Cybersecurity as a Service (or CaaS), is a service that you can buy from many providers that will provide you some kind of cybersecurity protection. This may be in a form of a managed SOC team, a platform to monitor threats, or something similar. These service offerings are usually costed based on how active your environment is, and the level of service you may get.
In today’s article, we take a look at multiple cybersecurity-as-a-service offerings, what they can do for you, and how you can find them!
What is Cybersecurity as a Service (CaaS)?
Cybersecurity as a service is usually a type of managed service, provided to small businesses or individuals who are conscious of their security posture. Depending on the service you get, you may get the full package, where your security posture is constantly watched and maintained, or it could be something as simple as an EASM tool (external attack surface management tools).
CaaS is typically sold at a price depending on many factors. This includes items such as;
- The level of service you’re getting.
- The hours covered by the service you’re getting.
- What is being covered (i.e. how many users/endpoints/servers etc.).
- Your company’s budget/value.
What kind of Services do CaaS’ provide?
CaaS providers can come in many different forms and can offer different services, that may or may not be packaged. Typically, you will see the following services offered for your business.
- SOC-as-a-Service (MDR Solutions) – 24×7 Eyes-on reviewing Security Logs/Events/Alerts.
- Endpoint Security (EDR/XDR Solutions) – An endpoint (desktop/laptop) security as a service.
- Identity & Reputation Monitoring – Reputation and logo/keywords/user monitoring on the dark web, using OSINT etc.
- Threat Intelligence (as a Service) – Providing the latest cybersecurity threats and new intelligence to help detect threats etc.
- External Attack Surface Management (EASM) – To let you know where your external vulnerabilities are, and how to fix them.
- PenTesting-as-a-Service – To help you identify, and resolve vulnerabilities within your network, or from external sources.
- Compliance-as-a-Service – To help you prepare for well-known compliance/regulatory scans/accreditations like ISO 27001.
This is not a complete list, but the chances are you will find some kind of cybersecurity service provider that offers the above – maybe in bulk as a package. Whilst these services are really useful and each one serves a purpose, I would strongly recommend (if your budget allows) a SOC, and EASM service.
Read More: What is Cyber Threat Intelligence?
Why is it beneficial to use a Cybersecurity Service Provider?
Whilst you might first thing that taking cybersecurity services in-house, there are a few things you should consider. Whilst you might not think it’s too complex, or expensive – you would be very, very wrong. Below are some of the benefits to using a service provider for your cybersecurity needs.
Cost
One major aspect to consider is the cost of cybersecurity, both in tools and staff. Cybersecurity tools can range from anywhere between $500 to $500,000 a year depending on what you want. With that being said, to fulfil your SecOps needs, you likely need some deep pockets – let alone staffing costs and training. A service provider will endure those costs for you, and provide further cost reductions as the service will likely be shared.
Expertise
The saying of “there’s a staff shortage in cybersecurity” is false. There’s a skill gap. Good cybersecurity experts who know what they’re talking about are in well-paid, morally strong jobs already. Finding a great analyst can be difficult, especially if you’ve not done it before. By using a service provider – they’re taking on those issues and likely already have a great established team.
Seamlessness
Not knowing the next steps, how to add new logs or systems, or how to update detection criteria can all cause you to stress, especially when you’ve got your own stuff to get through. Using a service provider will already have these things in place, making transition and management seamless for you. If it’s not reducing your workload (and stress) – then it’s the wrong service provider.
Staffing
We’ve already mentioned it – but getting great staff who are experts in their field is super tough in today’s job market. Plus, if you’re a small business, bringing in between 2-10 people to manage a security tool may be completely out of the question. Depending on your requirements and budgets, a service provider can usually emit these costs nearly entirely for using their service. (i.e. a service may cost $50,000 – but is essentially the full service + 10 staff, and everything else in between).
What are the biggest CaaS providers?
The market for cybersecurity providers is massive now, with many large-scale managed service companies going down the avenue (as it is great for profits). Some of the biggest CaaS providers that are out there are as below. Please note, I’ve not worked for these companies, have never used them – so can not comment on their service quality!
- Crowdstrike
- Rapid7
- Microsoft (albeit via. Sentinel – this is usually outsourced to smaller CaaS providers).
- SentinelOne
- Capgemini
- Accenture (one of the biggest service providers in the world)
I will be soon updating this list to contain some service providers I’ve worked for, or used to give a better review (or at least ones I can comment on!).
Our Conclusion of Cybersecurity as a Service
Overall, cybersecurity-as-a-service will become more and more mainstream in the future, especially with all the focus that service companies on pushing on it. I hope this guide has helped you understand what a CaaS is and what they offer, but please let me know if you have any questions in the comments below!
