S3Corp. Tech Blog

The cybersecurity skills gap has created a challenging cycle for organizations worldwide. On one side, 63% of cybersecurity professionals report worsening working conditions due to increasing cyberattacks, intensifying data privacy issues, excessive workloads, budget limitations, staffing shortages, and stringent regulations. On the other side, 71% of organizations face a critical shortage of cybersecurity talent, causing teams to be overworked, leading to burnout and high attrition rates.

Compounding these issues, the rapid expansion of the threat landscape, encompassing cloud environments, supply chains, networks, endpoints, applications, and hardware, has left two-thirds of organizations struggling to understand their own cyber risks. This lack of comprehension and preparation increases exposure to threats and exacerbates vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the shortage of skilled professionals raises the likelihood of human errors such as misconfigurations, while limiting the team’s ability to leverage technology effectively. Gartner predicts that by 2025, talent shortages will account for over half of all cybersecurity incidents.

This complex scenario highlights the growing importance of outsourcing as a strategic solution for managing and mitigating cybersecurity challenges.

Outsourcing as a Strategy to Overcome the Cybersecurity Skills Gap

Outsourcing technology services is not a new concept; organizations have long leveraged it to reduce costs and accelerate digital transformation. In the context of cybersecurity, outsourcing has become indispensable due to the widening talent gap and increasing demand for expertise. Research indicates that 93% of organizations plan to delegate some aspects of cyber risk management to security service providers in the next two years.

According to Gartner, 42% of global risk management budgets in 2024 will go toward outsourcing services, including consulting, implementation, and hardware support. These services enable organizations to address talent shortages and enhance their security posture without the need for costly internal investments.

Third-party service providers play a pivotal role in several areas of cybersecurity. For instance, continuous threat monitoring and security testing are essential but costly to maintain internally. A well-equipped Security Operations Center (SOC) typically requires six to twenty personnel and an annual budget of $2.86 million. Outsourcing allows organizations to benefit from the infrastructure and expertise of service providers, eliminating the need for such high investment.

Risk assessments and security reviews are another domain where external experts add value. They provide objective evaluations of systems and processes, uncover vulnerabilities, and ensure that security controls function as intended. Outsourced teams perform penetration tests, identify misconfigurations, and validate system integrity without bias. It is essential, however, to choose independent providers who maintain clear boundaries between auditing and implementation roles.

Organizations seeking strategic leadership can explore virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) services. These experts bring executive-level guidance, aiding in policy development, incident management, and regulatory compliance. This option is particularly beneficial for organizations lacking senior security leadership.

In the event of an incident or ransomware attack, outsourced providers offer crucial assistance. They conduct investigations, analyze impacts, and provide recovery guidelines. Their expertise extends to liaising with insurance carriers, regulators, partners, and other stakeholders, ensuring a comprehensive response to security breaches.

Outsourcing is also invaluable for navigating compliance and privacy frameworks such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR, and CCPA. Service providers offer specialized knowledge to ensure adherence to regulatory standards and help evaluate cyber insurance options, providing a holistic approach to risk management.

Ensuring Effective Cybersecurity Outsourcing Partnerships

Given the severe shortage of cybersecurity professionals—64% of companies report difficulties in hiring—outsourcing is a necessity rather than a convenience. However, the success of outsourcing depends on careful planning and execution. Organizations must establish clear processes to ensure that partnerships with third-party providers are effective and sustainable.

The first step is selecting a provider with proven expertise and a solid understanding of the organization’s industry. It is crucial to evaluate their track record in handling incidents and staying updated on emerging threats. This step ensures that the provider is not only skilled in cybersecurity but also familiar with sector-specific challenges.

Defining roles and responsibilities is equally important. Many outsourcing initiatives fail due to unclear boundaries between the organization and the vendor. A well-structured agreement should outline who handles specific tasks, minimizing gaps in security coverage.

Communication and transparency form the backbone of successful partnerships. Regular updates and transparent reporting create a framework for proactive issue resolution. Open communication channels foster trust and enable organizations to address emerging risks effectively.

Ongoing performance reviews ensure that the provider meets predefined benchmarks and adapts to the evolving threat landscape. This iterative approach allows organizations to refine their cybersecurity strategy continually and maximize the value derived from outsourcing.

Transitioning to Advanced Models: Operated Services and AI Integration

The traditional outsourcing model is evolving. According to Deloitte, many organizations are adopting “operate services,” where external and internal teams collaborate to build sophisticated security capabilities. This approach addresses talent shortages while enabling the development of core security functions and compliance frameworks.

Artificial intelligence (AI) also plays a significant role in alleviating the cybersecurity talent gap. AI-powered tools automate routine tasks, such as threat detection and response, allowing security teams to focus on strategic initiatives. However, effective AI implementation requires specialized expertise. Organizations must seek partners with experience in integrating AI solutions to ensure seamless adoption.

In Vietnam, software outsourcing companies are well-positioned to assist global organizations in bridging their cybersecurity skills gaps. Offering web and mobile technology services, S3Corp combines local expertise with international standards to deliver comprehensive cybersecurity solutions tailored to diverse needs.

Conclusion

The growing cybersecurity skills gap presents significant risks to organizations, from increased vulnerabilities to operational inefficiencies. Outsourcing offers a practical and scalable solution for addressing these challenges, enabling organizations to leverage external expertise and infrastructure. By carefully selecting and collaborating with trusted providers, businesses can strengthen their cybersecurity posture, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage risks effectively.

Adopting advanced models like operated services and integrating AI further enhances the effectiveness of outsourced security solutions, offering organizations a pathway to resilience in an increasingly complex threat environment. The strategic incorporation of outsourcing into cybersecurity frameworks not only addresses immediate needs but also positions organizations for long-term success in digital world.