UK Businesses Outsource Cybersecurity to Bridge Skills Gap

Logpoint's report reveals 52% of UK firms outsourcing cybersecurity, driven by expertise needs and compliance.

With a growing skills gap, UK businesses are increasingly turning to outsourcing security operations, a trend highlighted in Logpoint’s latest European Cybersecurity Sector report.

Navigating the Skills Shortage in Cybersecurity

The latest European Cybersecurity Sector 2024 report by Logpoint indicates a significant shift among UK businesses towards outsourcing their security operations. This transition, primarily driven by a widening skills gap, is part of a broader trend across Europe, reflecting a strategic pivot in how companies manage their cybersecurity needs.

The survey, involving 1,762 senior decision-makers from various sectors, shows that 52% of UK businesses currently outsource their security operations, with an additional 28% planning to do so within two years. This contrasts with France, Germany, and the Nordic countries, where in-house management still prevails but is gradually declining:

  • France: 65% in-house, 35% outsource, 24% planning to outsource.
  • Germany: 77% in-house, 23% outsource, 27% planning to outsource.
  • Nordics: 54% in-house, 46% outsource, 14% planning to externalize.

Driving Factors for Outsourcing

The primary motivations for outsourcing include accessing external expertise, achieving cost efficiencies with predictable pricing, and enhancing overall security management. The ISC2 2024 Cybersecurity Workforce Study supports this trend, revealing a 27.1% increase in the UK’s workforce gap, compounded by a 4.9% reduction in workforce due to economic challenges.

The Role of MSSPs in Modern Security Management

Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) are becoming crucial for organizations aiming to address the lack of internal capabilities and comply with increasing regulatory demands. Organizations are leveraging MSSPs not only for their expertise and technology but also as a strategic move to shift accountability, especially to meet cyber insurance and compliance requirements like GDPR and NIS2.

The quality of service remains the top criterion for selecting an MSSP, followed by provider reputation and cost. Interestingly, the demand for MSSPs is also shaping future regulatory frameworks, suggesting that compliance and accountability will become integral to risk management strategies.

Strategic Implications for UK Businesses

As UK businesses confront a diminishing pool of cybersecurity talent, the strategic outsourcing to MSSPs offers a viable solution to not only bridge the skill gap but also enhance cybersecurity resilience. The trend towards outsourcing is set to reshape the security landscape, making it imperative for businesses to carefully choose their MSSP partners based on a blend of effectiveness, compliance support, and cost efficiency.

 

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