Why Outsource Your Cyber Security, and How To Do It

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, cyber security has become a paramount concern for businesses of all sizes. Protecting your network from sophisticated cyber threats requires a comprehensive approach involving a multitude of security measures. However, maintaining such an extensive security posture in-house can be both challenging and costly. This is where outsourcing your cyber security to a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) can offer significant advantages. In this article, we will explore the reasons to outsource your cyber security to this reliable managed IT services and provide a step-by-step guide on how to do it effectively.

Why Outsource Your Cyber Security?

1. Cost Savings

The Financial Burden of In-House Security

Maintaining an in-house cyber security team involves substantial financial investment. This includes costs associated with hiring skilled professionals, purchasing advanced security tools, and providing continuous training. For instance, hiring three IT security specialists could easily cost a company $225,000 annually, excluding benefits and additional training expenses. Additionally, acquiring the necessary cybersecurity equipment and software can add another $75,000 to the budget.

Economies of Scale with MSSPs

MSSPs distribute the cost of security analysts, appliances, and facilities across multiple clients, making their services more affordable. For an annual fee of approximately $75,000, an MSSP can provide comprehensive protection managed by a team of experts. This allows businesses to access top-tier security capabilities without incurring the high costs associated with building an in-house team.

2. Access to Security Expertise

The Cyber Security Skills Gap

There is a significant shortage of skilled IT security professionals in the industry. Finding and retaining qualified experts is a challenge many businesses face. In-house teams often struggle to stay updated with the latest threats and security practices due to their day-to-day responsibilities.

Expertise and Specialization of MSSPs

MSSPs employ dedicated security specialists who focus solely on protecting your network. These professionals are immersed in the latest security trends, threats, and technologies, ensuring that your defenses are always up-to-date. By outsourcing to an MSSP, you gain access to a level of expertise that might be difficult to maintain internally. This not only enhances your security posture but also frees up your internal team to focus on other critical IT tasks.

3. Comprehensive Customer Support

Around-the-Clock Monitoring

Cyber attacks can occur at any time, making 24/7 monitoring a critical component of effective security. Building an in-house team capable of providing round-the-clock coverage is both challenging and costly.

MSSPs’ Real-Time Security Reporting

MSSPs offer continuous monitoring and real-time reporting 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This constant vigilance ensures that any suspicious activity is detected and addressed promptly, minimizing the risk of a successful attack. Service level agreements (SLAs) with MSSPs can be tailored to meet your specific needs, providing legal guarantees and peace of mind regarding your network protection.

4. Compliance Management

The Complexity of Regulatory Compliance

Industries such as healthcare, finance, and retail are subject to stringent regulatory requirements, including PCI, HIPAA, GDPR, and FISMA. Ensuring compliance with these regulations is a complex and ongoing task that requires specialized knowledge and continuous monitoring.

MSSPs and Regulatory Expertise

MSSPs are well-versed in risk management and compliance programs. They stay abreast of changes in regulatory requirements, ensuring that your cyber security practices remain compliant. By outsourcing to an MSSP, you can reduce the burden of compliance management and avoid the costly penalties associated with non-compliance. This allows you to focus on your core business activities, confident that your security measures meet industry standards.

5. Enhanced Threat Detection and Response

The Need for Proactive Security Measures

Reactive security measures are no longer sufficient in today’s threat landscape. Businesses need proactive strategies to identify and mitigate threats before they can cause harm. This requires advanced threat detection tools and the expertise to interpret and act on the data they provide.

MSSPs’ Advanced Threat Intelligence

MSSPs utilize state-of-the-art threat detection and response tools to monitor your network for signs of malicious activity. Their teams of experts analyze this data in real-time, enabling them to quickly identify and respond to potential threats. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of a successful breach and ensures that your defenses are always one step ahead of cybercriminals.

How To Outsource Your Cyber Security

Step 1: Assess Your Security Needs

Identify Your Cyber Security Requirements

Before outsourcing your cyber security, it’s crucial to identify your specific needs. Conduct a thorough assessment of your current security posture to determine the areas where you require external support. This includes evaluating your existing security infrastructure, identifying potential vulnerabilities, and understanding the regulatory requirements applicable to your industry.

