Cyber threats don't sleep. Can your security team say the same? Compare your options objectively.
$12,000 - $20,000
Security analyst + tools
$2,000 - $5,000
Managed security service
Business hours
Nights/weekends exposed
24/7/365 SOC
Round-the-clock coverage
Limited sources
Individual research
Global threat feeds
Thousands of clients inform defense
Next business day
If staff available
Minutes
Automated + human response
$50K-100K/year
SIEM, EDR, firewalls
Included
Enterprise tools at scale
Limited
Generalist knowledge
Specialized
PIPEDA, SOC 2, industry regs
Deep understanding
Knows your business
Documented processes
Requires onboarding
On-site access
Can check systems directly
Remote management
On-site visits scheduled
| Category | In-House Security | Managed Security |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost (50 employees) | $12,000 - $20,000 Security analyst + tools | $2,000 - $5,000 Managed security service |
| Threat Monitoring | Business hours Nights/weekends exposed | 24/7/365 SOC Round-the-clock coverage |
| Threat Intelligence | Limited sources Individual research | Global threat feeds Thousands of clients inform defense |
| Response Time | Next business day If staff available | Minutes Automated + human response |
| Tool Stack | $50K-100K/year SIEM, EDR, firewalls | Included Enterprise tools at scale |
| Compliance Expertise | Limited Generalist knowledge | Specialized PIPEDA, SOC 2, industry regs |
| Institutional Knowledge | Deep understanding Knows your business | Documented processes Requires onboarding |
| Physical Security | On-site access Can check systems directly | Remote management On-site visits scheduled |
For a 50-employee Calgary business. Numbers based on 2024 market rates.
Plus coverage gaps during vacations, sick days, and nights/weekends
Includes 24/7 monitoring, tools, threat intelligence, and incident response
70-85% cost reduction with managed security
While getting 24/7 coverage, enterprise tools, and a full team of specialists
It's challenging. A competent security analyst costs $80,000-120,000/year in Calgary, plus $50,000+ annually for enterprise security tools (SIEM, EDR, vulnerability scanning). Most small businesses can't justify this expense for one person who only works 40 hours a week. MSPs spread these costs across many clients, making enterprise-grade security affordable at $2,000-5,000/month.
Reputable MSPs invest heavily in their own security precisely because they're high-value targets. Ask about their security certifications (SOC 2, ISO 27001), insurance coverage, and incident response plans. Good MSPs undergo regular third-party audits. The bigger risk is often an understaffed internal team that can't keep up with evolving threats.
Top MSPs provide response times measured in minutes, not hours. They use automated detection and response tools that work instantly, backed by 24/7 security operations center (SOC) staff. Compare this to an in-house person who may be asleep, on vacation, or simply overwhelmed when an attack hits.
Yes, this is called co-managed security. Your internal IT handles day-to-day operations while the MSP provides specialized security monitoring, threat hunting, and incident response. This is often the best approach as cybersecurity requires dedicated focus that generalist IT staff can't maintain alongside help desk and infrastructure work.
Look for CompTIA Security+ certified staff at minimum. Better indicators include SOC 2 Type II compliance (audited security practices), partnerships with security vendors like Fortinet or Huntress, and experience with your industry's regulations. Ask for references from similar-sized businesses in your sector.
MSPs have a significant advantage here. They see threats across dozens or hundreds of clients, providing early warning of new attack patterns. They subscribe to threat intelligence feeds, participate in industry sharing groups, and have dedicated staff who do nothing but track emerging threats. A solo in-house person simply can't match this visibility.
Get a free security assessment and see where your business stands. No obligation, no sales pressure.