The ultimate goal of outsourcing security is to obtain a more solid security posture than an organization can accomplish on its own. However, there are several pitfalls involved with outsourcing that are avoidable if a detailed service level agreement (SLA) is applied. An SLA spells out the scope of coverage the managed security services provider (MSSP) will provide and is a legally binding contract outlining performance and service parameters.

In this E-Guide, independent security expert Shon Harris reviews SLAs, their purpose, and recommended requirements. Also included is a 14 point checklist which outlines core items that must be understood, communicated and agreed upon before signing a contract with any MSSP.