Explore the Pros and Cons Of Each Option to Make an Informed Decision About Your IT Defenses
Being a business owner means carefully managing your overhead and expenses. It means asking yourself questions like, “Should I outsource this aspect of the business? Or is this something our team can handle internally?”
These choices are especially relevant when evaluating cybersecurity services, as they are no longer considered optional in today’s digital business environment. Cybersecurity protects your data, your IT infrastructure, and digital devices. It also protects your company from potential revenue losses.
Although cybersecurity services are essential and valuable, these digital defenses come at a cost. As a business owner, you don’t want to fall victim to a cyberattack, but you also don’t want to overspend on cybersecurity, especially if there are aspects you can handle yourself.
To help you weigh your options, let’s explore how professional cybersecurity services compare to the DIY approach. After reviewing the pros and cons of each approach, you will have all the information you need to make an informed decision about your future IT investments when exploring cybersecurity in Kansas City.
What Are Cybersecurity Services, and Why Are They Important?
Cybersecurity refers to the practices, technologies, and strategies that protect networks, devices, and sensitive information from unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyberattacks. Cybersecurity services are the tactics that establish a robust network of digital defenses, such as:- Network security
- Endpoint security
- Cloud security
- Email security
- Data encryption
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Antivirus software
- Access controls
- Real-time threat monitoring
- Incident response planning
- Data backup and loss prevention
- Disaster recovery
- Firewalls
Each cybersecurity service represents a line of defense. The more defenses you have, the more difficult it is for cybercriminals to access your network, steal your data, and corrupt your systems with malware and viruses.
Although cybersecurity services don’t generate revenue, they do the next best thing by preventing financial losses, reputational damage, and legal consequences that may arise from a cyber incident.
How to Evaluate Cybersecurity Service Options For Your Business
When it comes to cybersecurity, you must decide whether to hire IT professionals or secure your systems using internal resources. Let’s explore the pros, cons, and key considerations of professional cybersecurity services and the DIY approach.Professional Cybersecurity Services
With professional cybersecurity services, managed IT service providers, IT security firms, or dedicated in-house security professionals protect your business from cyber threats. These experts monitor, detect, and respond to security risks while implementing digital best practices that are tailored to your organization.Pros Of Professional Cybersecurity Services
- Comprehensive protection: Professional cybersecurity companies possess the resources to create a multi-layered defense strategy, including firewalls, intrusion detection, endpoint security, and more.
- Advanced threat monitoring: Many professional cybersecurity firms offer 24/7 monitoring so they can detect and respond to threats in real time, minimizing potential damage from cyberattacks.
- Expertise and industry knowledge: Trained cybersecurity specialists stay up to date on the latest threats, vulnerabilities, and compliance requirements, which can be challenging for business owners to track on their own.
- Regulatory compliance assistance: If your business operates in healthcare, finance, or a similar industry with strict data protection laws, cybersecurity experts understand your industry-specific compliance regulations. In healthcare, for example, cybersecurity professionals must store and transmit data in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Reduced risk of human error: Over 90% of data breaches are due to human error and a lack of cybersecurity training. Cybersecurity consulting firms and managed IT service providers can help protect your organization through employee training and security awareness programs.
Cons Of Professional Cybersecurity Services
- Cost considerations: Hiring cybersecurity professionals can be expensive, especially for small businesses. However, the cost of a data breach is often much higher. According to IBM’s “Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024,” the global average cost of a data breach was $4.8M, a 10% increase from 2023.
- Reliance on third-party providers: Some businesses may feel uncomfortable outsourcing their cybersecurity to an external firm, as it requires trusting a third party with sensitive data.
The DIY Cybersecurity Approach
With the DIY approach to cybersecurity, business owners and internal teams handle security measures themselves using freely available or low-cost security tools. Startups and small businesses commonly do this as a cost-saving measure.Pros of DIY Cybersecurity
- Lower initial cost: DIY cybersecurity is generally more affordable because you can use free or budget-friendly tools, such as antivirus software, firewalls, and password managers.
- Direct control over security: The DIY approach means you maintain full control over your cybersecurity measures, allowing for direct oversight of security policies and system updates.
- Flexibility and customization: DIY cybersecurity allows you to tailor security measures based on your specific needs, using only the tools and best practices that align with your operations.
Cons Of DIY Cybersecurity
- Lack of Expertise: Cybersecurity is a complex and constantly changing field. Without proper training, you may unintentionally overlook vulnerabilities that put your business at risk.
- Limited threat detection and response: DIY methods often lack real-time monitoring, making it difficult to detect and respond to cyberattacks before damage occurs.
- Time investment: Implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting cybersecurity measures requires significant time and effort, which can divert attention from other aspects of your business.
- Inadequate incident response: If a security breach occurs, your business may struggle with data recovery, forensic analysis, and containment, leading to longer downtimes and higher costs.
- Compliance challenges: Many industries have strict cybersecurity and data protection regulations. Without professional guidance, you put your business at risk of failing to meet compliance requirements, leading to potential fines and legal issues.
Which Cybersecurity Approach Is Best For Your Business?
The decision between professional cybersecurity services and a DIY approach depends on several factors, including the size and scope of your business, your budget, and risk tolerance. Here are some considerations to help you decide:- If you operate in a highly regulated industry or handle sensitive customer data, professional cybersecurity services are highly recommended.
- If your business is small with minimal digital assets, a DIY approach with strong security hygiene may be sufficient, as long as you’re willing to invest time in learning and implementing cybersecurity best practices.
- If your company lacks in-house IT expertise, outsourcing to a cybersecurity consulting firm ensures better protection and faster threat response.
- If budget is a concern, consider a hybrid approach, where you use DIY methods for basic security and cybersecurity professionals for periodic security assessments and compliance audits.
How to Get Cybersecurity In Kansas City For Your Business
Cybersecurity protects your business from financial loss, data breaches, and reputational damage. Although a DIY approach saves you money upfront, it comes with significant risks, particularly if your business lacks technical experts and real-time threat monitoring.
Professional cybersecurity services, on the other hand, offer comprehensive protection, industry expertise, and advanced threat detection. This makes them a worthwhile investment for companies that can’t afford to have business operations interrupted by a cyber incident.
If you’re unsure about which cybersecurity services your business needs, a cybersecurity consulting session with Kansas City Managed IT can help with your evaluation process. After learning more about the scope of your business and current IT infrastructure, we can make cybersecurity service recommendations that protect your network, safeguard your revenue stream, and seamlessly scale as your business grows.
Call (816) 444-5085 to schedule your consultation.