Cybersecurity-as-a-Service, or CSaaS, refers to a subscription model where businesses pay an organization to provide access to its cybersecurity capabilities, via the cloud. Cybersecurity services can encompass everything from basic protection against cyber attacks to more comprehensive coverage, pre-emptive planning and response capabilities.
Cybersecurity-as-a-Service (CSaaS) can help mitigate risks by providing a secure, centralized platform that businesses, regardless of size, can use to protect their data and systems from attacks.
Usually, CSaaS offers:
- Application security—email security, credential protection, security controls
- Endpoint security—including for remote devices
- Data security—in motion and at rest
- Network security—filtering traffic and stopping intruders
- Cloud security–including multi-cloud environments
- Managed Detection and Response (MDR)
Cybersecurity-as-a-Service vs. Traditional Cybersecurity
The traditional approach to building an in house team of cybersecurity professionals whose primary mission is to develop and enforce a company-wide security policy customized to the specific demands of the organization.
However, for firms, particularly large enterprises with hundreds or thousands of personnel and systems scattered across various locations, this can be costly and time-consuming. Traditional, in-house security can drain resources once a business reaches a certain size.
The outsource option is Cybersecurity-as-a-Service (CSaaS). Some businesses opt to go “all-in” with a single provider for manager cybersecurity, while others prefer to outsource some or all of their enterprise security activities.
Some firms adopt a more flexible approach to CSaaS, outsourcing some components while keeping others in-house.
Cybersecurity-as-a-Service integrates best-of-breed security services, software, and human expertise (security analysts) into a single, comprehensive solution.
The Security Operations Center (SOC) is at the heart of every Cybersecurity-as-a-Service vendor partner. The Security Operations Center is a cutting-edge facility that monitors and responds to security risks in your organization. Every Security Operations Center should ideally be staffed by experienced security specialists who are dedicated to monitoring, identifying, tracking, and incident response security problems.
They accomplish this with the assistance of professional-grade security software and advanced tools that aid them in identifying and prioritizing system risks. The Security Operations Center in the CSaaS model monitors your company systems for cyber threats using a combination of technology, security information, and human experience (cybersecurity professionals).
Organizations do not need to build up their own security tools or processes when using cloud-based or subscription-based Cybersecurity-as-a-Service. Some managed security companies can begin monitoring an organization’s environment in as little as a few days or weeks, delivering proactive protection and peace of mind faster than traditional, in-house team and security methods.
Benefits of Cybersecurity-as-a-Service (CSaaS)
There are a number of reasons why businesses might choose CSaaS over traditional security methods to straighten their security posture.
For one, traditional security measures can be expensive and time-consuming both to implement and maintain. Furthermore, as the global economy becomes increasingly digitalized, there is a greater need for companies to protect their data and systems from attack.
Advantages of Implementing CSaaS
Centralized management of cybersecurity resources
CSaaS allows organizations to manage all their cybersecurity resources from a single location. This makes it easier for cybersecurity professionals to prioritize and oversee cybersecurity efforts.
Scalability
Businesses today operate in a dynamic, quick-paced, and ever-changing global economy, so each organization’s cybersecurity requirements change with time.
Because Cybersecurity-as-a-Service is an inherently flexible managed cybersecurity model, businesses can scale up or down as necessary to make sure they’re spending the right amount of resources on their cybersecurity posture. This prevents organizations from overspending on unnecessary features.
Outsourcing cybersecurity management, organizations can bypass the financial burden
Implementing CSaaS comes with a plethora of advantages, such as cost efficiency, expertise on demand, and streamlined operations. By outsourcing cybersecurity management, organizations can bypass the financial burden associated with hiring and maintaining an in-house team, as well as the expenses related to hardware and software.
Cost Efficiency
When it comes to cost savings, CSaaS truly shines. Many smaller companies face the challenge of implementing effective cybersecurity measures due to the financial strain of maintaining an in-house team. The 2020 CISO Benchmark Study found that cost efficiency was the main reason for outsourcing cybersecurity.
Through economies of scale, managed security service providers (MSSPs) can offer top-notch endpoint protection, at an affordable cost. Furthermore, CSaaS eliminates the need for large upfront investments in technology, allowing organizations to pay a set monthly fee instead.
Expertise on Demand
One of the key benefits of CSaaS is having access to specialized expertise when you need it. With the rise of diverse infrastructures, the cyber security threats have become more complex and harder to resolve. CSaaS providers offer expert cybersecurity professionals who can quickly identify and address these threats, ensuring your organization remains secure.
This expertise allows businesses to focus on their core operations, leaving the cybersecurity management to the experts.
Streamlined Business Operations
Streamlining business operations is essential for organizations to thrive in today’s fast-paced global economy. CSaaS providers can help businesses achieve this by taking on the responsibility of managing their cybersecurity needs.
By automating tasks, reducing errors and delays, and improving communication, CSaaS can lead to greater efficiency, cost savings, happier customers, and improved productivity.
Despite its numerous advantages, outsourcing cybersecurity comes with some potential drawbacks. Limited control log management and customization and knowledge gaps due to organizational fit are some of the concerns businesses might face when implementing CSaaS.
Automated detection and incident response capabilities
Many CSaaS platforms offer automated detection and response features, which help organizations quickly respond to attack threats. This helps minimize the impact of a cyber attack and ensures that critical information is not compromised.
Integrated security solutions
Many Cybersecurity-as-a-Service platforms provide integrated security solutions that make it easy for organizations to deploy comprehensive cybersecurity strategies. This helps ensure that all systems are protected from online threats.
CSaaS can be a valuable tool for businesses looking to better protect themselves against a cyber attack. There are quite a number of options available on the market, so it is important to find one that fits your organization’s specific needs.
How to Choose a Cybersecurity-as-a-Service (CSaaS) Provider?
CSaaS providers offer a wide range of features and capabilities, allowing customers to focus on their core business while the cybersecurity services provider takes care of security and compliance needs.
Here are the most important aspects you need to consider when choosing between CSaas solutions:
Cost
Typical CSaaS fees include a monthly fee for the service, as well as an annual or per-user charge. It’s important to find a provider with flexible pricing options that meets your needs and it si not a financial burden.
Features and Capabilities
The type of security services offered by a Cybersecurity-as-a-Service provider can vary hugely, from simple password management and incident response to full defense against advanced threats.
Make sure you’re clear about what features are included in the price quote and ask the third-party vendor if there are any additional fees you need to accommodate. For example, for specialized threat detection or mitigation tools.
Service quality
When considering service quality, think about how often you’ll need support and how responsive the managed cybersecurity provider will be when you do need it. Are there cybersecurity professionals available 24/7? What are the response time guarantees? Will warranty coverage for the outsourced model be available?
Cybersecurity best practices
The CSaaS provider should be experienced in deploying and managing best practices for cybersecurity, such as rigorous identity and access management (IAM) policies and strong network security measures.
Many Cybersecurity-as-a-Service providers offer a free trial for you to try out their services before making a decision. It’s also a good idea to consult a trusted advisor, such as an information security professional, to help you choose the right provider for your needs.
