Answers to 11 frequently unasked questions about Security-as-a-Service

By Allan Tan | Jul 6, 2009

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Wikipedia defines security-as-a-service as the practice of delivering traditional security applications as an Internet-based service, on-demand to consumers and businesses. First coined in 2001, security as a service is also referred to as "managed web security service" or Secure Web Gateway.

James Tan, Regional Director for South East Asia with F-Secure, answered a number of questions that arise among businesses considering the possibility of outsourcing their security requirements, particularly those around email and application security.

Q: Can you elaborate on the specific dynamics of offering security-as-a-service and the specific service elements?

James Tan: It is of a primary focus to evolve by producing the solution that addresses a more unified user experience in an integrated and complex environment. Typically, solutions are created with flexibility, convenience, simplicity and efficiency, all towards a dynamic user experience in mind.

Q: How to get value for money from security offered on a managed basis?

James Tan: The solution needs to be scalable to requirements with an integrated support system, which gives end users the flexibility to select the appropriate service mix to meet their needs. The services should be easy to use and control with proper support to ensure optimization.

Q: What are the total cost arguments for a managed service compared with an in-house solution?

James Tan: In a security-as-a-service (SaaS) environment,  end users need not invest in additional IT infrastructure and management specialist. The scalability and subscription model allows end user to pay for the service they use, as & when they use it. In a dynamic environment, this would be the best security solution for consumers and small businesses/enterprises.

Q: How the down economy has changed the IT security threat landscape?

James Tan: The conjecture is that during economic downturn cyber-criminals and would be cyber-criminals becomes more desperate, developing larger appetites and greater aggression. In addition, a large part of the spread of cyber threats is owed to social-engineering and again in desperate times people becomes more susceptible. The combination of these is not untrue in the rise of cyber crime we are experiencing. 

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