Outsourced vs. In-house Security Teams

When it comes to protecting your company’s data, there are a lot of options to choose from. One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is whether to hire an internal team of cybersecurity professionals or bring on a provider that offers managed cybersecurity services. In this article, we’ll break down the costs and benefits of each option so you can make an informed decision about which is best for your company.

Outsourcing Pros

Outsourcing your cybersecurity needs to a provider that specializes in Managed Security Services (MSS) has a lot of benefits. Here are some of the key reasons why you should consider outsourcing:

Cost Savings

One of the biggest benefits of outsourcing is the cost savings. When you outsource, you are paying for a service that is already managed and ready to go. Managed security services providers (MSSP) have a lot of experience in their field so they know exactly what it takes to keep your company safe from cyber threats.

Access To Cyber Security Experts

Cybersecurity professionals are highly trained individuals who understand how hackers operate and the various ways they can penetrate your systems. When you outsource, you have access to these experts who can help keep your company safe.

Increased Security

By outsourcing, you are getting the benefit of an entire team of security professionals working around the clock to protect your data. An in-house team may only have a few people on staff and they may not be able to keep up with the ever-changing threats out there.

Outsourcing Cons

There are a few downsides to outsourcing your security needs, but they are mainly outweighed by the benefits. Here are some of the cons to consider:

Loss Of Control

When you outsource, you lose some control over how your cybersecurity needs are managed. You may not be able to make the necessary changes that would help protect your company if there is a breach in security or other issue with the system.

Increased Costs Long Term

Managed Security Services (MSS) typically charge on a monthly basis, so over time these costs can add up and become expensive for companies who are not prepared.

In-house Security Pros

Hiring an in-house team of cybersecurity professionals has a lot of benefits, but it can also be costly. Here are some of the pros to consider:

Increased Control

When you have an in-house security team, you have more control over how your company is protected from cyber threats. You can make changes to the system as needed and have direct access to security staff whenever there is an issue or concern.

Reduced Breach Response Time

 Research on response time indicates that companies with dedicated teams identify and respond to breaches in less time, saving an average of $14 per record. 

Managed Costs Over Time

Hiring an in-house team allows you to budget for security costs over a longer period of time.

In-house Security Cons

There are also some cons to consider when hiring an in-house team of cybersecurity professionals:

High Costs

Hiring a full-time cybersecurity team can be expensive, especially if your company does not have the budget to support it. You will need to pay for salaries, benefits, and other associated costs with having an in-house team.

Lack Of Experience

It can be difficult to find experienced cybersecurity professionals who are willing to work for your company. Often, you will have to hire recent graduates or individuals without a lot of experience in the field, which can lead to a lack of knowledge and vulnerability.

Difficult To Manage

A full-time cybersecurity team can be difficult to manage, especially if your company is not familiar with the security landscape. You will need to have someone who is knowledgeable about cyber threats and how to protect your systems in order to make sure your team is doing their jobs properly.

In-house and Outsourced Hybrid Solution

For some companies, the best option is to have a mix of in-house and outsourced cybersecurity professionals. This allows you to get the benefits of having an internal team while also being able to outsource work that requires specialized knowledge or expertise. By using a combination of the two you can limit the cons of each solution, and maximize the benefits.

What’s Best For Your Company?

So, what’s the best option for your company? Outsourcing, in-house, or hybrid? It really depends on your needs and budget. If you are looking for increased security and want access to experts who can help keep your company safe, then outsourcing is the better option. If you have the budget, want more control over your security, and prioritize quick response times, then in-house is a better choice. If you are looking for a mix of the two, then hybrid may be the best solution for you. No matter what option you choose, make sure that you are constantly monitoring your systems and updating them to protect against new cyber threats.

If you have further questions regarding the structure of your security team, or are looking for cyber security professionals to supplement your existing team, feel free to contact Red Lion today!