In a rapidly evolving digital world where threats are becoming more sophisticated and prevalent, UK businesses are facing mounting pressure to safeguard their data and IT infrastructures. A recent survey conducted by Logpoint, which included 1,762 C-suite executives, revealed that 28% of UK companies expect their IT security teams to be managed by third parties within the next two years. This complements the existing 52% already outsourcing this function. This trend signifies a notable shift toward relying on external cybersecurity expertise. Comparatively, businesses in France (24%) and Germany (27%) prefer to mainly manage cybersecurity demands internally. This growing preference for outsourcing in the UK can be attributed to several key factors, including stringent compliance requirements and a significant shortage of IT skills within the workforce. These factors are collectively shaping a growing reliance on Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) to handle complex cybersecurity needs.
The Role of Compliance and Regulation
One of the primary drivers for the increase in outsourcing cybersecurity among UK businesses is the stringent compliance landscape. Regulations such as GDPR and the upcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill necessitate that companies maintain high levels of data protection and incident response capabilities. According to Innes Muir, Logpoint’s regional manager for MSSPs, outsourcing allows organizations to access the latest technological advancements and specialized expertise required to meet these regulatory demands. This not only ensures compliance but also enables companies to shift accountability for risk management and incident reporting to third-party experts.
Moreover, anticipated future regulations are likely to further compel businesses to seek external cybersecurity support. The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, for instance, is expected to embed accountability deeply within risk management frameworks, escalating the need for precise and robust cybersecurity measures. By collaborating with MSSPs, companies can more efficiently navigate the complex regulatory environment while simultaneously enhancing their security posture. This proactive approach to compliance enables businesses to stay ahead of regulatory changes and mitigate potential legal and financial repercussions arising from cybersecurity lapses.
Addressing the IT Skills Shortage
Another critical factor influencing the outsourcing trend is the acute shortage of IT skills within the UK. The challenge of finding and retaining qualified cybersecurity professionals is a significant concern for many organizations. In the Logpoint survey, 60% of respondents who favored third-party providers cited a lack of internal skills and knowledge as a primary motivation for outsourcing. Additionally, 48% of businesses reported difficulties in recruiting candidates with the requisite expertise, a situation exacerbated by a 27.1% increase in demand for IT specialists this year despite a 4.9% reduction in the labor pool.
This talent deficit makes it tough for companies to build and maintain proficient in-house cybersecurity teams. As a result, businesses are turning to MSSPs that possess the necessary expertise and resources to manage complex security challenges. Outsourcing allows organizations to bridge the skills gap effectively while ensuring that their cybersecurity functions are handled by experienced professionals. This approach not only enhances the overall security posture but also mitigates the risks associated with having insufficiently trained in-house teams.
Prioritizing Service Quality and Compliance
When selecting an MSSP, UK businesses emphasize service quality and the provider’s reputation over cost considerations. According to the Logpoint survey, 46% of respondents prioritize service quality, while 19% value the provider’s reputation. Only 12% of businesses indicate that cost is a primary factor in their decision-making process. This preference underscores the importance of reliability and proven effectiveness in cybersecurity operations.
Specific security solutions are also essential in the decision-making process. Mitigating a breach is the top concern for 63% of respondents, followed closely by prior effectiveness (62%) and compliance utility (61%). These priorities highlight a growing demand for comprehensive solutions that can ensure robust compliance monitoring and reporting. By leveraging the expertise of MSSPs, businesses can implement advanced security measures and maintain compliance with regulatory standards efficiently.
Conclusion
A crucial factor in the trend towards outsourcing is the severe lack of IT skills within the UK. Finding and keeping qualified cybersecurity professionals is a major issue for many companies. According to a Logpoint survey, 60% of those who preferred third-party providers pointed to a lack of internal skills and knowledge as their main reason for outsourcing. Additionally, 48% of businesses struggled to recruit candidates with the necessary expertise, a problem worsened by a 27.1% rise in demand for IT specialists this year, despite a 4.9% decrease in the labor pool.
This shortage of talent makes it difficult for companies to build and maintain strong in-house cybersecurity teams. Consequently, businesses are looking to Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) with the necessary expertise and resources to handle complex security issues. Outsourcing allows organizations to effectively bridge the skills gap and ensures their cybersecurity needs are managed by experienced professionals. This approach not only boosts overall security but also reduces the risks tied to having poorly trained in-house teams.
