Brief: In this article, we explore the challenges faced by in-house IT teams in managing cyber security. Learn how a simple change to your IT team, coupled with specific tech can be less expensive and safer for your business.
“I come from the Net. Through systems, peoples, and cities, to this place: Mainframe. My format: guardian. To mend, and defend. To defend my newfound friends, their hopes, and dreams. To defend them from, their enemies…” — Bob, ReBoot
The myth that in-house IT teams can handle everything is crumbling under the weight of modern cyber security threats.
Just as Bob from “ReBoot” arrives to mend and defend Mainframe, external cyber security partners can step in to support organisations overwhelmed by new threats, sophisticated attacks, and compliance requirements.
IT departments are juggling multiple responsibilities with limited resources and expertise, resulting in overwhelmed in-house teams.
For instance, in 2022, Shields Health Care Group experienced a significant data breach that exposed sensitive information of over 2 million individuals.
Despite immediate containment efforts and the involvement of cyber forensics specialists, the breach highlighted the vulnerabilities within their in-house IT security capabilities, such as insufficient detection mechanisms and inadequate response strategies for handling sophisticated cyber threats.
In this blog post, we’ll expose the reality of the challenges faced by in-house IT teams and explore how outsourcing security, much like Bob’s guardianship, can help organisations stay afloat in the turbulent waters of cyber security.
The Causes of In-House IT and Security Overwhelm
- In-house IT teams face an uphill battle against the growing complexity and volume of cyber threats
- Limited resources and expertise hinder effective security management
- Constant updates and maintenance of security systems strain IT teams
The Exponential Growth of Cyber Security Threats
Cyber security is evolving at an unprecedented pace. New threats emerge daily, each more sophisticated and harder to detect than the last. In 2022 alone, there were over 22 billion data breaches worldwide, with a 70% increase from the previous year.
The Shift to Remote Work Amplifies Risks
The rapid transition to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated the situation. With employees accessing company networks from various locations and devices, the attack surface has expanded dramatically.
In fact, a study by IBM revealed that remote work has increased the average cost of a data breach by $137,000.
Limited Resources and Expertise of In-House IT Teams
While in-house IT teams are undoubtedly skilled, they often lack the specialised expertise needed to combat today’s advanced cyber threats. Cyber security is a complex field, requiring deep knowledge of various technologies, protocols, and attack vectors.
The Cyber Security Skills Gap
The cyber security skills gap exacerbates this issue. An (ISC)² study found that the global cyber security workforce needs to grow by 65% to effectively defend organisations’ critical assets.
This shortage of qualified professionals makes it challenging for in-house teams to stay ahead of the curve.
The Constant Need for Updating and Maintaining Security Systems
Cyber security is not a set-it-and-forget-it endeavour. As new threats emerge, security systems must be continually updated and maintained to remain effective. This includes patching software vulnerabilities, updating firewall rules, and monitoring for suspicious activity.
The Time and Cost of Staying Current
Keeping up with these updates is a time-consuming and expensive process.
A recent Ponemon Institute study found that organisations spend an average of $1.4 million annually on cyber security software, hardware, and services.
For many in-house IT teams, this is a significant strain on already limited budgets.
Understanding the Top IT Security Challenges Faced by In-House Teams
TL;DR:
- Keeping pace with changing threats is a major challenge.
- Implementing effective security measures while maintaining productivity is a balancing act
- Attracting and maintaining skilled cyber security professionals is an ongoing struggle
In-house IT teams face a multitude of challenges when it comes to ensuring the security of their organisation’s systems and data.
As cyber threats continue to change at an unprecedented rate, it can be overwhelming for these teams to keep up with the latest attack vectors and vulnerabilities.
The Skills Gap in Cyber Security
One of the most significant issues facing in-house IT teams is the shortage of qualified cyber security professionals.
According to a recent study by (ISC)², the global cyber security workforce shortage is estimated to be 3.4 million people. This skills gap makes it difficult for organisations to attract and retain top security talent, leaving their IT teams understaffed and overworked.
The Impact of the Skills Gap
The cyber security skills gap has far-reaching consequences for organisations.
Without enough skilled professionals to monitor and respond to threats, in-house IT teams are more likely to miss critical vulnerabilities or fail to detect intrusions in a timely manner. This can lead to costly data breaches and reputational damage.
