With cyber attacks increasing in frequency, companies must decide whether to hire an in-house expert or work with an external cybersecurity company.
Both approaches have advantages and drawbacks, and the choice depends on budget, risk level, and business needs.
To discuss your cybersecurity requirements, contact JUMPSEC today on 0333 939 8080 or email us at [email protected].
The Case for In-House Cyber Security
Having an in-house cybersecurity professional means your company has someone dedicated full-time to protecting your systems. This role could be called a cybersecurity consultant or information security analyst.
An in-house person can be beneficial for businesses with complex IT environments or sensitive data. An internal expert can quickly respond to threats, customise security policies for your organisation, and integrate security protocols directly into daily operations.
However, hiring in-house comes with challenges. Recruiting skilled cybersecurity professionals in the UK is difficult due to a shortage of talent.
A report by cybersecurity Ventures suggests that the UK could face a shortfall of over 3 million cybersecurity professionals.
Salaries for experienced specialists are high, often ranging from £50,000 to £90,000 per year, and benefits add further costs. Small and medium businesses may struggle to justify these expenses, especially if cyber threats are infrequent.
The Case for External Cyber Security Companies
Outsourcing cybersecurity to an external company offers access to a team of specialists without the need to manage recruitment or training.
Cybersecurity companies provide 24/7 monitoring, threat detection, incident response, and regulatory compliance support. They bring experience from working across multiple industries and can implement best practices quickly.
You have the option to use a company on a one-off or ongoing basis, which can be most cost-effective depending on your needs. Pen testing is popular for startups or apps that are getting a proposition approved or subject to funding – and this is more affordable than someone ongoing.
Outsourcing can be more economic than having someone full-time, especially if they are not busy all the time.
UK companies report that hiring an external provider often costs between £1,500 and £5,000 per month, depending on the services included, compared to the higher annual costs of a full-time in-house hire.
A survey by Hiscox found that 41% of UK businesses experienced a cyber attack last year, highlighting the importance of reliable protection that external companies can provide.
However, using an external company means your staff may not have direct day-to-day control over security.
Communication can be slower, and the provider may not understand every aspect of your business immediately. There can also be dependency risks if the external company goes out of business or changes its service model.
The Pros and Cons of In House vs External Cyber Security Companies
| Factor | In-House Cyber Security | External Cyber Security Company |
| Expertise | Dedicated to your business, can tailor solutions | Team of experts with wide industry experience |
| Cost | £50,000–£90,000+ per year, plus benefits | £1,500–£5,000 per month depending on service |
| Availability | Full-time presence | 24/7 monitoring often included |
| Flexibility | Immediate integration with systems | May take time to understand business processes |
| Recruitment | Hard to find skilled professionals | No recruitment needed |
| Scalability | Limited to one or few employees | Easy to scale services up or down |
| Response time | Fast internal response | Response depends on provider processes |
What Are The Cost Considerations of In-House vs External Cyber Security Companies?
In-house cybersecurity costs are higher upfront. Beyond salaries, businesses must invest in training, tools, and software licences. The cost of hiring an experienced professional in the UK can exceed £80,000 annually when benefits and infrastructure are included.
External providers offer predictable monthly fees. For example, small businesses can pay as little as £1,500 per month for essential protection, including monitoring, incident response, and updates.
Larger businesses requiring more comprehensive services may pay £5,000 per month or more. While monthly fees may seem high, they often cover multiple experts, advanced tools, and 24/7 monitoring, which would be difficult to achieve with a single in-house hire.
What Should I Consider Before Hiring a Staff Member of External Consultant?
Large enterprises with high-value data may benefit from a mix of in-house and external support. This hybrid model ensures immediate response capability while leveraging specialised expertise.
Smaller companies with limited budgets may find that external cybersecurity companies provide better value, reducing risk without the overhead of hiring, training, and retaining a full-time professional.
Companies should also consider regulatory requirements. The UK has strict data protection laws, including GDPR, and cyber insurance policies often require proof of adequate security measures. External providers often help with compliance documentation, which can be a significant advantage.
Conclusion
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for UK businesses. In-house cybersecurity offers deep integration and control but comes at a high cost and with recruitment challenges. External cybersecurity companies provide expertise, scalability, and often lower upfront costs, though at the expense of direct control.
Businesses should evaluate their risk, budget, and operational needs before making a decision. In many cases, a combination of both in-house and outsourced support offers the most robust protection against cyber threats while keeping costs manageable.
With cyber attacks rising 41% of UK businesses reporting incidents in 2024, the importance of choosing the right approach cannot be overstated. Planning ahead and selecting the right cybersecurity strategy can prevent costly breaches and safeguard company data in the long term.