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Our most popular FAQs

At Ferrara IT, we understand that choosing the right IT and security provider comes with many questions. This FAQ page covers common concerns about our managed IT services, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, pricing, and compliance to help you make informed decisions.

What is an IT Managed Services Provider (MSP)?

An IT Managed Services Provider (MSP) is a company that proactively manages and supports an organization’s IT infrastructure, networks, security, and cloud services under a subscription or contract model. MSPs help businesses reduce downtime, improve security, and optimize IT performance by offering services such as helpdesk support, cloud management, backup solutions, cybersecurity, and IT strategy consulting.

What is a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP)?

A Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) specializes in cybersecurity services to protect businesses from cyber threats. MSSPs offer advanced security monitoring, threat detection, incident response, penetration testing, vulnerability management, SIEM (Security Information and Event Management), and compliance support. While MSPs handle general IT needs, MSSPs focus specifically on protecting, detecting, and responding to cybersecurity threats. Ferrara IT is unique in that we are both a MSP and MSSP.

Why should my business use managed IT services instead of in-house IT?

Using managed IT services provides several advantages over an in-house IT team:

Cost Savings – MSPs offer predictable, fixed costs compared to hiring full-time IT staff.
24/7 Support – Round-the-clock monitoring and support reduce downtime.
Access to Expertise – Gain specialized IT knowledge without hiring multiple specialists.
Scalability – Easily adjust IT services as your business grows.
Stronger Security – MSPs implement cybersecurity best practices to protect against threats.
Focus on Core Business – Offloading IT management allows your team to focus on growth.

For businesses with limited IT staff or complex IT needs, an MSP ensures better performance, security, and strategic IT planning without the overhead of hiring an internal team.

Do you provide Microsoft 365 security and management?

Yes! Ferrara IT offers comprehensive Microsoft 365 security and management services, ensuring your cloud environment is secure, compliant, and optimized for performance. Our services include:

✅ Security Hardening – Enforcing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Conditional Access, and Zero Trust security.
✅ Data Protection – Implementing DLP (Data Loss Prevention), email encryption, and compliance policies.
✅ Threat Detection & Response – Managing Microsoft Defender for Office 365 to block phishing, malware, and ransomware.
✅ User & License Management – Optimizing M365 licenses and automating user provisioning/deprovisioning.
✅ SharePoint & OneDrive Security – Ensuring secure file sharing and access controls.

We help businesses secure, manage, and get the most out of their Microsoft 365 investment while minimizing cyber risks.

Can you help manage hybrid cloud environments?

Absolutely! Ferrara IT provides end-to-end management of hybrid cloud environments, ensuring smooth integration between on-premises and cloud-based systems.

✔ Cloud-Native Security – Protecting cloud workloads with firewalls, identity management, and encryption.
✔ Network & Connectivity – Optimizing VPN, SD-WAN, and secure access between on-prem and cloud resources.
✔ Disaster Recovery & Backup – Implementing hybrid backup strategies using Azure Backup, Veeam, and other solutions.
✔ Cost Optimization – Managing cloud resources efficiently to prevent overspending.

We ensure that businesses operating in hybrid environments remain secure, compliant, and high-performing.

What’s the difference between EDR, MDR, and SIEM?

Each plays a different role in cybersecurity:

🛡️ EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response) – Monitors and responds to threats on endpoints (laptops, desktops, servers). Ideal for detecting malware, ransomware, and unauthorized access.

🛡️ MDR (Managed Detection & Response) – A fully managed service that includes EDR + 24/7 monitoring by security analysts, threat hunting, and incident response.

🛡️ SIEM (Security Information & Event Management) – Collects and analyzes security logs from across your IT environment (servers, firewalls, applications) to detect patterns of cyber threats. Often used for compliance and forensic investigations.

Many businesses combine EDR, MDR, and SIEM for layered security protection.

Do you provide co-managed IT services?

Yes! We offer Co-Managed IT Services, where we partner with your in-house IT team to enhance their capabilities.

👥 Internal IT Team + MSP Support = Co-Managed IT

🔹 Tier 1 & 2 Helpdesk Support – Offload routine IT tickets to our team.
🔹 Cybersecurity & Compliance – We handle EDR, MDR, SIEM, and penetration testing.
🔹 Cloud & Network Management – Our team assists with Microsoft 365, Azure, and network security.
🔹 IT Strategy & Projects – Collaborating on long-term IT planning and new technology implementations.

This model helps IT teams scale efficiently without overburdening internal staff.

How do you handle remote vs. on-site IT support?

We offer a hybrid IT support model, combining remote support for fast resolution and on-site visits when needed.

🔹 Remote IT Support: Most issues, including software troubleshooting, network management, and security monitoring, can be handled remotely using secure remote access tools.

🔹 On-Site IT Support: For hardware issues, network failures, or projects, our team can dispatch technicians to your location (depending on your service agreement and geographic coverage).

This model ensures fast response times while keeping IT costs manageable.

Do you support hybrid or fully remote work environments?

Yes! Ferrara IT specializes in securing and managing hybrid and remote work environments. Our services include:

  • Cloud-Based Solutions – Microsoft 365, secure file sharing, and remote desktop access.
  • Secure VPN & Zero Trust Access – Protecting remote connections with MFA & endpoint security.
  • Device & Endpoint Management – Managing employee laptops and mobile devices.
  • Collaboration & Productivity Tools – Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and cloud-based VoIP.

We ensure your team stays productive and secure, whether working from home, in the office, or on the go.

Do you offer penetration testing and vulnerability assessments?

Yes, we provide penetration testing and vulnerability assessments to identify and fix security weaknesses before attackers can exploit them.

🔹 Vulnerability Assessments – Automated scanning to detect security gaps in your network, applications, and systems.
🔹 Penetration Testing – Simulated cyberattacks to evaluate how well your defenses hold up against real-world threats.

These services help businesses meet compliance requirements (HIPAA, PCI-DSS, NIST, etc.), improve security posture, and reduce cyber risk.

Do you provide cybersecurity training for employees?

Yes! We conduct two annual video-recorded IT security trainings and two annual Microsoft 365 trainings for employees.

Our cybersecurity training covers:
✅ Recognizing phishing & social engineering attacks
✅ Password security & Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
✅ Safe internet & email usage
✅ Incident response procedures

We also help businesses implement simulated phishing tests to ensure employees stay vigilant against cyber threats.

How are your service contracts structured?

Our contracts are flexible and transparent, typically structured as:

  • Annual or Multi-Year Agreements – For businesses wanting long-term IT strategy, cost savings, and priority support. Our Managed IT Services are designed to be comprehensive based on each client’s needs to avoid additional one-off billing.
  • Project-Based Contracts – For one-time IT projects like cloud migrations, security assessments, or network upgrades.

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