Adriatic Region Sees Surge in Cybersecurity Outsourcing
▼ Summary
– The Adriatic region lags behind EU cybersecurity regulations but faces similar threats, with organizations often reacting to incidents rather than proactively addressing risks.
– SMEs in the region struggle with cybersecurity due to limited budgets, skills, and awareness, though outsourcing to MSSPs and managed SOCs is increasing.
– Clients frequently seek help with regulatory compliance and cost-effective protection, as growing system complexity outpaces local IT teams’ capabilities.
– Automation, cloud migration, and unified security platforms are in demand to manage fragmented environments, but legacy systems remain a challenge.
– The cybersecurity talent pool is competitive, with companies investing in training and retention, while the CISO role gains strategic importance in business and regulatory discussions.
The Adriatic region is experiencing a significant shift in cybersecurity practices, with businesses increasingly turning to managed security providers to address growing threats and regulatory demands. While local markets historically trailed behind EU standards, they now face risks on par with other European nations. The gap between threat levels and preparedness remains a pressing issue, particularly for small and medium enterprises struggling with limited resources and expertise.
One of the most common challenges organizations face is balancing compliance with EU regulations while operating on tight budgets. Many companies lack specialized IT security teams, forcing them to prioritize immediate business needs over long-term cybersecurity strategies. This reactive approach leaves them vulnerable, but a noticeable trend is emerging—more businesses are outsourcing security operations to managed security service providers (MSSPs) and security operations centers (SOCs). This shift allows companies to leverage external expertise without diverting focus from core operations.
Fragmented IT environments, including legacy systems and hybrid cloud setups, complicate security management. Automation and centralized security platforms are gaining traction as businesses seek unified visibility across their infrastructure. Migrating outdated systems to the cloud helps reduce vulnerabilities, though the transition requires careful planning and investment.
The shortage of cybersecurity talent remains a hurdle, with skilled professionals often lured by higher-paying vendor roles. To counter this, some firms invest in training programs and partnerships with educational institutions, fostering long-term retention. Meanwhile, the role of the chief information security officer (CISO) is evolving, with greater involvement in board-level discussions about risk management and regulatory compliance.
Despite slow progress, regulatory pressures and public-private collaborations are gradually improving cybersecurity awareness. While challenges persist, the region’s increasing reliance on outsourcing and strategic partnerships signals a move toward a more resilient digital landscape.
(Source: HelpNet Security)
