What is Security as a Service?

All businesses are aware of the importance of cybersecurity. Without it, a company is very vulnerable to attacks and theft of personal information. One way to protect your business from cyberattacks is to hire security personnel. Another option is to outsource. Security services can now be outsourced via the cloud using what's called Security as a Service.

So what is Security as a Service and should your business use it?

What is Security as a Service?

Security as a Service (SECaaS) is a method of outsourcing cybersecurity through the cloud. Vendors offer a variety of cybersecurity services under a subscription model.

Most providers offer all the services needed to protect a business and thus offer a reasonable alternative to hiring in-house security personnel. Many providers also allow you to choose smaller services. Because of this flexibility, you can also use SECaaS as an additional device for indoor security.

What are the advantages of SECaaS?

 

SECaaS offers many advantages over hiring security staff or using IT staff for security purposes. Here are a few reasons why businesses use SECaaS providers.

Access to the best staff

SECaaS provides access to security experts. If you currently rely on IT staff to perform your cybersecurity duties, a SECaaS provider can provide a team with a higher level of expertise. Every employee working at a SECaaS provider specializes in security and does nothing else. So they have the ability to increase their knowledge of the latest hacking techniques.

Access the best software

SECaaS providers use the latest software products. Choosing a SECaaS provider means that you benefit from these products without having to purchase them or train employees to use them. Cybersecurity is constantly changing, and so the latest software, including security tools for remote workers, offers better protection.

Easily scale up and down

SECaaS providers offer a flexible service that allows an organization to pay only for the specific services it needs. This is not only useful for businesses with limited budgets; but also allows a business to scale up and down its security with ease. This is ideal for companies whose security needs are changing as they do business.

More cost-effective than using on-site staff

SECaaS is more economical than hiring security staff. This model provides an alternative to paying full-time employees and requires no on-site space. This makes SECaaS especially popular with small businesses. It is also ideal for people who need a specific service but do not want to hire additional staff to perform that service.

Reduce pressure on IT staff

SECaaS is often used as a way to outsource tasks that existing employees would perform. This allows those employees to focus on other tasks.

 

What is included in SECaaS?

Most SECaaS providers allow businesses to choose the specific services they want. So what services do most SECaaS providers offer?

Security Review

SECaaS often includes a review of your current privacy policies. SECaaS will review your security software, network architecture, and staff training. It will then show you how protected you are and what could be improved.

Provide information about potential threats

SECaaS will provide information about potential threats your business may face. This will tell you what kind of precautions to take.

Monitor

All SECaaS providers offer full network monitoring. This allows you to identify any intruders and know when someone unauthorized is trying to access your network.

Intrusion Management

SECaaS provides security experts who will respond to any successful network intrusion. They are responsible for preventing entry and pushing attackers out.

Disaster recovery

Successful attacks can cause significant damage to a business. Many SECaaS vendors offer disaster recovery capabilities that allow you to quickly get back up and running safely after a successful attack.

Web security

This service will protect all your websites and other public assets from attack, prevent attacks and keep your websites online.

Anti-virus software management

Many SECaaS vendors recommend managing your antivirus software, ensuring that all computers have antivirus software installed and up to date.

Event management and security information

SECaaS typically uses Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) software to monitor and study your network logs. This is useful for understanding and preventing intrusions.

Who should use SECaaS?

SECaaS is especially suitable for small businesses that don't have the necessary resources to hire security staff. Because of its flexibility, SECaaS is also useful for companies looking to scale up or down. It is much easier to order new SECaaS services than to hire new employees, especially experts in the field of cybersecurity.

 

SECaaS is also used by large enterprises who want to reduce the amount of work done by their IT or security teams. SECaaS is especially suitable for any business that relies on an IT team for cybersecurity instead of professional security experts. IT staff often don't have the expertise needed to protect against the latest threats.

How to choose a SECaaS provider

Due to the popularity of the SECaaS model, there are now many providers to choose from. Here are the criteria to consider:

Possibility

Your provider must be available at all times. Hackers don't just target businesses during office hours, and your provider must be able to resolve security incidents 24 hours a day.

Services offered

Providers offer a wide variety of services, and this allows you to select individual services to keep costs down. Before choosing a provider, you should know what services you need and choose accordingly.

Type of security software used

Each vendor uses different security software, and the protection you get depends on the quality of that software. Before signing up with a provider, you should ask what software is included in their service.

SECaaS is a good choice for all businesses

SECaaS providers offer a variety of security services on a subscription model. This is growing in popularity because it's flexible, affordable, and in many cases offers the same protection as hiring full-time employees.

Some businesses use SECaaS as their only means of protection. This allows savings in both payroll costs and office space. But it can also be used in conjunction with security personnel to reduce workload and provide additional services.