You may have the best and brightest working for you, but sometimes it makes sense to outsource more complex tasks. Cybersecurity is no exception—especially with the increasing sophistication of threats. Businesses need cutting-edge technology and superior, security-specific talent on the IT team—not always an easy feat.
Many organizations scramble to find the best cybersecurity talent. But rather than going exclusively in-house, they’re also turning to Managed Security Service Providers (MSSP).
Scarcity of Cybersecurity Talent
It’s predicted that, by 2019, cybercrime will cost businesses over $2 trillion. Companies are taking these threats seriously and investing heavily in cybersecurity, with companies spending over $75 billion on cybersecurity last year. The problem lies in the high demand for skilled cybersecurity talent and the lack of people to capably fill these positions.
Many organizations have vital security positions open. By some estimates, it takes between eight to twelve months to fill a cybersecurity position. And it’s getting worse. It’s predicted that by 2019, the gap between supply and demand for cybersecurity positions will swell to 1.5 million workers globally.
But organizations can’t leave these positions vacant, which would leave them vulnerable to potential attacks.
Benefits of Outsourcing to an MSSP
By outsourcing security needs to an MSSP, organizations can fill positions and enjoy these benefits:
- Savings: MSSP costs can be considerably less than keeping everything in-house. With an MSSP, you don’t have to invest in equipment, because these costs are shared across the MSSP’s customer base.
- Expertise: MSSPs have a dedicated security team that won’t be sidetracked by other IT concerns. Since security is their sole focus, they can keep up with required updates and patching schedules, as well as the latest threats.
- 24/7 monitoring: Your in-house IT team probably doesn’t work around the clock, so a 3am breach may go unnoticed until it’s too late. With an MSSP, you can receive security reports in real-time.
- Compliance: MSSPs can help with compliance and protect your customers’ sensitive data.
- More time: An MSSP won’t replace your whole IT department, but will allow them to focus on other pressing issues.
What to Look for in an MSSP
Not all MSSPs are created equal, so you need to research to find one that can ensure your organization’s security.
When evaluating MSSPs, look for:
- Deep industry knowledge.
- Well-trained staff, up on the latest trends.
- End-to-end security, such as our partner Fortinet’s fabric approach that focuses on prevention, detection and response while protecting data and systems in the cloud, data centers and across all endpoints.
- Mobile security device management across remote and on-premise locations. Employees are increasingly working remotely and BYOD is a concern.
- Threat intelligence. You need a proactive company in your corner—one that focuses on prevention, but also has access to sharable, actionable threat intelligence—a must for responding rapidly and effectively to security incidents.
- Willing to sign confidentiality agreements. You need to trust they’ll keep your information safe.
Looking to outsource some of your cybersecurity needs? CCSI can deliver a comprehensive security solution that weaves together best-of-breed cybersecurity technologies to optimize protection and responsiveness. Contact us to learn more.
