Bitdefender launches advisory service to tackle security skills gap
The service suite aims to address the operational and strategic security concerns of organisations by optimising existing security teams, identifying and closing security gaps, and providing assistance with regulatory compliance across environments such as cloud computing and third-party supply chains. The announcement highlights Bitdefender's intention to offer an integrated approach to security, spanning controls, prevention, detection, and response.
A recent independent global survey of 1,200 IT and security professionals identified pressing challenges related to the cybersecurity workforce. Nearly half of respondents, 49%, reported that the skills gap in their organisation's cybersecurity capabilities had worsened over the previous year, while the same percentage indicated they were experiencing workplace burnout. The survey also indicated disparity in confidence levels between executives and middle management: 45% of C-level leaders expressed high confidence in their ability to manage cyber risk, compared to just 19% of mid-level managers.
Market analysis from Gartner states, "Professional security services for 2024 had the highest market share with 35.5% or USD $27.3 billion (in current U.S. dollars). Interest in professional security services is rising due to increasing enterprise needs for third-party support, driven by skills shortages, alongside the growing demand for specialised expertise, including AI."
Bitdefender's new advisory services are designed to address challenges organisations face in securing processes, technology, and personnel as attack surfaces expand. The offering also seeks to help organisations find and retain staff with skills in data laws, security leadership, and frameworks. Each client is provided with a tailored team, including a delivery manager, certified consultants, and a team lead responsible for coordinating assessments and keeping stakeholders informed of outcomes.
The advisory services are structured to support Bitdefender's existing portfolios, including endpoint detection and response (EDR), extended detection and response (XDR), managed detection and response (MDR), offensive security services, or can be used as standalone offerings.
Service pillars
The new advisory services are categorised into three main areas: Strategy and Leadership, Risk and Compliance, and Event Preparedness.
Under Strategy and Leadership, Bitdefender offers retainer-based advisory services to reinforce organisational leadership and provide comprehensive cybersecurity guidance. These services aim to enhance security teams, build strategic frameworks, and define measurable security outcomes. Bitdefender's team features experienced CISOs and security experts who bring sector-specific knowledge to their engagements.
The Risk and Compliance pillar is focused on assisting organisations in navigating regulatory challenges by implementing and evaluating cybersecurity risk controls. Certified consultants assess compliance according to standards such as ISO 27001, NIST CSF, GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2, helping clients identify and remediate gaps. This is intended to improve business reputations and foster trust among customers and partners.
Event Preparedness covers the development and assessment of incident response, business continuity, and disaster recovery plans. This service includes real-world scenario drills and table-top exercises to reinforce roles and responsibilities during potential crises, such as data breaches or natural disasters. "Effective security involves more than just technology – it includes people, processes, and regulatory compliance essential for global business," said Paul Hadjy, Vice President of APAC and Cybersecurity Services, Bitdefender Business Solutions Group. "Bitdefender Cybersecurity Advisory Services helps organisations understand their current security posture, address gaps, optimise strategies, and prioritise actions with expert guidance. These services complement our full portfolio including endpoint protection, MDR and offensive services providing a viable path to a much more streamlined and thorough cybersecurity operation."
Bitdefender has confirmed the availability of the Cybersecurity Advisory Services for organisations seeking to enhance their cybersecurity programmes through on-demand, expert-led consulting and strategy.
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