With cyber threats evolving rapidly and data breaches costing UK businesses thousands, small and medium-sized organisations across London are facing a critical question:
Should you manage your cybersecurity in-house or outsource it to a trusted provider like Support Tree?
As a Managed IT Support & Cyber Security provider for London businesses, we’ve helped organisations across multiple sectors, including financial and insurance firms, assess their options and implement the best-fit cyber security strategies.
There’s no universal solution. So, in this article, we’ll guide you through the pros and cons of internal and outsourced cybersecurity, and introduce a third option: the hybrid model. By the end, you’ll have a clearer view of the right direction for your business.
What Does Internal Cybersecurity Look Like?
An in-house cybersecurity setup typically involves building your dedicated team, often operating within a Security Operations Centre (SOC) and investing in advanced tools and 24/7 monitoring. While this might suit large enterprises, for most SMBs it’s a significant undertaking.
Pros of an Internal Cyber Security Team:
- Business-Specific Knowledge: Your team learns your systems intimately and can act faster on known patterns.
- Full Focus: Your employees are focused only on your business, with no split attention.
- Direct Access: No waiting in queues; your team is available when you need them.
- Total Control: You oversee the entire security strategy from tools to response times.
Cons of In-House Security:
- High Costs: Between salaries, tools, and training, an internal team can cost 3.5 to 5 times more than outsourcing.
- Recruitment & Retention Challenges: The UK cybersecurity talent shortage makes hiring skilled professionals difficult and expensive.
- Skill Gaps: Cybercrime evolves faster than most teams can train.
- High Risk of Turnover: If your only security lead leaves suddenly, your business may be left exposed.
What to Look for in In-House Hires:
If you go this route, seek professionals with high-level certifications like CISSP, CCSP, or CEH – these are widely recognised credentials in the cybersecurity space. But be aware: such talent is rare and comes at a premium.
What Is Outsourced Cyber Security (CSaaS)?
Cyber Security as a Service (CSaaS) means outsourcing your security operations to a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) like Support Tree. This is often the best fit for SMBs who need high-level security without the burden of managing it all in-house.
Benefits of CSaaS with Support Tree:
- Cost-Effective: Avoid large capital costs for salaries and tools. Pay a predictable monthly fee.
- Instant Expertise: Gain access to certified security professionals who already know the tools.
- Scalability: Easily scale your cyber defences as your business grows.
- 24/7 Monitoring: Around-the-clock protection that your in-house team may struggle to provide.
- Regulatory Support: We help ensure your business remains compliant with regulations like GDPR.
- Faster Deployment: Start protecting your systems immediately, no need to build from scratch.
Learn more about our Managed IT Support Services and how we help businesses in London stay protected from cyber threats.
Potential Challenges of CSaaS:
- Less Direct Control: Your MSSP handles the day-to-day, which means less visibility unless regular reviews are in place.
- Generic Packages: Some providers use cookie-cutter solutions – Support Tree doesn’t. We tailor security services to your business needs.
- Variable Response Times: You can’t walk down the hall to talk to us, but we guarantee rapid, SLA-driven responses.
- Hidden Extras: Some MSSPs charge extra for features or additional users. Always ask for clear terms (we provide fully transparent pricing).
What to Look for in a SaaS Provider:
- Proven experience with businesses in your sector (like our IT Support for Insurance Companies)
- Clear service offerings and transparent billing.
- Responsiveness and flexibility with scaling services up or down.
- A proactive approach to threat monitoring and incident response.
Best of Both Worlds?
Many London businesses opt for a hybrid model combining in-house oversight with outsourced expertise. This allows:
- An internal team to manage day-to-day tools or policies.
- External support (like Support Tree) to deliver 24/7 monitoring, threat response, and audits.
This model is flexible, cost-effective, and practical, especially if your internal resources are stretched but you want to retain some control.
Pro Tip: Don’t outsource just for the sake of it – outsource strategically to cover your blind spots and support your long-term IT roadmap.
Which Cyber Security Model Is Right for You?
The right approach depends on:
- Your business size and budget.
- Industry regulations (e.g., in insurance or finance).
- Internal skill levels.
- Risk appetite.
- The systems you already have in place.
A large organisation with deep pockets might justify an in-house team. But for most SMBs, outsourcing offers greater value, faster protection, and less risk.
At Support Tree, we’ve worked with a wide range of clients to assess their needs and implement the best solution, whether that’s fully outsourced, in-house support, or a hybrid approach.
Take the Next Step with Support Tree
If you’re unsure which direction is right for your business, we can help. Our experts will assess your environment, review your current cybersecurity posture, and guide you toward a scalable and effective solution.
Learn more about our Managed IT Support Services
Explore our IT Support for Insurance Companies
📞 Book a consultation today to secure your business against evolving cyber threats.
