In the vast ocean of cyber security, the tides are turning. It’s not just about threats and vulnerabilities; it’s about a transformation in the very fabric of cyber defence strategies. As we delve into the findings, we uncover the key trends that will shape the Threat Detection cyber security landscape in 2024.
Trend 1: Proving Value in a Sea of Providers
The demand for cyber security services is higher than ever, but CISOs are raising their expectations. A staggering 59% of respondents feel their current outsourced providers are underperforming. This signals a crucial need for providers to step up and prove their worth. In 2024, we anticipate a shift towards accountability, with providers demonstrating value through transparent performance metrics and a tighter integration with internal teams. The risk to providers? A growing trend of organisations bringing cyber security provisions back in-house or adopting a hybrid model.
Trend 2: Relinquishing Control for Quicker Defence
Despite the dissatisfaction, there’s a recognition among security decision-makers that in-house teams have limitations. A majority (68%) are willing to relinquish more control to trusted providers, seeking quicker decisions, faster response times, and reduced reliance on in-house skills. The forecast for 2024 sees security teams collaborating more closely with external providers, with the latter taking the lead in crafting cyber defence roadmaps and guiding organisations through the continuously evolving threat landscape.
Trend 3: Commercial Flexibility Takes Centre Stage
Commercial flexibility emerges as a key player in the 2024 cyber security stage. CISOs and senior decision-makers are no longer satisfied with rigid contracts; they crave flexibility (43%) and transparent pricing (42%). As cyber-attack tactics evolve, organisations demand contracts that adapt to the dynamic threat landscape. In 2024, inflexible commercial terms may leave organisations vulnerable, emphasising the need for agility in cyber defence strategies.
Trend 4: Service and Tooling Flexibility: A Decisive Factor
Aligned with the call for flexible commercials, our research anticipates a surge in the importance of service flexibility in contract negotiations. The industry trend leans towards scaling down technological investments and consolidating tooling for enhanced cyber resilience. Security teams are growing weary of the continuous need to bolt on new services, highlighting the significance of providers who can seamlessly integrate into multiple vendor toolsets. In 2024, agility in adapting to diverse tech stacks will be a major attraction for cyber security providers.
Trend 5: Bridging the Gap: Quality Defence for All
Our research sheds light on barriers faced by mid-size organisations, from inflexible commercials to a lack of specialist expertise. However, the tides are turning for the mid-market. As supply chain attacks escalate, there’s a growing trend where mid-size companies demand enterprise-level protection. Cyber defence, once a privilege of the elite, is becoming more accessible to mid-size organisations in 2024. The demand for commercial flexibility and tailored service offerings will bridge the gap, providing mid-size organisations with the confidence they need in their cyber defence agility.
Navigating the Cyber Seas
As we sail into 2024, the trends forecasted by our research point towards a more collaborative, flexible, and accountable future. The shifts desired by CISOs and senior security decision-makers emphasise the importance of a holistic and agile cyber security strategy.
In this landscape, boutique cyber defence offerings, agile in size and client-centric in focus, emerge as clear consideration for mid-sized organisations. To read more about how ‘Mid-sized Organisations are Fare the Worst’, ‘The Benefits for SOC-as-a-service are not being fully realised’ and ‘Are Outsourcing Providers Alleviating CISO Burnout’ download our full report here.