Best Cyber Security Tasks To Give An IT Outsourcing Services Company

As cyber threats spread and become sophisticated, companies must have security teams with advanced security skills to protect sensitive business data. Finding such talented individuals is difficult and even if you do, you might not be able to afford their services. For these reasons, outsourcing has become a standard solution for getting rare skills and expertise without incurring huge costs.

However, different businesses may require different security services. Some tasks may be better handled in-house if they are part of your core business or involves proprietary software or hardware systems that is not available elsewhere.

On the other hand, some cyber security tasks are better suited for outsourcing.

Keep reading on to learn more about which tasks can be outsourced.

Security Monitoring

Several tools and software are needed to effectively monitor your business security. Tools for endpoint protection, firewalls, access management, and email security all produce their own system reports.

One reason security monitoring is best to hand off to an outsourced IT company is simply the reporting. Collecting reports on internal and external threats while also being aware of your business’ real-time security status can be overwhelming. Cybersecurity can become unmanageable except with a large dedicated security team.  Also, this type of monitoring needs to be around the clock, 24×7, since attacks can happen at any time.

With the large number of staff needed to make an effective monitoring team, without an outsourcing opportunity, a functional cyber security system will be a pipe dream for many small businesses.

Security Assessment

Also known as vendor risk assessment, it is a compliance requirement that presents an opportunity for you to access the risks posed to your business by third parties.

Third-party assessments are a good candidate for outsourcing because they are often unplanned and may affect your routine security functions if you decide to do it in-house.

Since there is usually a defined scope and outcomes for a security assessment, they can be easily carried out by an outsourcing company.

A third party may have access to some of your sensitive information when you hand over some of your cyber security operations to vendors. A security assessment can help you determine the safety of such access.

Security Testing

If your business develops software product or service for private or public use, your products need to be scrutinized for possible security compliant and usability issues before it is released to the market.

Of course, you would do some testing internally such as code analysis and vulnerability scanning in-house but external teams bring objectivity and expertise to the tests. Other tasks such as penetration testing, security audits, and information risk assessments are also an important part of security testing.

Some compliance requirement mandates that an external party conduct application and product security testing for a business. Even when this is not the case, large organizations can maintain a dedicated team of product security testers. However, for some owners, this may not be a good fit for their budget.

Incident Response Management

Just like a disaster requires a quick response, a cyber attack or an attempted one requires an incident response team to manage its aftermath. When there is a real security incident, a professional response is needed to recover your businesses information technology and do the necessary forensics in a short time frame. Having a good relationship with an MSP will help should a cyber incident occur. Your internal team might be too caught up in the attack or ill-equipped to make the right decisions.

Security Training

This is necessary for you and your team to stay up-to-date on the latest hacking prevention tips and methods. You could have the best IT infrastructure but if your staff is not informed on security best practices, your business will be easy to breach for cybercriminals.

There is standard security awareness training available. You can also get a customized training that is relevant for your business.

Final Thoughts

You may believe your organization should be in total control of its own security but some tasks are best outsourced to expert security firms for efficiency and safety reasons. You will see the benefits of such security outsourcing in the short and the long run. Hiring an IT outsourcing services company will provide you with peace of mind knowing your business is safe from everyday cyber security threats.

Please contact us here at SDTEK to learn more about how we can help keep your sensitive information secure.

