Four Quotes From “Mad Men” on the Risks of Old-Fashioned Network Security

This is a writing sample from Scripted writer Michael Pool

One of our all-time favorite television shows was AMC's "Mad Men." There's just something in the dialogue and aesthetic that kept us glued to our seat episode after episode, season after season. The show was full of great characters with plenty to say about life and living.

But although the characters were as complex as in any time period, the show took place in a simpler time when no one locked their doors. At best, security seemed to be an afterthought in the posh advertising business world of 1960s New York.

It's hard to imagine, really.

All that beautiful mid-century furniture and artwork just sitting there unprotected behind unlocked Art Deco doors. All those million-dollar ad ideas in unlocked offices, waiting to be harvested by thieves kicking back in those fantastic Eames executive chairs.

As much as we love the old-fashioned style and aesthetic of "Mad Men," no one likes an old-fashioned approach to network security. Luckily, there are professionals who specialize in the latest approach to keeping your data and networks safe.

Here are four quotes from "Mad Men" that demonstrate how managed service providers can keep your network secure so your business can go on achieving great things.

"It will shock you how much it never happened." – Don Draper

MSPs are equipped and ready to test your network's security for vulnerabilities. While you're hard at work serving your clients and mission statement, your MSP is periodically doing the same, scanning your network for vulnerabilities and breaches.

With proper testing, vulnerabilities won't become breaches, because they're shored up so the breaches never happen. There's nothing like the peace of mind that comes with avoiding problems before they start.

"One minute you're on top of the world, the next minute some secretary's running you over with a lawnmower." – Joan Harris

No network is 100% secure. That's just a reality of life in the cyberworld. In the event that tests reveal that your network has been compromised, MSPs are equipped to immediately set about the task of containing the breach. Small problems, when left unchecked, become huge ordeals.

Like, getting run over with a lawnmower at the office huge. A good MSP keeps them from ever spiraling out of control, so you can stay on top of the world where you belong.

"Every time something good happens, something bad happens." – Peggy Olson

Cybersecurity is a constantly rising threat. No sooner do you get your network prepared for the current threat than a new one evolves. Security is an MSP's full-time business. And like any capable business, they keep up with the latest trends in their industry.

Which means they stay versed in the latest threats and dangers to your network. Knowledge is power. By staying on top of evolving threats, an MSP evolves your network security to avoid them.

"If you don't like what's being said, change the conversation." – Don Draper

For some SMBs, their in-house network security may meet their needs. But many SMBs would be better off letting a managed services provider take the reins in overseeing network security. It's an individual choice that has to be made with the proper data and perspective.

But if you're not confident with your business's current approach, maybe it's time for a change. After all, times change, and good businesses change with them. Sometimes this means changing the conversation.

That's perhaps the greatest lesson of all that we learned from "Mad Men."

Written by:

Michael Pool
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I'm a published author of several books, including a novel, a collection of short stories and a novella, with a second novel scheduled for publication in April 2019. I hold both a bachelor's degree in writing as well as a master of fine arts in commercial / popular genre writing. I am also the editor of the short story publication Crime Syndicate Magazine, where I have edited and published both international bestselling authors as well as debut authors. I have over five years of content marketing experience in industries ranging from retail websites to local businesses, and even for IT...
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