Enterprises are facing a growing challenge in handling the increased attack surface that has resulted from the migration of more IT functions to the cloud. According to industry experts like Robinson, the existing tools that companies have been relying on are no longer sufficient to effectively manage the cybersecurity threats they are facing. As a result, many organizations are turning to outsourced technologies to handle functions such as managed detection and response (MDR) as a more viable solution.
A recent study conducted by Foundry, titled the 2024 Security Priorities Study, sheds light on the top IT security functions that Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are looking to outsource to managed service providers in the coming year. The study revealed that threat detection and response, security awareness training, and security operations are among the top functions that are being outsourced, with 24%, 23%, and 23% of respondents respectively indicating their intention to outsource these functions.
Additionally, the study found that threat intelligence, vulnerability assessment, and backup and recovery are also high on the list of functions that organizations are considering outsourcing, with 22% of respondents expressing interest in outsourcing these services. The findings of the study highlight a growing trend among enterprises to rely on third-party service providers for key cybersecurity functions as a way to enhance their overall security posture.
The study further showcased a significant shift towards outsourcing security functions, with 82% of respondents stating their intention to outsource security functions to a managed security services provider or another third-party within the next 12 months. This data underscores the increasing reliance of organizations on external expertise and resources to bolster their cybersecurity defenses and mitigate the growing threat landscape they are up against.
One of the key reasons driving this trend towards outsourcing security functions is the overwhelming volume of alerts that companies are receiving, making it challenging for internal teams to effectively manage and respond to potential threats. By leveraging the expertise of managed service providers, organizations can benefit from proactive threat detection and response capabilities that can help them stay ahead of cyber adversaries and better protect their sensitive data and infrastructure.
Moreover, outsourcing security functions allows organizations to access specialized skills and resources that they may not have in-house, enabling them to augment their existing cybersecurity capabilities and strengthen their overall security posture. By partnering with experienced managed service providers, organizations can benefit from a tailored approach to security that is aligned with their specific business needs and risk profile.
Overall, the findings of the 2024 Security Priorities Study point towards a growing recognition among enterprises of the benefits of outsourcing key security functions to managed service providers. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve and become increasingly complex, organizations are realizing the value of partnering with external experts to enhance their security defenses and face the challenges of today’s digital age. By embracing outsourcing as a strategic approach to cybersecurity, companies can better protect themselves against cyber threats and safeguard their critical assets in an ever-changing threat landscape.