June 17, 2025
Meeting IT security compliance standards is crucial for businesses that handle sensitive data, particularly in industries such as healthcare, finance, defense, and e-commerce. Regulatory frameworks such as HIPAA, CMMC, PCI-DSS, and GDPR exist to help ensure businesses protect customer information and maintain robust cybersecurity practices. Unfortunately, many organizations fall short of these requirements, often due to common, avoidable mistakes. These gaps can result in costly fines, data breaches, and reputational damage, which can significantly impact the business's bottom line and customer trust. 1. Failing to Conduct Regular Risk Assessments The Pitfall: Many businesses overlook the importance of conducting routine risk assessments. Without these, it’s challenging to identify vulnerabilities or evaluate whether your current cybersecurity controls meet compliance standards. How to Avoid It: Implement a regular risk assessment schedule. Work with a qualified IT provider to evaluate your systems, identify weaknesses, and document remediation plans. These assessments should be performed at least annually, or whenever significant changes to the system occur. 2. Inadequate Employee Training The Pitfall: Your employees are your first line of defense—and often your most significant vulnerability. A common compliance issue arises when businesses fail to train staff on cybersecurity best practices or on handling sensitive data appropriately. How to Avoid It: Invest in ongoing cybersecurity awareness training. Ensure employees understand how to recognize phishing emails, create strong passwords, and report any suspicious activity. Training should be updated regularly to reflect current threats and compliance requirements. 3. Improper Data Handling and Storage The Pitfall: Storing sensitive data in unsecured locations, failing to encrypt information, or retaining data longer than necessary are significant compliance risks. These practices are often flagged during audits. How to Avoid It: Adopt data classification policies that define how different types of data should be handled; encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit. Establish clear data retention policies and ensure that obsolete data is disposed of securely. 4. Lack of Incident Response Planning The Pitfall: When a security incident occurs, time is of the essence. Many businesses lack a documented incident response plan, or their existing plan hasn’t been thoroughly tested. This can lead to delayed responses, increased damage, and regulatory penalties. How to Avoid It: Develop a formal incident response plan that includes roles, responsibilities, communication protocols, and steps for containment and recovery. Run simulated breach scenarios with your IT team to ensure everyone knows how to respond effectively. 5. Using Outdated Software or Systems The Pitfall: Running outdated operating systems, software, or firmware is a common issue that can lead to compliance failures. Unsupported technologies are more vulnerable to exploitation. How to Avoid It: Keep all systems and applications up to date with the latest patches. Use automated tools to track software versions and receive alerts about end-of-life technologies. Schedule regular maintenance windows to apply updates and upgrades. 6. Insufficient Access Controls The Pitfall: Allowing too many employees access to sensitive data—or failing to revoke access when it’s no longer needed—can lead to data breaches and non-compliance. How to Avoid It: Implement role-based access controls and follow the principle of least privilege. This principle means that each user should have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job. Regularly audit user accounts and permissions to ensure access is current and appropriate. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an additional layer of protection. 7. Neglecting Third-Party Vendor Risks The Pitfall: Businesses often overlook the fact that their compliance responsibilities extend to third-party vendors. If a vendor mishandles your data, you could still be held accountable. How to Avoid It: Vet third-party vendors carefully. Ensure they meet the same compliance standards as your business and include security requirements in your contracts. Conduct periodic audits or request compliance certifications from your vendors. 8. Failing to Document Policies and Procedures The Pitfall: Even if your security practices are strong, failing to document your compliance policies can result in audit failures. Regulators want to see evidence that you have formal processes in place. How to Avoid It: Create and maintain clear documentation for all compliance-related policies, including data protection, access control, incident response, and employee training. Make these documents easily accessible for audits and regularly review them to ensure updates are current. Conclusion Compliance with IT security standards is not a one-time project—it requires ongoing attention, regular updates, and a proactive approach to maintain effectiveness. By understanding and addressing these common pitfalls, your business can stay ahead of regulatory requirements, strengthen its security posture, and reduce the risk of costly incidents. This ongoing attention is crucial to maintaining your business's security and audit readiness. If you’re unsure whether your business is meeting current IT compliance standards, professional support can help. Contact SDTEK today to schedule a compliance assessment and learn how our IT services can keep your business secure and audit-ready. With our support, you can navigate the complex landscape of IT security compliance with confidence.
April 9, 2025
In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you run a small startup or a growing enterprise in Fort Wayne , protecting your business’s data, systems, and clients is essential for long-term success. From ransomware attacks to phishing scams, cyber threats are evolving every day, and the best way to stay ahead of them is by partnering with a reliable IT services provider that understands the unique needs of local businesses. Here’s why investing in professional business IT support is one of the smartest decisions Fort Wayne businesses can make—and how working with SDTEK helps protect your operations, your data, and your reputation.