A quick google on Security as a Service (SECaaS or SaaS) brings many results that sometimes leave you with more questions than answers. For instance, is Security as a Service the same as Security as a Service Cloud? A quick response to that, is yes. It’s the same thing. But that’s just one of the many examples of how SECaaS can be confusing, which is what this blog aims to avoid. In this blog, you’ll get an easy-to-read breakdown of what SECaaS is, how it works, and whether it’s something you should consider.
So let’s begin!
Security as a Service, what is it, and how does it work?
SECaaS follows a cloud-based service model where a third-party provider manages and monitors the security of your network and data (think of Microsoft 365 or Salesforce). Instead of purchasing and maintaining your own security infrastructure, you can simply outsource this responsibility to a trusted provider. Pretty straightforward here, right? Good.
So what are the offerings of Security as a Service?
The offerings range anything from network and application security, to disaster recovery planning and compliance management. Different providers will have their version of the security package, but the goal here is essentially the same, to outsource security services to companies. Here are some of the standard solutions you can find on the market offered by providers:
- Firewalls
- Anti-malware software
- Data encryption services
- Internal and external vulnerability assessment
- Domain breach monitoring
- Dark web monitoring
- Security assessment
- and many more
Depending on the offerings you purchased for your business, the third-party provider will manage it on your behalf. Whether it’s updating and maintaining security infrastructure or monitoring potential threats to detect and respond quickly, the provider will do it for you. This frees up your resources so that your IT department can focus on other things rather than firefighting daily.
Should I implement Security as a Service? What are the benefits?
The answer to this question will vary from one business to another because implementing SECaaS isn’t just about protecting a company against cyberattacks. It’s more than that. SECaaS allows businesses to partner with a provider that is a security expert and fully equipped with the right technology to do the work. This engagement empowers businesses to focus on what they do best, their business.
Here are the three main factors to help you decide if SECaaS is for you or not:
- Added flexibility in budget and resources: Consider engaging a service provider in your team as adding someone that’s going to make your internal IT team work better and save cost. How? Reputable IT security service providers are experts in their industry. They not only know the ins and outs of cybersecurity but also have the right tools, to begin with. Instead of starting from scratch and looking for new tools or the latest updates, you can leverage your provider’s existing technology to fortify your business. With all that unused budget and resources, you can focus or invest in other business areas.
- Access to better security solutions and expertise: Technology evolves quickly, and it can be challenging and costly to keep up with. Companies can spend up to four times the amount of their initial software purchase on annual maintenance and management costs. added that maintaining existing systems and infrastructure can use up 75 percent of a company’s entire IT budget. If your business has nothing to do with IT security, it’s no surprise that investing in the latest security solution doesn’t make it to your priority list. Some reputable security managed service providers live and breathe IT, which means they have developed their own security suite paired with a deep security bench to offer the protection you need.
- Remain protected despite the rise of cyberattacks: Ransomware is rising, and cybercriminals are using unique attacks depending on the industries they’re targeting. 61% of SMBs have encountered a cyber attack last year, according to Verizon. Cyberattacks are getting sophisticated. Instead of sleeping with one eye open, service providers are on the lookout for you, some even 24/7. One the of main benefits of outsourcing your security is that you can worry about your business, while and your provider worries about keeping your business secure. Again, it goes back to empowering your workforce to focus on what matters for the business.
Should I have any concerns about Security as a Service?
Yes, you should! Technology isn’t straightforward, and it’s always a good practice to have concerns regardless of how promising a solution can be. Privacy, for instance, is one of the bigger concerns as businesses think that engaging a third-party provider would require access to your network, exposing your sensitive data to an outsider. Another concern is that outsourcing your IT (in this case, cybersecurity) will lead to losing your best IT talents because you’re giving away a portion of your IT team’s job to a provider. These are valid concerns, but they’re just not entirely true.
A reputable service provider has a set of procedures to protect your business’ privacy and themselves. Your contract for example, will explicitly detail how much access the provider has and what they can or can’t do within your network. This is one of the measures a provider would take to ensure that your data is safe. And as for losing your talents, outsourcing is never about replacing them, but rather empowering them. Implementing SECaaS actually fuses your staff’s skills with the provider’s expertise to offer a comprehensive security solution for your business. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.
SECaaS offers businesses added flexibility in budget and resources, access to better security solutions and expertise, and protection against cyberattacks. It allows companies to focus on their core competencies while leaving security measures in the hands of experts. So ask yourself, is SECaaS worth considering for your business? The answer might surprise you.
Keep in mind that it’s important to do your due diligence when researching and choosing a provider. Make sure they have a good track record and can meet the unique needs of your business. And remember, security is not something to be taken lightly – protecting yourself now can save you from costly breaches in the future. If you’re thinking of implementing SECaaS, talk to one of our experts to help you plan
