Reports show that cybercrime is up 600% due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This percentage is primarily due to sophisticated phishing email schemes by cybercriminals. Many of these came in the form of CDC and WHO emails to get the reader to click on a link that releases a virus onto their computer.
Cybersecurity has become an important thing to think about in any business. There are different sections of cybersecurity and what needs to be included:
- Application Security
- Information/Data Security
- Network Security
- Cloud Security
- Operational Security
- Physical Security
- Critical Infrastructure Security
Many different tactics and resources have to be involved in your cybersecurity sector, which requires you to stay updated on the security risks. Which will lead you to determine which is better for your business, in-house or outsourced cybersecurity?
In-House Security Operations Center
Some businesses prefer an in-house security operations center with a dedicated IT security person. There are pros and cons to having someone dedicated to your IT operations, which you must weigh out before making a final decision.
Related: IT Departments Are Investing More In Cybersecurity Skills, Report Finds
Pros of In-House Security Operations
With an in-house security operations center, there is more peace of mind thanks to the visibility of the operations. You are also given unparalleled availability with fast response times should something go wrong. Even though most businesses would love to have a dedicated IT staff person, it makes more sense economically to have someone who can fill more than just the IT role. Using in-house security can allow for a DIY approach to handling cyber threats and hands-on with the process.
Cons of In-House Security Operations
The biggest complaint about choosing an in-house security operations person is the inability to find one and the price you pay once you do find one. Finding a dedicated in-house security person is not an easy task – you want someone who is dedicated and educated. Most businesses call on the expertise of an IT generalist when they want to have an in-house security professional because they can fill in more than one IT role.
Outsourcing a Security Operations Center
Instead of finding a dedicated in-house security operations center, some people prefer to use an outsourced option. With outsourced security options, nothing is held on-site, and the business owner creates a partnership with the security operations.
Pros of Outsourcing a Security Operations Center
With more businesses turning to the cloud as infrastructure, IT security solutions are also more likely to be outsourced. With the outsourced solutions, you are not required to be hands-on like an on-site IT security solution. These are also more affordable solutions for businesses, which help smaller businesses cut costs. Small businesses are also the ones most likely to be targeted by cybersecurity threats – so having an affordable solution is necessary.
Read: How Microsoft Is Partnering With Community Colleges To Close the Cybersecurity Workforce Gap
Cons of Outsourcing a Security Operations Center
Businesses want to keep their security processes out of the hands of others, including those who could cause harm to the business. Most of these outsourced security options are a one-size-fits-all solution. When you handle your needs in-house, you don’t have to worry about having the same security as those around you. Also, businesses are often targeted when they use a mass solution for IT security.
Blended Security Operations Center
Trying to choose which option (in-house or outsourced) is best for your business can be hard, so much so that some businesses just don’t choose. Most find that having a blended system helps the business respond to threats more efficiently and with more options. To be cost-effective, the in-house team would need to be smaller with a scalable outsourced operation, meaning that both options are viable for a business to remain safe from cybersecurity threats. Having an outsourced cybersecurity option can help build the skills of the in-house tools, making it stronger.
Things to Consider When Deciding In-House vs. Outsourced
There are several things to consider when choosing whether to choose in-house or outsourced – the cost, time commitment, and the management responsibilities. Each of these requires businesses to take a look at what each one offers, including the pros and cons.
Read: CheckPoint Launches Cybersecurity Training Portal With 200-plus Partners
Cost
Choosing the in-house option is not always cheap. Your business has to buy the tools, software, and everything else required to set up an efficient security operations center. You can’t leave yourself vulnerable by missing important equipment or tools. You also have to have the staff qualified to operate such a system. Outsourcing can be a cheaper option, but it can leave you vulnerable. Do you know if you have the guarantee that you won’t end up with a cybersecurity issue on your hands?
Time Commitment
Implementing and maintaining an in-house security solution is time-consuming. So much so that it often requires a team of individuals to take care of it. The additional expertise and employees may not be a cheap investment, and finding the time to take care of it consistently can create unnecessary stress. When outsourcing, all the time your business spends working on security solutions can be poured right back into the company.
Management Responsibilities
Much like the time and cost commitments, there is a lot of oversight that has to go into in-house security operations. You also have to have the correct chain of command in place if you want to have a security solution that dwells in your business. Trying to handle it all as a manager can be complicated, especially if you do not have the right credentials or IT knowledge. When outsourcing, you get the help of professionals without trying to find and hire them for your business.
Making the Right Choice for Cybersecurity
The choice to bring cybersecurity in-house or outsource it is best made on a business level. Not every solution is great for each business. Some will thrive better with an in-house security solution, and others will do better outsourcing their security to a firm. The right choice is whatever fits with your cost allowance, time management, and the responsibilities of the management team. Overall, if the solution fits your business needs, then you are making the right decision.
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