In today’s world, cyber security plays a significant role. Cyber security is considered essential for individuals and enterprises as an ever-expanding field. With increasing liabilities, however, it started to be seen as crucial for companies. There is no wonder why this field gained popularity over the years. Especially after the coronavirus outbreak, with the increasing number of cyberattacks, breaches, and data leaks, the world became aware of the value of cyber security. But some questions arose with this need. For example, the questions like which solutions you should choose or how to implement a cyber security solution have become the main considerations.

Luckily, there is a wide range of cyber security solutions. And which one to choose depends on simple questions, such as your company’s needs, size, and industry. Moreover, you don’t have to recruit large IT teams anymore if your company size is not compatible. You can easily find professional teams and vendors to manage your cyber security needs, which can be highly beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses. This service is called outsourced cyber security, and in today’s article, we will talk about what outsourced cyber security is with its pros and cons. Let’s get started with the definition.

What is Outsourced Cyber Security?

Outsourced cyber security solutions refer to the third-party vendors that manage, monitor, and safeguard a company’s information technology (IT) systems. Essentially, cyber security outsourcing is the practice of working together with third-party professionals and experts to protect a company’s network systems. Outsourced cyber security may consist of different categories. According to the future of cyber convey security operations, vulnerability management, training, physical security, and awareness are among the most chosen categories to outsource.

Identity and access management, application security, and insider threat detection are among other outsourced cyber security features to third parties. Even though it is not suggested, companies can outsource all cyber security operations. Third-party companies for cyber security outsourcing generally offer on-premise technical assistance, system engineering, vulnerability scanning, security monitoring, and data analysis. However, even though you give control of some areas to other companies, you stay liable and responsible for any data breach.

Benefits of Outsourcing Cyber Security

Letting others control your cyber security systems may seem dangerous. However, outsourced cyber security may offer a wide range of benefits. By working with best-in-field experts, you can ensure your network systems are in safe hands. Also, outsourcing does not mean you have to give away the entire network system. You may sometimes need just monitoring. With that all said, let’s take a look at the main advantages of outsourcing cybersecurity.

• Reduced Cost: Outsourcing might help you free up funds for investment in other areas of your organization by reducing costs. Instead of hiring large IT teams, you can outsource specific areas of the network which helps you to save money.
• Working with experts: Outsourcing can provide you with access to skills and resources that would otherwise be unavailable or too expensive. You can work with professionals from all around the world and benefit from their expertise.
• Compliance: Experts you will work with generally have a wide range of knowledge about compliance requirements. Working with experienced professionals may help you to meet regulatory compliance requirements.
• Better monitoring: With the tools, services, and software a cyber security company provides, you can discover possible network breaches when they occur. 
• Time Efficient: With outsourcing, you have more time to focus on other areas of your business. It also allows your employees to focus on their primary activities and plan.

Disadvantages of Outsourcing Cyber Security

Even though outsourcing has lots of benefits, it may sometimes be risky. Companies should not underestimate the risks of outsourcing. If companies fail to decide carefully on what should be outsourced they may face various challenges. Here are some potential challenges of outsourcing listed below.

• Hidden costs: If an unexpected cyber attack happens you may need to cover the expenses of implemented solutions. The price can change occasionally if your company needs different solutions or hardware.
• May reduce quality: Third parties may sometimes focus on profit rather than quality. This may result in decreased quality. Even if the given task can be completed quickly, the quality of the task may not be as good as expected.
• Long response time: Since these cyber security companies service numerous businesses, it may take a longer time to get a response because of the traffic. Sometimes this can be crucial since some of the threats may multiple with time.
• Instability: Some companies may offer unstable services. This increases the chance of breaches and increases vulnerabilities.
• Security risks: If you intend to outsource procedures that need personal data, you may compromise the privacy of individuals or the security of your company by disclosing such information to others.

Conclusion

In this modern world, cyber security should not be underestimated. A breach can result in a serious loss of reputation and money. Since companies store more sensitive data every day, the consequences of cyber threats become vital. Also, cyber attacks get more sophisticated each day and this creates a dangerous environment, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. 

Protecting network systems can be costly. However, outsourcing specific areas can be the right solution for those companies. Working with talented and experienced cyber security companies can provide comprehensive security. Moreover, you can reduce the possibility of risks if you find a vendor that matches your company’s needs.