The Sweet Spot Between DIY and Managed Services for Endpoint and Identity Management

Deciding the level of Endpoint and Identity Management Support You Need

Deciding the best way to manage endpoint security and identity infrastructure can be overwhelming. With the rise of remote work, cybersecurity threats, and the imperative for a frictionless user experience, it is essential for businesses to decide how they can best manage their devices – whether in-house management or partnering with a managed service provider (MSP).

While DIY solutions can offer control and cost savings, there are situations where it may not be realistic. Hiring a managed service provider can sometimes be too costly or simply overkill. Is there another option, perhaps a middle ground? In this article, we look at an option when DIY isn’t realistic and when opting for a managed service isn’t possible.

The Complexity Dilemma:

Managing the entirety of a business’ digital identity infrastructure and endpoint ecosystem involves dealing with a multitude of complex components. This can include device provisioning, identity authentication, application management, and security protocols.

It presents such a challenge that  one-third of small businesses in the United States and United Kingdom are using consumer-grade cybersecurity software, and 23% don’t even address endpoint security with a formalized program or software. This statistic becomes more alarming when considering that 68% of businesses have experienced an endpoint attack that resulted in compromised data or damage to their IT infrastructure.

This complexity can arise from the challenges of supporting multiple operating systems, diverse device types, and varying user roles. Such complexities demand specialized knowledge and expertise that may not be readily available within the organization, making a DIY approach unrealistic.

Time Constraints and Resource Allocation:

Implementing an effective endpoint management or digital identity modernization program requires significant time and resources. Businesses must allocate valuable internal IT staff to handle day-to-day maintenance, troubleshooting, and security updates. However, this diverts resources away from strategic initiatives that could drive innovation and growth.

Furthermore, keeping up with the rapid advancements in endpoint technology can be very overwhelming, leaving businesses struggling to stay current with a lack of guidance. In such cases, DIY solutions can be challenging due to a steep learning curve

Cybersecurity Risks:

Cybersecurity threats pose a significant concern for businesses across all industries. According to Garner, Identity threat detection and response is among the top priority for security leaders.

Implementing robust security measures requires continuous monitoring, threat detection, and prompt responses to vulnerabilities. However, staying updated on the latest security practices and managing potential breaches can be extremely challenging for businesses without dedicated cybersecurity teams.

Failing to address these risks adequately can lead to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. In such cases, the expertise and experience offered by modern managed service providers can be crucial in mitigating cybersecurity risks effectively.

Scalability and Flexibility:

As businesses grow and evolve, their endpoint and identity management requirements change as well. Scaling DIY solutions to accommodate these evolving needs can be complex and time-consuming.

Many businesses without dedicated resources struggle with scaling their endpoint and identity management as they expand. Managed service providers, on the other hand, are equipped with the necessary tools, technologies, and expertise to handle scalability seamlessly. They can adapt to a business’s evolving needs, ensuring that the infrastructure remains efficient, secure, and flexible.

The Mentoring Solution

For those stuck in the middle ground between choosing a DIY or Managed Services Provider, an excellent solution can be found in mentoring programs. Such services can offer expert guidance and a roadmap for best practices to drive your team to success, while providing continuous support and technical updates.

There is an accelerated learning curve when it comes to endpoint management and digital identity governance, where a guide with a specific expertise can often fill in the gaps for in-house IT team.

 A mentorship program can prove to be cost-effective for businesses unable to fully-outsource Endpoint or Identity Management. What’s best is that mentorship can offer skill development and knowledge transfer to in-house teams, positing them for long term success. How does Mentoring work?

If your business finds itself stuck between DIY and fully outsourcing endpoint management or digital identity infrastructure, a mentoring program may be right for you. Mobile Mentor offers a solution for teams in this predicament. You can check out the specifics at Mentoring Services. Drop us a line if you’d like to find out more details on our mentorship program, or are curious about the outcomes the service can provide.