With cyber threats evolving rapidly and data breaches costing UK businesses thousands, small and medium-sized organisations across London are facing a critical question:
Should you manage your cybersecurity in-house or outsource it to a trusted provider like Support Tree?
As a Managed IT Support & Cyber Security provider for London businesses, we’ve helped organisations across multiple sectors, including financial and insurance firms, assess their options and implement the best-fit cyber security strategies.
There’s no universal solution. In this article, we’ll guide you through the comparison of in-house vs. outsourced cybersecurity, the pros and cons of internal and outsourced cybersecurity, and introduce a third option: the hybrid model.
By the end, you’ll have a clearer view of the right direction for your business.
What Does Internal Cybersecurity Look Like?
An in-house cybersecurity setup typically involves building your dedicated team, often operating within a Security Operations Centre (SOC) and investing in advanced tools and 24/7 monitoring. While this might suit large enterprises, for most SMBs it’s a significant undertaking.
Pros Of An Internal Cyber Security Team:
When deciding in-house vs. outsourced cybersecurity, it is important to check the positives and negatives of both and then decide which one will work best for your organization.
- Business-Specific Knowledge: Your team learns your systems intimately and can act faster on known patterns.
- Full Focus: Your employees can just focus on the business part of it, without having to worry about cybersecurity issues.
- Direct Access: No waiting in queues; your team is available when you need them.
- Total Control: You oversee the entire security strategy from tools to response times.
Cons Of In-House Security:
- High Costs: Managing the salaries, tools, and training of an internal team can cost almost 3.5 to 5 times the cost of outsourcing.
- Recruitment & Retention Challenges: It is difficult to hire skilled professionals as there is a shortage of people excelling in this field. Moreover, it is expensive to hire every individual after evaluating their skillsets.
- Skill Gaps: It is difficult to train the team to current criminal activities as they are constantly evolving.
- High Risk of Turnover: If your only security lead leaves suddenly, your business may be left exposed.
What To Look For In In-House Hires:
If you go this route, seek professionals with high-level certifications like CISSP, CCSP, or CEH – these are widely recognised credentials in the cybersecurity space. But be aware: such talent is rare and comes at a premium.
What Is Outsourced Cyber Security (CSaaS)?
Outsourcing cybersecurity means getting your security operations managed by a security service provider. This is one of the best options for SMBs who require heavy security without having to deal with everything in-house.
Benefits Of CSaaS With Support Tree:
Organizations these days mostly choose outsourced cybersecurity. In 2022 (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study showed that 48% of companies are choosing this kind of service because of its benefits.
- Cost-Effective: Avoid large capital costs for salaries and tools. Pay a predictable monthly fee.
- Instant Expertise: Gain access to certified security professionals who already know the tools.
- Scalability: Easily scale your cyber defences as your business grows.
- 24/7 Monitoring: Around-the-clock protection that your in-house team may struggle to provide.
- Regulatory Support: We help ensure your business remains compliant with regulations like GDPR.
- Faster Deployment: Start protecting your systems immediately; no need to build from scratch.
Learn more about our Managed IT Support Services and how we help businesses in London stay protected from cyber threats.
Potential Challenges Of CSaaS:
- Less Direct Control: Your MSSP handles the day-to-day, which means less visibility unless regular reviews are in place.
- Generic Packages: Some providers use cookie-cutter solutions – Support Tree doesn’t. We tailor security services to your business needs.
- Variable Response Times: You can’t walk down the hall to talk to us, but we guarantee rapid, SLA-driven responses.
- Hidden Extras: Some MSSPs charge extra for features or additional users. Always ask for clear terms (we provide fully transparent pricing).
What To Look For In A Saas Provider:
- Proven experience with businesses in your sector (like our IT Support for Insurance Companies)
- Clear service offerings and transparent billing.
- Responsiveness and flexibility with scaling services up or down.
- A proactive approach to threat monitoring and incident response.
In-House vs. Outsourced Cybersecurity: Best Of Both Worlds
Many London businesses opt for a hybrid model combining in-house oversight with outsourced expertise. This allows:
- An internal team to manage day-to-day tools or policies.
- External support (like Support Tree) to deliver 24/7 monitoring, threat response, and audits.
This model is flexible, cost-effective, and practical. This is best if you are stretching your resources and want to have some control. You can go with this.
Pro Tip: Don’t outsource just for the sake of it – outsource strategically to cover your blind spots and support your long-term IT roadmap.
Which Cyber Security Model Is Right For You?
The right approach depends on:
- Your business size and budget.
- Industry regulations (e.g., in insurance or finance).
- Internal skill levels.
- Risk appetite.
- The systems you already have in place.
A large organization who have the means and money to have an in-house team would not want to get someone else involved in their business. However, for some SMBs, outsourcing seems better. They offer greater value, better protection, and there is less risk involved.
At Support Tree, we’ve worked with a wide range of clients to assess their needs and implement the best solution. Also, it is sometimes completely outsourced, sometimes in-house, and sometimes we take a hybrid approach.
Take The Next Step With Support Tree
Now you have an idea about in-house vs. outsourced cybersecurity, but if you’re unsure which direction is right for your business, we can help.
Our experts will assess your environment, review your current cybersecurity posture, and guide you toward a scalable and effective solution.
Learn more about our Managed IT Support Services
Explore our IT Support for Insurance Companies
Book a consultation today to secure your business against evolving cyber threats.
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