There’s a shift taking place in the cyber security model—driven by the massive quantities of data required to remain competitive and the need to share that data and secure it against cyber threats. Many companies are finding that managed security services are providing a solid solution to these changing dynamics.
A New Cyber Security Model
In the recent report Moving Forward with Cyber security and Privacy, PwC notes that, “…forward-thinking organizations are pivoting toward a new model of cyber security, one that is agile, capable of acting on analytic inputs and adaptive to evolving risks and threats. At the core of this new approach are solutions like data analytics and real-time monitoring, managed security services, advanced authentication and open-source software. While not all of these technologies are new, the way they are distributed and managed often are—many are cloud-based or offered as managed security services.” 1
Managed Security Services
The same PwC survey also found that 62% of C-suite and IT executives use security service providers to operate and enhance their cyber security programs. Following is a breakdown of the services they are outsourcing with an MSSP.”1
Use of managed security services:1
- 64% authentication
- 61% data loss prevention
- 61% identity & access management
- 55% real-time monitoring & analytics
- 48% threat intelligence
So, why are so many organizations from a very broad range of industries relying on a managed security services provider (MSSP) to help defend against cyber threats?
Industry Challenges
Industry staffing challenges are a key factor that has lead to increased engagement with MSSP’s. For the past four years, information security and cyber security topped the list of IT skills shortages. This year (2016) the number is 46% of the organizations surveyed, up from only 28% in 2015, according to Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG).2
Another staffing challenge is keeping the IT team up-to-date on training and certifications. This is critically important when cyber threats are constantly shifting and evolving at a rapid pace. Yet, training and certifications can be costly to an organization and the time required doing so detracts from other business critical activities.
Also, technology is changing at a rapid pace becoming more complex and exposing the network to even greater vulnerability. It is challenging to keep pace with not only the technology itself, but also the methods to secure that technology. (One emerging example of this combination of complexity and vulnerability, the Internet of Things.)
Why an MSSP?
MSSP’s offer enterprises of every size access to cyber/information security experts who can assist with a range of security services from managing, administering, monitoring, reporting and alerting you to cyber threats. With a singular focus on cyber security, they have highly developed knowledge and skills with industry specific training and certifications, and are dedicated to the protection of your valuable assets.
Their vast network of connections within the Threat Intelligence Community and strong relationships within their Partner Channel give them access to a broad and deep group of experienced experts that they can tap for resources and innovative solutions to solve your toughest cyber security issues.
Outsourcing cyber security responsibilities to a trusted MSSP can optimize your cyber defense protection, at a fraction of the cost of dedicated FTE resources. It also allows you to redirect staff time and budget dollars to more business critical projects or operational functions. Additionally, MSSPs apply this deep knowledge and experience to provide your organization with an objective third party perspective of your cyber security defense, identifying vulnerabilities that may have been overlooked.
To learn more about how an MSSP can cost effectively improve your cyber defense and your bottom line, and get a free 30 day trial visit: http://info.defendedge.com/managed-security-services.
Sources:
1pwc.com, ”Moving Forward with Cyber Security and Privacy in 2017”, 2016
2 esg-global.com, “Cyber Security Skills Shortage: A State of Emergency,” February 2016