The Pros and Cons of Outsourcing IT Security

Firewalls, anti-spam filters, network security, e-mail content filtering is all a part of IT security, but what if your business doesn’t have the resources to do it right? Should you outsource your security?

In a recent InfoWorld article, Contributing Editor Roger A. Grimes looks at the pros and cons of outsourcing IT security. A tightly managed security framework can require more time than available resources allow, he says, and that’s why hiring managed security service (MSS) providers is becoming a popular security alternative.

According to Grimes, some of the reasons to outsource security include the fact that MSS providers have the expertise and staff resources to maximize security, the cost-effectiveness of content filtering by using an outsourced firm, the ability to monitor your network around the clock, and the ability to have providers manage either your entire network or simply a piece of it.

Reasons not to outsource, he says, include the cost (especially for smaller companies), privacy issues when a third party has access to your data, letting go of customization and routine management, and having to call tech support for even the simplest tasks.

Grimes cites the advice of Rick VanLuvender, director at InfoSec Academy, to help make the final decision. VanLuvender recommends making the most of outsourcing by negotiating an acceptable service level agreement, employing a testing period, incorporating an unconditional early-out clause and reading the fine print of the contract.

To read the full article, click here: http://www.infoworld.com/article/04/08/27/35FEintrusionasp_1.html