Define Your Security Goals

Clearly define your security goals and objectives. This will help you communicate your expectations to potential MSSPs and ensure that they can meet your specific needs. Your goals may include improving threat detection, ensuring regulatory compliance, reducing response times, and achieving cost savings.

Step 2: Research Potential MSSPs

Evaluate MSSP Capabilities

Not all MSSPs are created equal. Research potential cybersecurity-managed service providers based on their capabilities, experience, and reputation. Look for MSSPs with a proven track record in your industry and those who offer the specific services you need. Consider their expertise in threat detection, incident response, and compliance management. Additionally, inquire about their use of advanced technologies like AI and machine learning to stay ahead of emerging threats.

Check References and Reviews

Check references and reviews from other businesses that have used the MSSPs you are considering. This will give you insights into their reliability, effectiveness, and customer service. Reach out to industry peers or professional networks for recommendations and feedback.

Step 3: Establish a Detailed SLA

Importance of a Comprehensive SLA

A Service Level Agreement (SLA) is a critical document that outlines the expectations, responsibilities, and legal protections for both parties. A well-defined SLA will specify the security measures the MSSP will implement, response times for various incidents and the protocols for handling sensitive data. It’s essential to negotiate terms that ensure your data’s confidentiality and the MSSP’s accountability in case of a breach.

Key Elements of an SLA

Ensure that your SLA includes the following key elements:

Scope of Services: Clearly define the services the MSSP will provide.
Performance Metrics: Establish measurable performance metrics to evaluate the MSSP’s effectiveness.
Response Times: Specify response times for different types of security incidents.
Data Handling Protocols: Outline the protocols for handling and protecting sensitive data.
Compliance Requirements: Ensure that the MSSP adheres to relevant regulatory requirements.
Termination Clauses: Define the conditions under which the contract can be terminated.

Step 4: Plan for Seamless Integration

Integration with Existing Infrastructure

A successful partnership with an MSSP requires seamless integration with your existing IT infrastructure. Ensure that the MSSP can work with your current systems and applications without causing disruptions. Discuss the implementation process and any potential challenges that might arise. A good MSSP will provide a smooth transition and ongoing support to ensure your security measures are effectively integrated and operational.

Training and Communication

Effective communication and collaboration between your internal team and the MSSP are essential for success. Ensure that your team is trained on the new security processes and tools implemented by the MSSP. Establish regular communication channels to keep both parties informed about ongoing security activities and potential threats.

Step 5: Monitor and Evaluate Performance

Continuous Monitoring and Reporting

Once you have outsourced your cyber security, it’s important to continuously monitor and evaluate the performance of the MSSP. Regularly review the reports and metrics provided by the MSSP to ensure that they are meeting the agreed-upon SLA terms. This will help you identify any areas of improvement and ensure that your security measures remain effective.

Periodic Audits and Reviews

Conduct periodic audits and reviews of the MSSP’s performance. This includes assessing their adherence to the SLA, evaluating their response to security incidents, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Use the findings from these audits to make any necessary adjustments to your security strategy and SLA.

Conclusion

Outsourcing your cyber security to an MSSP offers numerous benefits, from cost savings and access to specialized expertise to enhanced threat detection and compliance management. By following a structured approach to outsourcing, you can ensure that your business remains protected against the ever-evolving threat landscape.

To successfully outsource your cyber security, start by assessing your security needs and defining your goals. Conduct thorough research to find a reputable MSSP that can meet your specific requirements. Establish a detailed SLA to outline the expectations and responsibilities of both parties. Plan for seamless integration with your existing infrastructure and ensure effective communication between your internal team and the MSSP. Finally, continuously monitor and evaluate the performance of the MSSP to ensure that your security measures remain effective.

By leveraging the expertise and resources of an MSSP, you can enhance your security posture, reduce costs, and focus on growing your business with confidence.