Security as a Service (SECaaS) is an umbrella phrase comprising a whole gamut of security solutions, including but not limited to authentication, breach and intrusion detection, and security event management. It differs from traditional security services in that it does not require substantial on-premises hardware/software investment.

SECaaS solutions have grown in popularity as they reduce the burden of the in-house security team; scale security needs as the organization expands; trim the expenses and upkeep costs of on-premises alternatives.

Types of Cyber Security as a Service 

There are many types of SECaaS solutions. Almost any security solution can be delivered in a SECaaS model.

• Identity and Access Management (IAM)

IAM solutions address the issues of identity theft, unauthorized privilege escalation, insider threat, and non-repudiation, among others. A strong IAM solution offers control over identity verification and access management, besides handling processes like provisioning/de-provisioning accounts, authentication, token management, etc.

• Single Sign-on (SSO)

SSO services enable customers to access all their cloud apps with single login credentials. SSO also improves the capacity of IT and network managers to monitor access and accounts.

• Email Safety

Email servers handle a lot of data. There are several dangers and hazards inherent in email, including malvertising, targeted attacks, phishing, and data breaches that SECaaS providers can help you minimize. The risk can be mitigated through email security solutions. For instance, Allot’s NetworkSecure – a network-based protection solution – quarantines phishing emails, warns customers, and blocks access to phishing websites based on up-to-date threat intelligence. It detects telltale signs of phishing, including suspicious links, personal information requests, and pharming attacks that redirect traffic to spoof sites.

• Network Security 

Network security applications assist your company by monitoring traffic entering and exiting your servers and detecting risks before they manifest. For example, some network security solutions can provide URL-based filtering for HTTP and HTTPS traffic and checks for malware, phishing, spyware, and botnets. Some network security solutions continuously scan for new threats, report them, and incorporate them into the categorization database. They also perform a real-time and continuous content analysis of malicious URLs to reduce the danger of breach and intrusion.

Benefits of SECaaS 

• Cut Down Expenses

An advantage of Security as a Service is that it saves the company money on heavy on-premises investments. SECaaS are available as subscription models with many upgrade options, allowing businesses to only pay for what they need and that, too, when they need it (scalability). With enterprises outsourcing security, the demand for in-house domain expertise and specialized skills decreases.

• Most Recent Security Updates and Tools

When an organization uses SECaaS, it gains access to the latest security technologies and resources based on the subscription model. By incorporating SECaaS into its environment, an organization outsources the responsibility of providing updates and upgrades for every server, PC, and mobile device to the service provider.

• Greater Agility and Faster Provisioning

One of the most appealing aspects of as-a-service solutions is the ease of access. It is possible to scale security as a service to meet your needs, and it is available whenever and wherever you require it. Since your SECaaS provider manages everything, you will not have to worry about sparing resources for its deployment or upkeep.

• Resource Availability

The IT employees of your firm may be able to focus on more pressing business matters when an organization outsources security. By using SECaaS, you can delegate specific tasks to an outsourced team to free up your resources. You can assign responsibility for security processes to your IT staff, who can maintain all policy and system updates using a web interface.

How SECaaS Can Bolster Telecom Security 

SECaaS can bolster telecom security by enabling the communication service provider to be more agile and focus on their core competencies. For example, a CSP can secure their network more easily and gain advantage of the latest security technologies and tools by outsourcing some of the security to a security provider or MSSP.

Mobile network users are susceptible to malware, phishing, and other cyberattacks. Service providers’ attempts to address these concerns through client-based security solutions were hit by low consumer buy-in and adoption rates. The reason was simple: consumers wanted a simple, transparent, zero-touch service, which only a network-based service could deliver. There are two aspects to telecom security:

• Protecting the Telco Network

Cyberattacks in the telecom sector are constantly on the rise. A crippling attack on this industry would be devastating given that it is responsible for the bulk of the nation’s complex and essential communication.

Threat actors will continue to exploit weaknesses in adopted technologies. Protecting against threats, reducing attack surfaces, and securing large, complex, and multidimensional organizations takes time and tools.

• Protecting the Network’s Subscribers    

Most consumers recognize that cyberattacks are a genuine concern. Seventy-eight percent of consumers believe their mobile devices and fixed networks must be protected from cyber assaults like identity theft, unauthorized access to their bank accounts, financial loss due to unauthorized access, and personal/sensitive information loss. Given the demand, it only makes sense to include cybersecurity as a core part of service provider offerings.

Customers expect security from their communication service providers; sixty-eight percent of respondents are likely to subscribe to a mobile service provider’s security or content control service. Customers expect service operators to distinguish themselves through their cybersecurity offerings and are likely to pay more for security solutions that protect all their mobile and home devices.

Examples of Telecom Network Security Services 

Several of the world’s top telecom providers, including AT&T, BT, Orange, Singtel, Telstra, and Verizon, are already prominent players in the worldwide managed security service provider (MSSP) sector that serves large corporations. To safeguard companies from today’s cybersecurity threats, they provide services that operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Services include managed vulnerability scanning, distributed denial of service (DDoS) protection, security information and event management (SIEM) monitoring, protection against advanced persistent threats (APTs), event reporting, and proactive threat hunting.

Allot Secure’s Cyber Security as a Service Solution

Allot Secure offers robust security solutions to consumers, home, and business customers to strengthen their defenses and boost the bottom line. Allot Secure unifies core-network-based security with endpoint and CPE-based security to deliver branded security services to the mass market that features a seamless customer experience for all three security layers.

Provisioned and activated like any other network service, Allot Secure does not require customer effort. There’s nothing to download, install, or configure. And the best part is that network-based security services address a real need and generate additional monthly revenues per customer. Service providers that implemented and delivered Allot Secure as an integral network service achieved customer adoption rates as high as 50%. Get in touch to know more.