It goes without saying that Cyber security has become non-negotiable for modern businesses. Major hacks, data breaches, and ransomware attacks are so common that many of us have become numb to near-weekly news reports. So when considering your budget for this critical need, an obvious question arises: should you handle cyber security yourself, or should you hire professionals to do it for you?
Of course, there are pros and cons to either approach. So let’s compare doing it yourself (DIY) versus getting professional IT services, and examine which one keeps your business safer.
DIY Cyber Security
DIY cyber security typically involves using free or low-cost tools, maybe doing a little staff training, and otherwise handling everything in-house with the help of some Google searches. For example, you might install an antivirus software, set up a firewall, and show your employees how to spot phishing emails.
If you’re a small business with a tight budget, and you have an employee or two that knows some basic tech, that will put you ahead of 90% of average businesses. You can save some money, be in total control, and it can be relatively quick to set up.
But there are some downsides. For one, a growing number of cyber threats, like zero-day attacks, are way too complicated for most people to handle on their own. Businesses that have many connected computers and users, sensitive personal and financial data, and their own servers, may not be able to protect everything with a simple anti-virus software. And as social engineering attacks constantly evolve, it is almost impossible to stay up-to-date on trending attack vectors.
Professional IT Services
In comparison, professional IT services offer things like 24/7 monitoring, regular hardware and software checkups, and fast responses if something goes wrong. Whether you need a managed security provider or an in-house team, their focus and know-how is security. This focus is important because IT security teams not only monitor your systems, but they stay informed of emerging threats, cutting-edge tools, and government regulations and compliance.
For high-risk industries like finance, law, or healthcare, the value is huge. You have access to experts that can keep your security ahead of the curve, and give you the ability to scale up as your business grows. This is important when it comes to following all the rules, like GDPR or HIPAA.
Of course, it costs more in terms of monthly fees and contracts. And some office managers might feel nervous handing over some control to a third-party.
Choosing Between DIY and Professional Services
Depending on your business size or industry, hiring IT pros might be a necessity. Even small dentist and accounting offices have become victims of expensive ransomware attacks because of sensitive client information. Offices that are not properly protected could be subject to expensive lawsuits even after paying ransoms.
Also, do you really have tech-savvy people on your team, or just someone that’s good at resetting computes? Without truly qualified help, DIY could be a struggle. Time is money too. If you or your staff are already stretched thin, managing security might fall through the cracks.
In addition, some industries have strict laws about data protection. Are you aware or compliant with those laws? Ignorance of those rules can lead to fines or legal trouble, and the cost of hiring pros might be worth it just for that. It really comes down to your risk level. If you handle sensitive customer data or work in a field where hacks are common, you’ll need to consider getting professional help.
Cost Comparison
As they say, “money’s the answer, what’s the question?” DIY definitely sounds cheap at first. You might spend a few hundred bucks on tools and a one-time training and call it a year. But if a successful attack breaches weak defenses, it could cost thousands—or even tens of thousands—to fix. Of course, professional services aren’t free, but they’re more like an insurance policy. Spending more upfront is the cost of lowering your risk to protect your business.
For example, imagine a small medical office that spends $500 on DIY tools but get’s hit by a ransomware attack that costs them $50,000 to regain control of their computers. Meanwhile, another office invests $5,000 for pros and avoids the problem entirely. These aren’t hypothetical numbers. This happens more often than we like to talk about.
Effectiveness and Reliability
The truth of any cyber security protection is that nothing is 100% secure. And something is better than nothing. DIY anti-virus software and basic training is great for keeping passwords and users secure or blocking simple viruses. This can provide some protection. But when it comes to advanced threats on high-risk businesses, DIY falls short. Sneaky, coordinated attacks may catch you off-guard.
Professionals, though, are built for this. Current security statistics clearly show businesses with pro help are much less likely to get breached. Even successful attacks can be spotted by pro systems and quickly address them before they spiral out of control. So if something does go wrong, pros can get you back on track quicker, minimizing downtime.
Real-World Examples and Statistics
The numbers don’t lie. Small businesses are considered target #1 for criminals and represent 43% of all data breaches. In addition, 60% of small businesses that are hacked will close within 6 months.
Security trends this year show more small to mid-size businesses are turning to AI led by security professionals to stay ahead of hackers.
How to Decide
If you’re still not sure if you’re ready to commit a budget to real cybersecurity, honestly review your business’s needs. How big are you? How many users and computers do you have? What kind of data do you handle? How many outside calls or emails do you receive on a daily basis? List these down and consider how much risk you can afford to take. Then review what you have at your disposal. Do your employees know software and hardware? Can you spare someone to dedicate to security and employee training?
The next thing you’ll want to do is shop around a bit. Research IT service providers, read reviews, and see what they offer. You can always try a short contract with professionals to see if it would be a good fit. And remember, cyber threats aren’t going away, so consider where your business will be in a year or two. Make a smart choice now.
So, which is better: DIY or pros? It depends. If you’re small, low-risk, and have a tech-savvy team, DIY might work. But for larger businesses, or offices with valuable data, professionals are usually the safer bet. It’s all about what your business needs.
Whatever you do, don’t ignore the need. Take a hard look at your cyber security right now. If you’re still unsure, send us an email to schedule a free consultation.
