist. While the initial costs of managed compliance services may appear higher, it's crucial to take into account the hidden expenses that come with managing compliance internally.

Hidden Costs of DIY Compliance:

    • Hiring costs: Hiring, interviewing, and onboarding specialized compliance staff can come with a hefty price tag, particularly for smaller team sizes within SMBs.
    • Ongoing training: Regulations are constantly changing, necessitating ongoing training for your internal team. This incurs expenses for training programs, materials, and staff time.
    • Software licenses: Purchasing various compliance software licenses can become costly, particularly for specialized regulations or industry-specific needs.
    • Indirect costs: Decreased efficiency due to employees managing compliance tasks, possible fines for non-compliance, and damage to your reputation from security breaches all add up to hidden expenses.

The MSP Advantage: Transparency and Flexibility:

Managed Compliance Services (MCS) from an MSP provide a clear and adaptable cost framework:

    • Predictable monthly fees: Gain clarity on your monthly expenses, providing a stable cost structure and eliminating any uncertainties related to fluctuating in-house costs.
    • Scalability: Customize your service level according to your specific requirements and budget, preventing any wastage of resources that are not being utilized.
    • Expertise included: Utilize a team of compliance experts without the added costs of salaries and benefits.
    • Reduced compliance risks: Reduce the risk of potential fines and security breaches, ultimately leading to substantial long-term cost savings.

Beyond Cost Savings:

The true value of MSP-led compliance extends far beyond mere cost savings. Take into account these essential factors:

    • Improved efficiency: Streamlined processes and automated workflows enable your team to concentrate on essential business activities.
    • Enhanced security: Proactively detecting threats and providing guidance on best practices help mitigate vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security posture.
    • Peace of mind: Having the assurance of compliance and security empowers you to direct your attention towards strategic growth and innovation, alleviating any worries and tension.

Remember, the cost of non-compliance can be far greater than the investment in managed compliance services.

Here's How MSPs Help You Navigate Change:

Change is a constant in the world of compliance. As regulations evolve, threats emerge, and your business expands, adjustments to your compliance posture become necessary. But fret not, as your MSP transforms into your compliance ally, adept at navigating change with agility and expertise. Here's how:

Proactive Monitoring and Adaptation:

    • Constant vigilance: Stay ahead of the curve with your MSP's continuous monitoring of regulatory updates, industry trends, and emerging threats, ensuring you are informed and prepared for upcoming changes.
    • Impact analysis and action plans: They simplify intricate changes into clear insights, assessing how they could affect your business and developing customized plans for adjustment.
    • Agile adjustments: There is no need for extended internal discussions or delays. Your MSP has the ability to quickly implement essential changes to your compliance approach, ensuring you remain at the forefront of industry standards.

Scenario Planning and Risk Mitigation:

    • Future-proofing your compliance: Anticipating potential changes isn't solely about reacting; it involves proactive preparation. Your MSP assists in recognizing future scenarios and crafting strategies to tackle them before they pose challenges.
    • Minimizing disruption: Change should not disrupt your operations. Your MSP collaborates with you to ensure seamless transitions and minimal impact on your day-to-day activities.
    • Risk management expertise: They utilize their expertise to identify and mitigate potential risks linked to compliance changes, protecting your business against security threats and penalties.

Regular Communication and Transparency:

    • Clear and concise updates: You will be kept well-informed by your MSP regarding any upcoming changes, their implications, and the proposed adaptation strategies in a clear and understandable manner.
    • Open dialogue and collaboration: They actively promote transparent communication, addressing any concerns you may have and customizing solutions to meet your individual business requirements and risk tolerance levels.
    • Empowered decision-making: With the guidance of experts and access to clear information, you are equipped to make well-informed decisions regarding compliance changes, ensuring they align with your business goals.

Remember, navigating change isn't just about reacting; it's about proactive planning and adaptation.

Ready to say goodbye to compliance stress? Collaborating with an MSP for managed compliance services is a wise decision for enhancing your business's security, efficiency, and growth. Begin your exploration today and tap into the expertise of compliance professionals standing by your side!

Click below to book a time with us and see how we can help you tackle all your pesky compliance needs!