Cybersecurity specialists have their pick of jobs, and as we discussed in last month’s job, it’s not easy to land a full-time, in-house specialist. Demand is high and the talent pool is scarce, and the skills shortage is impacting many in the IT and telecom sector. You know what that means– cybersecurity talent is expensive.
Without a proper plan, the skills crisis can wreak havoc on your business. Spreading employees thin causes burnout and often has the opposite than expected effect on productivity. In many areas, multi-tasking is a skill, but when it comes to cybersecurity, a singularity of focus and expertise is key. The greatest issue is the unfilled role itself– without the right cybersecurity support, businesses remain wide open to attacks.
Whatever your reasons are, be they born of preference or necessity, some CIOs are opting for alternatives to W2 hires. Fortunately, many options exist. We’ve discussed why you need an alternative to an in-house cybersecurity team. Now, let’s talk about the options available to you.
Managed Services
For the same or lesser cost than one in-house expert, you can get a whole team and save your desk space. Managed services are security services offered by one company that houses a team of experts. Paying for a managed service guarantees a dedicated and attentive group of experts to manage issues like threat mitigation, log monitoring, and response planning.
Working with a vCISO
If you’re looking for a hand off-deck, consider a former captain. vCISOs, or Virtual Chief Information Security Officers, are often former CISOs or other high-ranking cybersecurity specialists who lend their expertise and services for a per diem or on-demand rate. Often, this will run you roughly 30-40% of the cost of a full-time, in-house CISO, with additional benefits, like minimal training. Seriously, these guys know what they’re doing, and they can do it for you without breaking the bank.
Switching to Cloud
By adopting cloud technology, you adopt the security team that your provider has an established working relationship with. There’s an added layer of trust that comes with cloud computing– the overwhelming opinion tends to be that cloud storage is, by design, more secure than on-prem. Please note: this is not a substitute for an outside specialist– the same way that a Speedo isn’t a substitute for a diving suit. It’s better than nothing, but works best under a thicker layer of support.
SASE
Here’s another option for added insulation. While we’re on the subject of cloud migration, SASE is on fire right now. The cutting edge approach rolls multiple network security services and WAN into one cloud-delivered service. Streamlining is good for your sanity, and for your data– the less your vulnerable information pings back and forth, the easier it is to protect it.
It would be nice to have an unlimited budget and a long-stretched timeline for cybersecurity necessities, but it’s not the reality for most, if any, IT departments today. I think it’s safe to assume you don’t.
If one of the alternatives above resonates with you, TechChoice can help you explore it further. We specialize in cybersecurity, offering consulting and connecting you with top cybersecurity firms that you can trust to defend your data.
Our experts know the cloud and the steps to successful integration, and we’re ready to help you navigate your options. Whether you choose private, public, or hybrid, we can help you make your migration successful. Putting both a proper outsourcing option and an insulated network together helps you keep the risk of a cyber attack – and the financial loss, reputation tarnish, and embarrassment served alongside it like French fries– at bay.
Ready to defend the fort? Let’s talk about cybersecurity.