The Burden of Compliance and Regulations
Another significant challenge faced by in-house IT teams is ensuring adherence to industry-specific security standards and regulations.
With the increasing number of data privacy laws and security frameworks, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS, organisations must regularly update their policies and procedures to remain compliant.
The Cost of Non-Compliance
Failing to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines and legal consequences.
In 2023, the average cost of a data breach reached $4.45 million, according to the IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report. Additionally, non-compliance can lead to loss of customer trust and damage to an organisation’s reputation.
Balancing Security with Business Productivity
In-house IT teams must also explore the balance between implementing strong security measures and maintaining business productivity.
Overly restrictive security policies can hinder employee efficiency and lead to frustration, while overly permissive policies can leave the organisation vulnerable to attacks.
The Importance of User Experience
To strike the right balance, IT teams must consider the user experience when designing and implementing security controls.
This may involve investing in user-friendly security tools, providing regular security awareness training, and creating a culture of security within the organisation.
The Importance of Teamwork and Collaboration in Cyber Security
- Effective cyber security requires a team effort across the entire organisation
- Collaboration between IT, security experts, and other departments is crucial
- Diverse skill sets and perspectives strengthen an organisation’s security
Creating a Culture of Shared Responsibility for Security
Creating a strong cyber security culture within an organisation is essential for protecting against threats. Every employee, from the C-suite to entry-level staff, plays a role in maintaining the security of the company’s digital assets.
By creating a sense of shared responsibility, organisations can ensure that security best practices are followed consistently and that potential vulnerabilities are identified and addressed promptly.
To build this culture, regular security awareness training should be provided to all employees. This training should cover topics such as identifying phishing emails, creating strong passwords, and handling sensitive data properly.
By educating employees about their role in maintaining security, organisations can transform them from potential weak links into active participants in the company’s defence strategy.
Encouraging Reporting of Security Incidents
Employees should feel comfortable reporting any suspicious activity or potential security incidents without fear of repercussions.
Establishing clear reporting channels and emphasising the importance of early detection can help prevent minor issues from escalating into major breaches.
Encouraging Cross-Functional Communication and Cooperation
Effective cyber security requires open lines of communication and cooperation between different departments within an organisation.
IT teams should work closely with other departments to understand their unique security needs and develop tailored solutions that align with business objectives.
For example, the finance department may require additional security measures to protect sensitive financial data, while the marketing team may need guidance on securely managing customer information.
By collaborating with these departments, IT can ensure that security policies and procedures are implemented consistently across the organisation.
Regular cross-functional meetings and workshops can help break down silos and create a spirit of cooperation. These sessions provide an opportunity for different departments to share their perspectives, discuss common challenges, and develop joint strategies for improving security.
Utilising Diverse Skill Sets and Perspectives to Strengthen Defences
Cyber security is a complex and multifaceted field that requires a wide range of skills and expertise.
By assembling a diverse team of professionals with backgrounds in areas such as network security, data analytics, and threat intelligence, organisations can create a more comprehensive and effective security strategy.
Each team member brings a unique perspective and set of experiences to the table. For instance, a data scientist may be able to identify patterns in network traffic that indicate a potential threat, while a psychologist may have insights into the motivations and tactics of cybercriminals.
By using these diverse skill sets, organisations can develop a more holistic approach to security that addresses both technical and human factors.
Breaking Down Silos Between IT and Other Departments
One of the biggest challenges in developing a collaborative approach to cyber security is overcoming the silos that often exist between IT and other departments.
In many organisations, IT is seen as a separate entity responsible for managing technology, while other departments focus on their core business functions.
To break down these silos, IT teams need to actively engage with other departments and demonstrate the value of security in supporting business objectives.
This may involve attending departmental meetings, providing regular updates on security initiatives, and seeking input from stakeholders on their specific needs and concerns.
Aligning Security with Business Goals
By aligning security measures with overall business goals, IT teams can help other departments understand the importance of cyber security in achieving organisational success.
For example, implementing secure payment processing systems can help the sales team increase customer trust and drive revenue growth.
Partnering with External Security Experts
While in-house IT teams play a critical role in maintaining an organisation’s security, partnering with external security experts can provide valuable additional support and expertise. These partnerships can take many forms, from consulting engagements to managed security services.
