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Why assessing maturity is important when outsourcing cybersecurity

It makes sense for most organizations to outsource cybersecurity to some extent. Outsourcing is an efficient way to increase an organization’s level of maturity in handling cybersecurity matters.

Maria Nordgren / March 13, 2023

It makes sense for most organizations to outsource cybersecurity to some extent. Outsourcing is an efficient way to increase an organization’s level of maturity in handling cybersecurity matters.

This maturity level varies significantly between industries, organizations and individuals. One size does not fit all.

If an organization has a high maturity level, well-established security infrastructure and adequate in-house security knowledge, then it’s much more capable of impactful outsourcing that optimally addresses security needs.

Assessing the maturity of an organization is thus essential when outsourcing cybersecurity services, as it affects the level of support and guidance needed from the service provider. Maturity impacts decision-making and the overall cost of services.

Defining and raising the level

How can an organization know what maturity level it should reach? And what does the defined level imply?

Many security consultants can provide objective answers to these questions. They use a methodological and systematic approach – along with verified metering – to define the appropriate maturity level for a customer.

The process may not be called a maturity analysis, but rather an overall business-risk analysis that looks at the business, its environment, and potential security risks and gaps. Most likely the result is that the current level is lower than it should be, so the next phase is to start a program that takes it to a new level.

For the sake of simplicity, the maturity of security can be rated on a scale of 1 to 5. A plumbing company may be on level 1, for example, but a large hospital must get to at least level 3. An organization classified as a critical-infrastructure operator should reach level 5.

The higher the organization's target level is, the higher the level individual employees must reach too. A lack of skills dilutes the value of any security investment, so when outsourcing security it’s vital to ensure that end users are on board. With sufficient training, people's skills and individual awareness will improve, which will ultimately help an organization to succeed in its outsourcing.

Outsource to close the gap

A significant gap between the required maturity level and the existing situation leaves opportunities for cybercriminals. If an organization finds itself immature and lacking internal resources, it must find a way out.

Outsourcing is a great way to close this gap. With outsourced security an organization can rapidly and cost-effectively achieve a much higher level of maturity.

A service partner brings in top-notch security expertise to analyze the customer's environment, and deploy best-of-breed solutions and support that match the customer's needs. This enables an organization to reach the right level of cybersecurity maturity in weeks or months, rather than in years or decades.

Below you can find a whitepaper on outsourcing security, which is intended to be used as a comprehensive guide. I hope that you'll find it useful. Don't hesitate to contact me or any of my colleagues if you have any questions about cyber security!

Maria Nordgren
Tietoevry alumni
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