Cyber-Security Outsourcing : The risks and benefits

What is Cyber-Security Outsourcing

Cybersecurity outsourcing refers to the practice of hiring third-party vendors or experts to handle various aspects of a company’s cybersecurity operations. This can cover a wide range of services, including managed security, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, incident response, compliance management, and cybersecurity consulting. Outsourcing cybersecurity allows businesses to access specialized knowledge, advanced security technologies, and tools that may be challenging to implement in-house.

Outsourcing Cybersecurity has become increasingly popular as cyber threats grow more sophisticated and companies require specialized expertise to secure their systems. Platforms like Expert Planet make it easy for businesses to find cybersecurity specialists who can help protect their digital assets.

Why Cybersecurity Outsourcing

Cyber threats are growing more sophisticated by the day. High-profile data breaches at major corporations have put cybersecurity in the spotlight. As attacks become more advanced, companies require specialized expertise to secure their systems. This has led to the rise of cybersecurity outsourcing.

The Growing Need for Cybersecurity Expertise

The number and complexity of cyber attacks is rapidly increasing. Phishing, malware, ransomware and other threats are constantly evolving. Defending against these threats requires advanced technical skills and knowledge.

Most companies do not have this expertise in-house. Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand and short supply. Outsourcing provides access to qualified information security experts.

Managed security service providers (MSSPs) offer a range of cybersecurity services. This includes monitoring systems, detecting threats, responding to incidents and more. The MSSP industry is projected to grow over 11% annually through 2027.

Key Benefits of Outsourcing Cybersecurity

Outsourcing cybersecurity offers many advantages for companies:

• Cost Savings – It is significantly cheaper than hiring full-time cybersecurity staff. MSSPs provide economies of scale.
• Advanced Technology – MSSPs make substantial investments in advanced security tools and threat intelligence. This level of technology is out of reach for most companies.
• Specialized Expertise – MSSPs have skilled staff with deep cybersecurity expertise. This includes skills like penetration testing, digital forensics and compliance.
• 24/7 Monitoring – Outsourced security operations centers provide continuous monitoring. This enables a rapid response to cyber incidents.
• Regulatory Compliance – MSSPs ensure compliance with regulations like HIPAA and PCI DSS. This reduces compliance costs and risks.

What is an MSSP?

An MSSP is an IT service provider that offers security services, such as monitoring, management, and response to security threats, to external organizations. They provide services like managed firewalls, intrusion detection, VPN management, vulnerability assessments, and more.

Why Companies Use MSSPs

The main reasons companies use MSSPs include:

• Cost savings – Outsourcing to an MSSP can be cheaper than hiring in-house security staff
• Access to expertise – MSSPs have skilled cybersecurity professionals and advanced security tools
• Improved efficiency – Allows companies to focus on core business activities
• 24/7 monitoring – MSSPs provide continuous monitoring from their Security Operations Centers (SOCs)

Pros and Cons of Using an MSSP

Pros

• Reduced costs
• Specialized security skills and technology
• Scalability
• Allow companies to focus on core business

Cons

• Potential loss of control
• Security and privacy risks
• Hidden costs
• Varying service quality

Top MSSPs

Some leading MSSP providers include IBM, SecureWorks, Trustwave, Ntiva, Symantec, and AT&T. They offer services like managed threat detection and response, compliance management, vulnerability testing, and more.

Choosing the right MSSP depends on an organization’s specific security requirements, desired expertise levels, and other factors. Performing due diligence is vital before selecting an outsourcing partner.

IBM Managed Security Services (MSS)

IBM Managed Security Services (MSS) is a comprehensive suite of services that provides around-the-clock monitoring, management, and response to advanced threats, risks, and compliance needs. It integrates with other security products in a company and is designed to prevent internal threats effectively.

Key Benefits:

• Reduces security risks and costs compared to in-house security operations.
• Provides access to advanced security tools, threat intelligence, and skilled cybersecurity professionals.
• Allows clients to focus on core business activities while IBM handles security monitoring and management.
• Helps clients optimize and improve security program efficiency over time.

Offerings

• Comprehensive portfolio of managed security services covering threat management, cloud security, data security, identity management, and incident response.
• Specific services include managed firewalls, intrusion detection, VPN management, vulnerability assessments, and more.
• Services support security technologies from major vendors like Checkpoint, Palo Alto, Cisco, and more.

