For any company that uses computers, software, and networks, cybersecurity is critical. With recent advancements, the success of any business relies on how efficiently it uses the technology. It not only improves their production capabilities but also helps them streamline their operations. However, there are more than 30 security risks involved in using these technologies. Some of these risks include hackers gaining unauthorized access and data breaches.
Most major organizations have a dedicated cybersecurity department that specializes in making computer systems and networks secure. However, businesses also have the option to get in touch with third-party cybersecurity professionals. This article will explore all the possible pros and cons of outsourcing the network security of your company to Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs).
What Is Network Security?
Considering that most businesses are now using cloud technology to manage their processes, network security is of utmost importance. Any service disruption or an attack on company networks can end up in a disaster. With the advancements in artificial intelligence, hackers are now capable of stealing sensitive information that might result in financial loss and legal consequences.
Network security mainly involves protecting the corporate network from unauthorized access, misuse, or theft. There are three different types of network security, namely physical, technical, and administrative network security. These types use a number of different security protocols to safeguard the system. For instance, it uses Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), anti-malware software, firewall protection, and network segmentation.
Outsourcing Your Company’s Network Security
While the in-house IT administrators may handle the basic cybersecurity practices in an organization, they may not be able to take care of sophisticated tasks. For instance, network segmentation requires advanced cybersecurity skills to be effectively implemented.
Network Segmentation by definition is the division of a network into multiple segments to minimize the damage in case of a cyberattack. In such a scenario, companies should consider outsourcing their network security. Outsourcing can not only allow companies to protect themselves from potential breaches but also enhance their security posture.
However, deciding who to outsource your network security to can be challenging. Whatever decision you make, you need to implement small changes so that you can monitor the impact of your decision. You should avoid a drastic increase in your cybersecurity spending. To help you make a more appropriate decision for your company, let’s discuss the pros and cons of outsourcing network security.
Pros Of Outsourcing Network Security:
The sophisticated cyber attacks in the modern age now require a combination of different protection measures, including network firewalls and analyzers, data loss prevention (DLP), and DDoS protection technologies, etc.
A company’s cybersecurity budget might be overwhelmed with so many requirements. In such a case, outsourcing your cybersecurity operations to third-party professionals might be a good idea. Here are a number of pros of outsourcing network security.
Network Security Expertise
By outsourcing your network security, your business will gain access to experts in the field. These experts are well aware of the recent threats and have experience in preventing all sorts of threats.
Based on this experience, they can provide valuable insights into how to best protect your network. The in-house cybersecurity team might not be able to handle the tasks the way that professional cybersecurity experts can.
Cost Savings
Smaller businesses may not have sufficient budget to hire a dedicated team of network security professionals. Besides paying salaries, you also have to bear costs related to employee benefits. Also, you have to spend money on purchasing the equipment and software they need.
Outsourcing can help such businesses make significant cost savings by eliminating hardware and software costs. You can get access to several network security applications and the expertise of cybersecurity experts at a fraction of the cost.
Compliance Management
When you’re operating in a specific industry, you have to follow certain regulations, which may include the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and more.
These regulations are constantly changing. At times, not adhering to these changes might lead to non-compliance and violation. Third-party network security companies are experts in compliance management programs. Therefore, they ensure that your company processes strictly adhere to all the relevant regulatory requirements.
Cons Of Outsourcing Network Security:
Along with the advantages, it is also important to know the disadvantages of outsourcing. Therefore, you must carefully weigh the pros and cons before finalizing the network security provider. Some drawbacks of outsourcing network security include:
Loss Of Control
Outsourcing your network security involves the risk of letting someone else take care of your sensitive data. Therefore, you can’t really guarantee 100% customer data protection, especially if you are not familiar with the provider’s security practices.
Also, you will have less control over their actions. The application of standardized care offered by some services might end up in them ignoring your specific problems and requirements. This can lead to a substandard effect, and the solution might not be effective.
Communication Issues
Communication is one of the main problems when you outsource your network security. When you have an in-house network security team, communication and collaboration are very easy. Decision-makers can call the team to discuss matters instantly. However, when you are working with a third-party network security provider, communication can be much more difficult.
The response times may vary depending on how busy the experts are. In special cases, your cybersecurity provider might be located in a different time zone or speak a different language. This further complicates the communication issues between your company and the service providers.
Dependence On A Third-Party
When you outsource your network security to a third-party provider, you become totally dependent on their performance and availability. In case the security provider experiences a breach or downtime, it could have significant implications for your business operations.
Also, the decision made by third parties may not be in compliance with your organizational policies. It is because they lack organization knowledge and focus on keeping the data secure through standardized processes.
Conclusion
If your business is looking to protect itself from potential breaches and enhance its security posture, outsourcing network security can be a valuable strategy. However, you must consider the drawbacks that might come along with outsourcing. The ultimate decision to outsource network security or keep it in-house should be based on the unique needs and requirements of your business.
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