External experts bring specialised knowledge and experience that may be lacking within the organisation. They can provide insights into the latest threat trends, recommend best practices for security controls, and assist with incident response planning and testing.
Augmenting In-House Capabilities
By augmenting in-house capabilities with external expertise, organisations can fill gaps in their security strategy and ensure that they are prepared to handle even the most advanced threats.
This can be particularly valuable for smaller organisations that may not have the resources to maintain a full-time security team.
Gaining Access to Cutting-Edge Security Technologies
Partnering with external security providers can also give organisations access to cutting-edge security technologies and tools that may be too costly or complex to implement in-house.
These may include advanced threat detection systems, security information and event management (SIEM) platforms, and cloud-based security services.
By using these technologies, organisations can improve their ability to detect and respond to security incidents quickly and effectively. They can also benefit from the economies of scale and expertise that specialised security providers offer.
The Benefits of Outsourcing IT Security to Overcome Limitations
- Gain access to a dedicated team of cyber security experts
- Reduce the burden on in-house IT staff
- Ensure 24/7 monitoring and rapid incident response
Outsourcing IT security can provide organisations with numerous benefits that help overcome the limitations of relying solely on in-house resources.
By partnering with a managed security service provider (MSSP), businesses can tap into a wealth of expertise and resources that may not be available internally.
One of the primary advantages of outsourcing IT security is gaining access to a dedicated team of cyber security professionals. These experts possess the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to effectively protect an organisation’s digital assets.
They stay up-to-date with the latest threats, vulnerabilities, and security best practices, ensuring that the company’s defences remain strong and adaptable.
Accessing a Dedicated Team of Cyber Security Experts
Specialised Knowledge and Skills
Cyber security is a complex field that requires specialised knowledge and skills. By outsourcing IT security, organisations can use the expertise of professionals who have dedicated their careers to understanding and combating cyber threats.
These experts possess in-depth knowledge of various security domains, such as network security, endpoint protection, threat intelligence, and incident response.
The Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) emphasises the importance of continuous training and professional development for cyber security professionals to stay current with emerging threats.
Staying Current with the Latest Threats and Technologies
Outsourced security teams are committed to staying current with the latest threats, vulnerabilities, and security technologies.
They invest significant time and resources into research, training, and professional development to ensure they can provide the most effective protection for their clients.
This level of dedication is often challenging for in-house IT staff, who may have limited time and resources to devote to security-specific training and research.
Reducing the Burden on In-House IT Staff
Focusing on Core Business Objectives
Outsourcing IT security allows in-house IT staff to focus on core business objectives and strategic initiatives.
Rather than being bogged down by the day-to-day tasks of managing security, such as monitoring logs, investigating alerts, and updating security policies, internal IT teams can dedicate their time and energy to projects that directly contribute to the organisation’s growth and success.
Alleviating the Stress of Cyber Security Responsibilities
Cyber security can be a stressful and demanding responsibility for in-house IT staff. The constant pressure to stay ahead of cyber threats, coupled with the potential consequences of a breach, can lead to burnout and employee turnover.
By outsourcing IT security, organisations can alleviate this stress and provide a more manageable workload for their internal teams.
Ensuring 24/7 Monitoring and Rapid Incident Response
Around-the-Clock Security Monitoring
Cyber threats do not adhere to regular business hours. Attackers can strike at any time, making 24/7 monitoring essential for effective cyber security.
Outsourced security providers offer around-the-clock monitoring, ensuring that potential threats are detected and addressed promptly, regardless of the time of day.
Swift and Effective Incident Response
In the event of a security incident, rapid response is crucial to minimising damage and preventing further compromise.
Outsourced security teams are equipped with the tools, processes, and expertise necessary to quickly contain and remediate security incidents.
They can provide swift guidance and support to help organisations explore the challenges of incident response, reducing the impact of a breach and facilitating a faster recovery.
Key Considerations When Outsourcing IT Security
- Carefully evaluate potential IT security providers to ensure they align with your organisation’s needs and standards
- Maintain visibility and control over outsourced security operations through clear communication and regular performance reviews
- Seamlessly integrate outsourced security with in-house IT processes for effective incident response and collaboration
When outsourcing IT security, it’s crucial to assess the provider’s reputation, experience, and certifications.
Look for providers with a proven track record of success in your industry and those that hold relevant certifications such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, and CISSP.