Pricing

• Pricing models include per-data usage, per-device, per-user, cloud-based, tiered, fixed-fee subscriptions, and custom models based on client needs.
• Actual pricing varies based on specific services required, provider offerings, and client configurations.

SecureWorks Managed Security Services

SecureWorks is a cybersecurity company that provides information security services. It is also recognized as a top MSSP.

Key Benefits: SecureWorks offers advanced threat intelligence, 24/7 monitoring, and incident response services. It helps organizations identify and respond to threats more quickly and accurately.

Offerings: SecureWorks provides a range of managed security services, including managed detection and response, vulnerability management, and security risk consulting. It also offers a cloud-native security analytics platform.

Pricing: SecureWorks offers a subscription-based pricing model, with costs varying based on the specific services and level of support required. It also offers custom pricing for unique business needs.

Trustwave Managed Security Services

Trustwave is a cybersecurity company that provides managed security services, threat intelligence, and other cybersecurity solutions. It is listed as a top MSSP.

Key Benefits: Trustwave’s services help businesses protect their data, reduce security risks, and comply with regulations. It offers a flexible approach that can be tailored to the specific needs of each organization.

Offerings: Trustwave offers a wide range of managed security services, including threat management, vulnerability management, compliance management, and data protection. It also provides security testing services.

Pricing: Trustwave’s pricing model is based on the specific services required and the size of the organization. It offers both subscription-based and custom pricing options.

Ntiva Managed Security Services

Ntiva is a managed IT and cloud services company that provides a wide range of security services, including managed security services. It is recognized as a leading MSSP.

Key Benefits: Ntiva’s services help businesses protect their IT infrastructure, reduce downtime, and improve productivity. It offers a proactive approach to IT management, with 24/7 monitoring and support.

Offerings: Ntiva offers a range of managed security services, including network security, endpoint protection, email security, and data backup and recovery. It also provides IT consulting and strategy services.

Pricing: Ntiva offers a subscription-based pricing model, with costs varying based on the specific services and level of support required. It also offers custom pricing for unique business needs.

Symantec Managed Security Services

Symantec, now part of Broadcom, offers several managed security services and is recognized as a top MSSP.

Key Benefits: Symantec’s services help businesses protect their data, reduce security risks, and comply with regulations. It offers a flexible approach that can be tailored to the specific needs of each organization.

Offerings: Symantec offers a wide range of managed security services, including threat management, vulnerability management, compliance management, and data protection. It also provides security testing services.

Pricing: Symantec’s pricing model is based on the specific services required and the size of the organization. It offers both subscription-based and custom pricing options.

AT&T Managed Security Services

AT&T is a multinational conglomerate holding company that provides a variety of services, including managed security services. It is recognized as a leading player in the MSSP market.

Key Benefits: AT&T’s services help businesses protect their IT infrastructure, reduce downtime, and improve productivity. It offers a proactive approach to IT management, with 24/7 monitoring and support.

Offerings: AT&T offers a range of managed security services, including network security, endpoint protection, email security, and data backup and recovery. It also provides IT consulting and strategy services.

Pricing: AT&T offers a subscription-based pricing model, with costs varying based on the specific services and level of support required. It also offers custom pricing for unique business needs.

Best Practices for Cyber Security Outsourcing

Outsourcing cybersecurity can provide businesses with access to specialized knowledge, advanced security technologies, and tools that may be challenging to implement in-house. However, to fully enjoy the benefits and avoid potential drawbacks, it’s essential to follow best practices.

Before outsourcing, clearly define your cybersecurity objectives, expectations, and requirements. This includes the scope of services, budget, and the level of expertise needed. It’s also crucial to choose a reliable cybersecurity partner. Look for comprehensive service offerings and ask for tangible proof of the provider’s capabilities, such as examples of deliverables and past projects.

A hybrid model, where some aspects of the operation remain in-house while others are outsourced, can be an effective approach. This model allows for more control and immediate knowledge of what goes into your security operations, while also benefiting from the expertise and cost-efficiency of an outsourced partner

For more insights on how to effectively implement a hybrid model in your organization, you might find this comprehensive review on Expert Planet useful. It provides a detailed overview of the best outsourcing platforms in 2023/2024, which can serve as a valuable resource in your outsourcing journey.