Less than a decade ago, an executive-level cybersecurity service expert could command a salary of more than $500,000. That amount seems paltry compared to the more than $2.5 million that a person in the same position with the same amount of experience could expect today. If that sounds like a lot, there is a good reason for that. Cybersecurity is a new and extremely important profession where the job openings have outpaced the number of trained and experienced candidates. By some estimates, there will be more than 3.5 million cybersecurity jobs left unfilled by 2021.
Unfortunately, it is exponentially difficult to find the right people to fill these positions. And for many companies – and not just small businesses – the right person may never come along. The talent pool is sparse, and individuals with this highly-sought-after skill set do not have to look far for a better offer when they do take a job.
For this reason, outsourcing has become a popular way for companies to ensure their information technology needs are met.
Why Are IT And Cybersecurity So Important?
IT jobs have grown exponentially in the last two decades. And as businesses rely more and more on computers, demand will only continue to rise. Businesses need IT experts to stay ahead of accidental data compromise and blatant security breaches.
These security incidents can cost companies hundreds of millions of dollars, hence the high salaries of experienced cybersecurity experts who can prevent them. Just one example of the high cost of not staying on top of IT security is the 2017 Equifax incident, which cost the credit reporting agency $700 million and the trust of more than 140 million clients.
Outsourcing Is The Answer
Outsourcing is not a new concept. Companies have been outsourcing IT work, including web development and database administration, for decades. What is new is the availability of C-suite cybersecurity service professionals. Nashville-based ImageQuest offers this valuable service under its vCISO (Virtual Chief Information Security Officer). While this is not a full-time, on-site service, an outsourced professional brings a lot to the table.
First, outsourcing is less stressful for business owners and management. As mentioned earlier, it is extremely difficult to fill these positions. The companies that do have put extensive work into the hiring process (and probably lean on outsourced Human Resources services to do that). Another benefit is that businesses can get the expertise they need for their most problematic areas. Businesses that have to remain compliant with industry regulations, for example, can utilize a cybersecurity service to help focus on these areas. This, in turn, frees up the in-house IT staff to focus on operations and “big picture” projects.
There is also significant value to working with a cybersecurity service vendor that is familiar with cybercrimes and recovery. Hackers continually improve their methods, and it is not easy for in-house staff to keep up while also performing their day-to-day IT functions.
Business leaders that outsource their IT needs have access to years of experience without paying an employee premium – or worrying that employee’s knowledge and expertise will head out the door to a higher-paying job elsewhere. Further, their cybersecurity service can help them stay compliant with industry guidelines and remain one step ahead of criminals. By outsourcing information security, businesses put themselves in a better position to grow without expending their entire year’s budget on a single employee.
ImageQuest is an industry-leading cybersecurity service and managed IT solutions provider based in Nashville, Tennessee. The company is dedicated to helping its clients increase their profitability and growth by providing a curated suite of technology solutions, including infrastructure, security, cloud, data protection, data compliance, and consultative services.