Ensuring alignment with your organisation’s specific security needs is another key consideration. Every business has unique security requirements based on its industry, regulations, and risk profile.
Work closely with potential providers to understand their offerings and how they can be tailored to your needs.
Maintaining Visibility and Control Over Security Operations
When outsourcing IT security, it’s essential to define clear roles and responsibilities in the partnership. This helps maintain visibility and control over security operations.
Establish regular communication channels, such as weekly status meetings and monthly performance reviews, to stay informed about the provider’s activities and any emerging threats.
Establishing Service Level Agreements
Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are a critical component of any outsourcing partnership. They define the expected level of service, response times, and performance metrics.
Well-defined SLAs provide a foundation for accountability and help ensure that security objectives are met.
They set clear expectations for both parties, outline specific performance standards, and establish mechanisms for monitoring and reporting.
This structured approach helps in building a successful outsourcing relationship by ensuring that both parties are aligned on goals and responsibilities.
Integrating Outsourced Security with In-House IT Processes
To maximise the effectiveness of outsourced IT security, it’s crucial to ensure seamless collaboration between internal and external teams.
Establish clear protocols for incident response and escalation, so that everyone knows their role and responsibilities in the event of a security breach.
Creating a Culture of Collaboration
Encourage open communication and knowledge sharing between your in-house IT staff and the outsourced security team.
Regular cross-training sessions and joint tabletop exercises can help build trust and familiarity between the teams.
Real-World Examples of Successful IT Security Outsourcing
- Explore how organisations have improved their security through strategic outsourcing
- Learn from case studies that demonstrate the tangible benefits of partnering with security providers
- Gain insights into best practices and lessons learned from companies that have overcome security challenges
Improved Threat Detection and Response Times
When faced with an increasing number of security threats, many organisations struggle to keep pace with the latest challenges. This is where outsourcing to a specialised security provider can make a significant difference.
By utilising the expertise and resources of a dedicated security team, companies can drastically improve their threat detection and response capabilities.
Take the example of the retail giant Target. In 2013, Target experienced one of the largest data breaches in history, where cybercriminals accessed the credit and debit card information of approximately 40 million customers.
Despite having an in-house IT team, Target’s security systems were unable to effectively detect and respond to the intrusion in a timely manner.
After the breach, Target significantly revamped its security approach by partnering with external security experts.
They implemented 24/7 monitoring, advanced threat intelligence, and automated incident response processes.
This real-world example demonstrates the tangible benefits of using MSSPs for improved threat detection and response times, showcasing how specialised security providers can help organisations stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Key Metrics Demonstrating Success
- 90% decrease in the number of successful phishing attacks
- 50% reduction in false-positive security alerts, freeing up internal resources
Improve Compliance and Audit Readiness
For organisations operating in heavily regulated industries, such as healthcare, finance, and government, maintaining compliance with security standards can be a daunting task.
Outsourcing to a security provider with deep expertise in compliance frameworks like HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and NIST can help ensure that an organisation is always audit-ready.
Consider the case of Fortis Cyber Solutions working with a healthcare facility in Columbus, Ohio. The facility faced significant challenges with their patient intake forms, which were not only non-compliant with HIPAA but also managed through a cumbersome and manual process.
By partnering with Fortis Cyber Solutions, the healthcare provider was able to develop a secure, HIPAA-compliant form handling process that included user authentication and masking of sensitive information like social security and driver’s licence numbers.
The implementation of advanced security measures and a streamlined, user-friendly portal interface reduced the intake process time from 20 minutes to 10 minutes.
This ensured compliance and significantly improved operational efficiency and employee satisfaction.
Managing Complex Compliance Requirements
Outsourcing security can be particularly beneficial for organisations that operate in multiple jurisdictions, each with its own set of regulations and standards.
A knowledgeable security provider can help explore these complexities, ensuring that the organisation remains compliant across all its operations.
Consider the case of JPMorgan Chase, a global financial services firm. After a significant data breach in 2014, the firm partnered with external security experts to develop a unified compliance strategy.
This approach integrated advanced security measures and continuous monitoring, ensuring compliance with various regulations, including PCI-DSS, GDPR, and local data protection laws.
This strategy significantly reduced the risk of fines and reputational damage, improving the firm’s security and customer trust.
This real-world example highlights the importance of utilising specialised security providers to manage complex compliance requirements effectively.
