A recent survey conducted by Optiv, a leading cyber advisory and solutions provider, has revealed that 73% of organizations have experienced a reduction in the impact of disruptive cyber incidents by partnering with managed security services (MSS) and managed detection and response (MDR) providers. This is in stark contrast to only 14% of organizations who reported no impact from these partnerships.
The survey, which was conducted in collaboration with Information Security Media Group (ISMG), explores the various dimensions of user experience and preferences related to MSS and MDR services. Spanning from December 2022 to April 2023, the survey aimed to gain insights from cybersecurity leaders.
According to Jason Lewkowicz, the executive vice president and chief services officer at Optiv, organizations are operating in an environment where speed, budget, and talent retention are crucial to staying ahead in today’s threat landscape. He emphasizes the importance of having the right talent, investing in the right talent, and keeping up with the ever-changing technology to avoid being left behind. Lewkowicz notes that speed is a critical factor, which is why many organizations rely on managed security solution providers to provide rapid protection, detection, and response.
As the cybersecurity talent gap continues to widen, MSS and MDR services offer organizations the opportunity to leverage outsourced solutions to enhance cybersecurity maturity without increasing headcount. By utilizing external experts, organizations can effectively manage security resources without overwhelming their IT staff.
With the evolving threat landscape, security leaders are increasingly turning to MSS/MDR solutions to address emerging concerns promptly. The advanced capabilities and technologies offered by external providers enable organizations to tackle new challenges effectively. The survey found that 64% of respondents viewed running their security operations (SecOps) program as either “challenging” or “extremely challenging.”
When asked about the top three challenges to their SecOps program, respondents frequently cited hiring/retaining security talent, increasing sophistication of threat actors, and constantly expanding attack surface. Additionally, 33% of respondents identified the existence of too many security tools that are not well integrated as a top challenge, aligning with a trend observed by Optiv in the market.
The survey also highlighted relatively high satisfaction levels with current MSS/MDR providers. Thirty-one percent of respondents rated their providers 4-5 on a satisfaction scale of 1 to 5, while only 13% rated them 1-2. A majority of 56% expressed overall satisfaction with a rating of 3.
Moreover, the survey explored organizations’ preferences for procuring security consulting services from existing MSS/MDR providers. Thirty-one percent of respondents indicated a preference for this option because the incumbent provider may have a better understanding of the environment, leading to improved outcomes. Another 14% expressed a desire to consolidate vendors as a reason for choosing the same provider for consulting services.
The survey gathered responses from various sectors, including financial services, manufacturing, and healthcare. The majority of respondents (59%) hold positions such as CISO/CSO, CIO, vice president, or director. Additionally, 48% of responders represent organizations with over 5,000 employees.
Organizations interested in learning more about Optiv’s MSS and MDR offerings can visit their website for detailed information. Optiv is dedicated to providing comprehensive solutions that address the dynamic and complex challenges of the cybersecurity landscape.
For the latest news and updates from Optiv, interested parties can visit their newsroom on their official website. Optiv remains committed to helping organizations stay ahead of cyber threats and protecting them from potential disruptions.