Evaluating MSP Capabilities in Network Security

To assess an MSP’s competence and knowledge in implementing Zero Trust Networks (ZTNs), Passkeys, and VPNs before moving to the testimonial stage, you can ask probing questions exploring their technical expertise, real-world experience, and methodology. Here’s a strategic approach to evaluate their capability:

Key Areas to Focus on When Assessing the MSP:

1. Ask Detailed Technical Questions

• What is your experience in deploying Zero Trust Networks, and how do you ensure proper segmentation and access control across remote locations?

  • A knowledgeable MSP will be able to explain the fundamental principles of ZTN, including identity verification, least-privilege access, continuous monitoring, and micro-segmentation. They should be able to articulate how they apply these in practice, especially for complex hybrid and remote work environments.

• How do Passkeys integrate into the Zero Trust model, and what challenges have you faced in deploying them?

  • Look for an understanding of modern authentication methods and how Passkeys work in reducing password-based vulnerabilities. The MSP should describe a straightforward process for enrolling users, deploying Passkeys across devices, and managing this system securely.

• Can you describe the role of VPNs in a ZTN and when you recommend using them versus other remote access technologies?

  • VPNs aren’t always necessary in a Zero Trust environment, as other remote access technologies (like Software-Defined Perimeters or DirectAccess) may be more suitable. The MSP should clearly articulate when and why VPNs are used in conjunction with ZTN.

2. Assess Their Approach to Security and Scalability

• How do you handle secure remote access and ensure compliance with Zero Trust principles for a dispersed workforce?

  • The MSP should discuss tools like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and behavioral analytics and how they prevent lateral movement within the network. Ask them to provide specific examples of how they’ve implemented Zero Trust for remote workers.

• How do you scale ZTN and VPN infrastructure as an organization grows?

  • Their response should cover the use of cloud-based or software-defined tools to manage the growing number of remote devices and users. They should also discuss automation, policy management, and how they maintain visibility over a growing endpoint network.

3. Ask About Real-World Problem-Solving

• What are your most common challenges when deploying ZTNs and Passkeys, and how do you overcome them?

  • Their answer will give you insight into their hands-on experience. Look for an MSP that understands the intricacies of user behavior, network architecture, and endpoint security. Challenges like legacy system integration, user training, or ensuring network performance in a ZTN should be addressed.

• Can you walk me through an example where you’ve successfully integrated Passkeys, VPNs, and ZTN for a client?

  • Ask for a step-by-step outline of how they implemented a similar solution. They should be able to explain key decisions, obstacles encountered, and how they ensured a secure and functional setup.

4. Evaluate Their Certifications and Continuous Learning

• What certifications or training does your team hold related to ZTN, VPN, and Passkeys?

  • Look for certifications from reputable organizations such as CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) or CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional) or vendor-specific certifications from Microsoft, AWS, or Cisco. This demonstrates their up-to-date knowledge of industry standards.

• How do you stay current with emerging security technologies and best practices in Zero Trust and VPNs?

  • The MSP should be able to show their commitment to staying updated through ongoing training, attending security conferences, or participating in industry forums. An MSP that stays ahead of evolving threats is critical.

5. Ask for Demonstrations or Proof of Concept (PoC)

• Can you provide a proof of concept or demo showing how you would implement ZTN and Passkeys for our network?

  • A competent MSP will likely be able to provide a PoC so you can see how the ZTN, Passkeys, and VPN would be implemented. This gives you a preview of their capabilities and how the solution might look in your environment.

• How would you manage the transition from our existing network to a Zero Trust Network?

  • This question tests their understanding of migration planning. They should discuss phased rollouts, user training, and minimizing disruption while maintaining security.

6. Ask About Monitoring and Support

• How do you monitor the ZTN once it’s implemented, and what metrics do you track?

  • Monitoring and managing a Zero-Trust environment requires continuous visibility. They should discuss tools like SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) or endpoint detection and response (EDR) and ask how they will handle alerting and incident response.

• What support do you offer post-implementation, and how quickly can you address issues?

  • Their response should outline SLAs (Service Level Agreements), response times, and how they handle incidents and troubleshooting after deployment.

Next Steps After Initial Evaluation:

If the MSP satisfactorily answers these questions and demonstrates competence through PoCs, certifications, and practical examples, you can move forward with asking for customer testimonials or case studies. At this point, you’ll have a deeper understanding of their knowledge and abilities, making it easier to evaluate testimonials in the context of the specific solutions they’ve outlined for you.

Conclusion:

By asking detailed, technical, and real-world application questions, you can assess the MSP’s knowledge and competence in deploying ZTNs, Passkeys, and VPNs before reaching the testimonial stage. This approach ensures you’re selecting an MSP with the right expertise and practical experience to handle the complexity of your infrastructure.