Scalability and Flexibility to Support Business Growth
As organisations grow and evolve, their security needs often change as well. Outsourcing security can provide the scalability and flexibility needed to support this growth, without the need for significant upfront investments in infrastructure and personnel.
A fast-growing tech startup, for instance, may find that its in-house security team struggles to keep up with the rapid expansion of its cloud-based services.
By partnering with a cloud security specialist, the startup can quickly scale its security capabilities to match its growth, while also benefiting from the provider’s expertise in securing cloud-native applications and data.
Adapting to Changing Business Models
Outsourcing can also help organisations adapt to changing business models and market conditions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies had to rapidly shift to remote work arrangements, exposing them to new security risks.
Those that had already outsourced key security functions to providers with experience in securing remote workforces were able to make the transition more smoothly, minimising disruption to their operations.
For instance, a software development firm that had outsourced its identity and access management (IAM) to a security provider was able to quickly deploy multi-factor authentication and secure remote access solutions to its newly remote workforce.
This allowed the firm to maintain productivity and security throughout the pandemic, while also providing a foundation for a more flexible, hybrid work model in the future.
Access to Specialised Expertise and Cutting-Edge Technologies
One of the key benefits of outsourcing security is gaining access to a wide range of specialised expertise and cutting-edge technologies that may be difficult or costly to develop in-house.
Security providers often invest heavily in research and development, staying at the front of the latest threats and mitigation strategies.
For example, a manufacturing company that had been relying on outdated anti-malware software found itself falling behind in protecting against advanced persistent threats (APTs) and zero-day exploits.
By outsourcing to a security provider with expertise in these areas, the company gained access to state-of-the-art endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools, as well as a team of experienced threat hunters who could proactively identify and neutralise sophisticated threats.
Utilising Machine Learning and AI for Security
As artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) become increasingly prevalent in cyber security, outsourcing can help organisations tap into these powerful technologies without the need for significant in-house investments.
Security providers that specialise in AI and ML can help organisations improve threat detection, automate incident response, and optimise security operations.
A large financial institution, for instance, may generate millions of security events each day, making it impossible for human analysts to review them all.
By working with a security provider that offers AI-powered security information and event management (SIEM), the institution can automatically prioritise and investigate high-risk events, freeing up its in-house team to focus on more strategic initiatives.
Cost Savings and Predictable Security Spending
While outsourcing security may seem like an additional expense, it can actually lead to significant cost savings in the long run.
By utilising the economies of scale and shared resources of a security provider, organisations can avoid the high costs of building and maintaining an in-house security team, including salaries, benefits, training, and technology investments.
Moreover, outsourcing can help organisations move from a capital expenditure (CapEx) model for security to an operating expenditure (OpEx) model, providing more predictable and manageable costs over time.
This can be particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses that may have limited budgets for security.
Avoiding the Costs of Security Breaches
Perhaps most importantly, outsourcing security can help organisations avoid the costs of security breaches, which can include direct financial losses, legal and regulatory fines, and long-term damage to reputation and customer trust.
By investing in a strong security through outsourcing, organisations can significantly reduce the risk of these costly breaches, ultimately saving money and protecting their bottom line.
Improving Your Cyber Security Approach
In-house IT teams face an uphill battle in today’s challenging cyber security environment. The sheer volume and sophistication of threats, combined with limited resources and expertise, make it nearly impossible for internal teams to keep up.
From the constant need for updates to the burden of compliance, the challenges are overwhelming.
Strengthen Your Defences with Collaboration and Outsourcing
By creating a culture of shared responsibility and breaking down silos between departments, organisations can strengthen their cyber security.
However, the key to overcoming the limitations of in-house IT lies in partnering with external security experts.
Outsourcing provides access to a dedicated team of professionals, advanced tools, and 24/7 monitoring, all while reducing the burden on your internal staff.
When considering outsourcing, it’s crucial to assess the provider’s reputation, align their services with your specific needs, and establish clear communication channels.
By maintaining visibility and control over security operations and seamlessly integrating outsourced services with your in-house processes, you can unlock the full potential of this collaborative approach.
Are you ready to change your organisation’s cyber security strategy?
Take the first step by evaluating your current challenges and exploring the benefits of outsourcing.
With the right partnership, you can strengthen your defences, improve compliance, and focus on driving your business forward.
