Johannesburg, 19 May 2005
Companies should consider outsourcing their IT security rather than do it in-house, as this is cost-effective and ensures the right skills are available around the clock, says Telkom.
Speaking at a media round table in Sandton yesterday, Lynette Flaxman, Telkom`s business development manager, said organisations should be discouraged from dealing with security issues in-house.
Flaxman said many companies do not treat information security as an issue that requires management attention.
The first step in securing a business from risk, she said, is to identify a competent information security provider to design, implement and maintain the IT infrastructure.
"Before an organisation can even think of outsourcing their IT security, they first have to understand the organisation`s business operation internally and externally, as well as how they plan to outsource their security system.
"Organisations need not only be able to trust their service providers, but should seriously consider their credibility, quality of the service they provide, skills, as well as experience in the industry."
Flaxman also warned organisations to beware of "fly by night" information security companies that claim to offer IT security solutions at a lower price.
"Unfortunately there`s no law out there that helps prevent this, hence the importance of doing background research before committing to any deals."
Also addressing the round table, Telkom product manager Andre Schoeman said: "The idea is not to look at the cheaper price that an IT security company has to offer, but the credibility of that organisation."
He likened an outsourcing deal to marriage: "The agreement between the organisation and the information security provider, for both parties, should be based on a long-term relationship. Just like marriage whereby two people trust, communicate with and understand each other."
Share