Questions to ask your security vendor

Don't go into this unarmed, though. The marketing fluff and sales speak is easy to fall for and there's too much money and skin to lose in the process. Once you develop your requirements (a critical step that's often overlooked), it's time to start compiling some key questions to ask prospective vendors. I'm not talking about technical questions about bytes and encryption strength – most vendors can handle the technical aspects of what needs to be done. Instead, I'm referring to operational and administrative questions that will help you determine if the vendor's solutions will fill your business needs (where it really counts) and keep you from pulling your hair out in the process.

Here are some questions to ask prospective network security vendors. You may make them squirm and stumble a bit when you put them on the spot, but asking the hard questions is the only way to find a good technology fit and to protect your organization from making bad spending decisions.

It's important to remember that your vendors' responses will vary depending on the type of technology you're considering and the type of industry you're in. If you've fou

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I've outlined 10 reasons not to buy information security products here. These 10 reasons are just as important for making a good purchase as the answers you receive from your vendors on the questions above.

If you do your homework up front and ask the right questions but still end up making a bad purchase because of something that wasn't revealed during the pre-sales or trial process, at least you'll know you did what's right. Odds are that you'll make much more informed business decisions and buy prudently for a good long-term solution.

About the author: Kevin Beaver is an independent information security consultant, speaker and expert witness with Atlanta-based Principle Logic LLC. He has more than 19 years of experience in IT and specializes in performing information security assessments revolving around compliance and IT governance. Kevin has authored/co-authored six books on information security including Hacking For Dummies and Hacking Wireless Networks For Dummies (Wiley) as well asThe Practical Guide to HIPAA Privacy and Security Compliance (Auerbach). He's also the creator of the Security On Wheels audiobook series. You can reach Kevin at kbeaver@principlelogic.com>.

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