What Does the Future of Security as a Service Look Like?

SECaas gives businesses a highly effective alternative to on-site cybersecurity solutions. It is an effective way to monitor threats and potential risks within an organization, scaled to the level you require. Many businesses can’t justify having a dedicated on-site security department but still require around-the-clock monitoring, a basic service offered by most SECaas companies. For smaller businesses and online companies without a physical location, SECaas provides the necessary protection without excess cost. 

Benefits of security as a service

The popularity of security as a service is evident for several reasons but the main benefits include:

1. Instant access to the latest up-to-date security technologies and tools
2. Financial benefits with all personnel, software and tools provided rather than needing to invest in these individually within your organization
3. Internal security personnel can focus on industry or business-specific concerns

Security as a service has grown in popularity in the last few years as workplaces have become more agile and flexible. Cyberthreats are more far-reaching as organizations see access to their systems in different locations and on different devices. Dangers are also escalating from various directions, with insider threats becoming more significant. 

The impact of insider threats and the great resignation

“The Great Resignation” refers to the phenomenon which saw record numbers of people leave their regular jobs in the wake of COVID-19, in pursuit of more flexible roles with better a work-life balance, often based remotely. For security professionals, this sudden shift required a reorientated mindset in order to ensure their data security of data across disparate locations and devices. 

While 2024 is rumoured to mark the start of “The Great Stay”, a recent LaSelle survey found that 85% of respondents were considering quitting their jobs in the next 6 months. Research shows a significant link between this and employee data theft. Netskope Threat Labs found a 300% increase in employee data theft during their final 30 days of employment and a shocking 74% of that data was transferred to personal Google Drives. Once that data leaves the network, it is impossible to manage. With effective SECaas in place, your security partner will be alerted if files are moved, and the issue can be quickly dealt with.  

With the support of SECaas, usually in the form of Managed Detection and Response (MDR), data can be treated in the appropriate way dependent on its security. Sensitive data can remain secure as it moves through cloud applications and only be accessible within your network. 

The future of managed detection and response

Managed Detection and Response (MDR) boosts the efficiency and impact of security operations. MDR is driven by consumer demand and the detection and response services available meet the needs of almost any type of business. MDR providers deliver: 

• Their own proprietary and self-managed technology stack, developed for their specific usage or bringing together well-known and effective commercial technologies and software.
• 24/7 staff that interact directly with the client data regularly, with the added expertise necessary for threat monitoring, threat intelligence, detecting and threat hunting, and incident response processes.
• Capabilities to allow full service remote work delivered from their own security operation centers. Services will include containment and threat mitigation, going further than basic recommendations or advisories.

MDR companies evolve alongside potential threat sources. The best companies recognize the need to combine the latest technologies with personalized, human input. 

Emerging market features

The expansive nature of the cloud and growth of the cybersecurity mesh means that what needs monitoring has grown significantly. The tried and tested castle methodology for security simply isn’t effective when a business’ castle is dispersed across a wide range of locations. This change in how we work has given rise to the idea that running our own security centers simply isn’t the best approach and there are huge benefits in decentralized cybersecurity management. Specialists working in cybersecurity firms now recognize the need to rethink not only what needs monitoring but also how to monitor it. 

As well as this, exposure is becoming a key driver in the market, with specialists centering their focus on key area attackers and how businesses are becoming exposed to specific cyberthreats in the first place. Passive data leakage has become a real concern - as has social media - as cyberattacks increasingly maximize the vulnerabilities of these areas to gain an advantage. MDR specialists are best equipped to recognize and adapt to the changing modus operandi of cyber attackers, allowing them to take a proactive approach to defending organizations from these kinds of threats. 

Making MDR work for your organization

MDR is an ideal solution for many organizations and provides the latest security tools with the expertise to operate them effectively. Companies with a solid grasp of their business risks and IT infrastructure, yet lacking specialized expertise in security, represent ideal clients for an MDR firm.

Transitioning to MDR-led security as a service will pose challenges so you’ll need to find the right provider for your business’ needs. It can be confusing as demand shifts towards SECaas and MDR, with organizations specializing in other systems such as MSSPs looking to adopt this approach. 

The cost of cyberattacks and breaches is expected to have cost the world $8 trillion in 2023, and that figure is estimated to reach $9.5 trillion in 2024. These costs will only continue to mount over the next few years. By committing to a proactive approach and utilizing MDR or SECaas for your organization, you can secure your position for the future. As trends lead towards a more dispersed and decentralized structure, adaptable security processes and management will be vital.