In the complex and ever-evolving world of cyber security, the partner you choose to protect your digital assets is one of the most critical business decisions you will make. But have you ever stopped to consider what truly drives your cyber security vendor? Is their primary goal to bolster your defences, or are there other motivations at play? The answer to this question can be the difference between a robust security posture and a false sense of security.
When you engage a cyber security firm, you are placing immense trust in their expertise and their commitment to your protection. However, not all vendors operate with the same core principles. It is crucial to understand the different business models and what they prioritise.
The Subscription and Sales Model
Many vendors in the cyber security space are heavily focused on selling products and subscriptions. Their business model is built around transactional relationships, where success is often measured by the number of licences sold or the value of the software deployed.
While having the right tools is an important component of security, a product-first approach can sometimes lead to a collection of disparate solutions without a cohesive strategy. The incentive for the vendor may be to sell you the next piece of software, rather than ensuring the systems you already have are configured and managed in the most effective way. The key question here is: is the recommendation for a new product genuinely based on your unique security needs, or is it driven by a sales target?
The “Billable Hours” Approach
Another common model, particularly in consultancy, is one driven by maximising the hours charged to a client. In this scenario, the vendor profits from the time spent on a task. While this can provide access to expertise, it can also create a potential conflict of interest.
Is it in the vendor’s best interest to solve a problem efficiently and permanently, or to engage in lengthy projects that accumulate more billable hours? Quality and effectiveness can sometimes take a backseat to the sheer volume of work being done. The focus shifts from the outcome (a secure business) to the output (hours on an invoice).
A Different Approach: Prioritising Your Security
At Vertex, we believe in a fundamentally different approach. Our business is built on a single, guiding principle: our success is intrinsically linked to the security of our clients.
Our number one Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for every member of our team is not based on sales or hours. It is based on ensuring our clients are effectively assisted, advised, and have the right measures implemented so that they do not get hacked. This is the core of our philosophy.
We understand that quality is paramount in cyber security. It is a field where ‘good enough’ simply is not. This relentless focus on quality and client outcomes is what has established Vertex as a leader in the industry, a fact that is consistently reflected in the testimonials from the businesses we protect. We see ourselves not as a supplier, but as a genuine partner in your security journey.
Choosing the Right Partner
When selecting a cyber security vendor, we encourage you to look beyond the sales pitch and the product specifications. Ask yourself:
- What are their core motivations? Are they aligned with your primary goal of staying secure?
- How do they measure success? Is it through product sales, billable hours, or your continued safety?
- Do they offer a partnership approach? A true partner is invested in your long-term security, providing proactive advice and tailored solutions.
Your business deserves a cyber security partner whose primary objective is to keep you safe.
If you are looking for a security partner that prioritises your protection above all else, we invite you to get in touch with the team at Vertex. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help strengthen your security posture.