When it comes to cybersecurity, many businesses assume that their internal IT teams have things covered. After all, you have a skilled team managing your systems, so you’re protected from cyber threats—right?
Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
Cybersecurity risks are constantly evolving, and today’s security challenges are more difficult to navigate than ever before. Internal IT teams are stretched thin as they juggle routine tasks, end-user support, and ongoing security responsibilities. Without additional support, even the best IT teams can’t catch everything—leading to potential blind spots in your security strategy.
That’s where co-managed IT comes in. By partnering with an external IT provider, businesses can close critical skills gaps, enhance their security posture, and reduce risks in the coming year.
The Skills Gap in IT Security: A Growing Concern
The IT industry is facing a well-documented skills gap—a shortage of qualified professionals with the specialized knowledge required to manage complex cybersecurity threats. As cybercriminals adopt more sophisticated tactics, businesses need experts who can stay ahead of emerging threats.
Unfortunately, many internal IT teams simply don’t have the bandwidth to keep up. In fact, a recent survey found that nearly 60% of IT leaders believe their teams lack the necessary cybersecurity skills to defend against modern threats.
For small and mid-sized businesses, this skills gap poses a significant risk. Without access to specialized security expertise, businesses are more vulnerable to:
- Ransomware attacks
- Phishing scams
- Data breaches
- Insider threats
Bringing in external IT support can bridge this gap by providing businesses with the specialized expertise they need to bolster their cybersecurity defenses.
The Challenges of Internal IT Teams in Managing Security Alone
Even the most experienced IT teams face challenges in managing security alone. Here are some of the key hurdles that internal IT departments encounter:
Challenge 1: Limited Resources and Bandwidth
Internal IT teams are often responsible for a wide range of tasks—from managing network infrastructure to handling end-user support requests. With so many priorities, it’s easy for cybersecurity to take a backseat.
When IT teams are overburdened, critical security tasks like patch management, threat monitoring, and incident response may be delayed or overlooked altogether. This leaves businesses vulnerable to attacks that could have been prevented with proactive measures.
Challenge 2: Missed or Delayed Threat Detection
Cybersecurity threats evolve quickly and detecting them requires constant vigilance. Internal IT teams may not have the time or resources to monitor systems 24/7, making it more likely that threats will go undetected.
Delayed threat detection can have serious consequences. A minor vulnerability left unchecked can quickly escalate into a full-scale data breach, resulting in significant financial and reputational damage.
Challenge 3: Lack of Specialized Cybersecurity Expertise
Cybersecurity is a highly specialized field that requires ongoing training and education to keep up with evolving threats. Many internal IT teams focus primarily on general IT support rather than advanced security strategies, leaving a gap in critical knowledge areas like threat intelligence and compliance.
According to recent reports, 68% of organizations face additional risks due to a shortage of cybersecurity skills, with 56% struggling to recruit qualified professionals and 54% struggling to retain them. This shortage makes it even more difficult for businesses to access the expertise they need to stay protected.
How IT Partnerships Address Security Gaps
Collaborating with an IT partner provides businesses with the best of both worlds: the familiarity and day-to-day presence of an internal IT team, combined with the specialized expertise of an external provider. Here’s how it works:
- Shared Responsibility: A partnership allows internal teams to focus on their core responsibilities while the external provider handles advanced security tasks.
- Access to Security Experts: External providers bring specialized cybersecurity knowledge that may be lacking in-house.
- Proactive Threat Monitoring: Many IT partners offer 24/7 threat monitoring, ensuring that potential risks are identified and addressed in real time.
- Compliance Support: With regulations constantly evolving, IT partners can help businesses stay compliant with industry standards and avoid costly penalties.
By addressing these security gaps, IT partnerships help businesses reduce their risk of cyberattacks and improve their overall security posture.
Real-World Benefits of Co-Managed IT for Security
Let’s take a look at some of the tangible benefits that an IT partnership can offer:
- Faster Incident Response: With an external IT partner, businesses can respond to security incidents more quickly, minimizing damage and downtime.
- Improved Threat Detection: Continuous monitoring and advanced threat detection tools help businesses identify risks before they become major issues.
- Enhanced Security Strategies: External providers bring fresh perspectives and insights, helping businesses develop more effective security strategies.
- Reduced Workload for Internal Teams: By offloading specialized security tasks to an external partner, internal IT teams can focus on other critical business priorities.
Why Now Is the Time to Consider an IT Partnership
As we head into 2025, cybersecurity threats are only expected to grow more complex. Businesses that continue to rely solely on internal IT teams risk falling behind in their security efforts.
By partnering with an IT provider, businesses can:
- Close the skills gap in their IT departments
- Strengthen their cybersecurity defenses
- Reduce the risk of data breaches
- Stay ahead of compliance requirements
At Deerwood Technologies, we specialize in providing flexible IT solutions that help businesses improve their security posture and protect against emerging threats..
Ready to Strengthen Your Security?
Don’t let security gaps put your business at risk in 2025. Schedule a Risk or Vulnerability Assessment with Deerwood Technologies today to see how co-managed IT can help close the skills gap and keep your business secure.
FAQs
1. What is co-managed IT, and how is it different from fully outsourcing IT?
Co-managed IT supports your internal team by adding specialized expertise, while fully outsourcing means handing over all IT responsibilities to an external provider.
2. How does partnering with an IT provider improve security?
It provides continuous threat monitoring, faster incident response, and access to cybersecurity experts who address gaps your internal team may miss.
3. Why are internal IT teams struggling to keep up with cybersecurity?
Most internal teams focus on general IT tasks and lack specialized training in advanced cybersecurity measures, especially as threats evolve.
4. What types of businesses benefit most from IT partnerships?
Small and mid-sized businesses benefit the most, especially those without the resources to hire full-time cybersecurity specialists.
5. How do I know if my business has security gaps?
A Risk or Vulnerability Assessment from a trusted IT provider can help identify any gaps in your security posture and recommend improvements.