Cybersecurity is not just about tools - it's about who is responsible when something goes wrong.
Organizations generally choose one of three approaches. This page explains the tradeoffs so you can make an informed decision.
| Capability | DIY / Internal | Traditional MSP | 5D Cyber |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Monitoring |
❌ Rare |
⚠️ Limited |
✅ Yes |
| Threat Detection Quality |
⚠️ Tool-dependent |
⚠️ Basic |
✅ AI-driven |
| Human Threat Validation | ❌ |
⚠️ Partial |
✅ Yes |
| Incident Response Leadership | ❌ |
⚠️ Reactive |
✅ Proactive |
| Zero Trust / Secure Access | ❌ |
⚠️ Add-on |
✅ Built-in |
| Compliance Support | ❌ |
⚠️ Checklist-based |
✅ Continuous |
| Executive Reporting | ❌ |
⚠️ Technical |
✅ Business-focused |
| Clear Ownership | ❌ |
⚠️ Shared |
✅ Defined |
| Predictable Monthly Cost | ❌ |
⚠️ Variable |
✅ Yes |
| Scales With Growth | ❌ |
⚠️ Limited |
✅ Designed to |
Each approach has different strengths, requirements, and tradeoffs. Here's what you need to know.
Internal / DIY Security
Organizations purchase security tools directly and rely on internal staff to manage alerts, incidents, and compliance. Often limited or no 24/7 coverage.
Best for: Large enterprises with dedicated, experienced security teams and substantial budgets.
IT Support with Security Add-ons
IT support and infrastructure management are the primary focus, with security included as a secondary or add-on service. Strong at keeping systems running.
Best for: Organizations primarily needing IT infrastructure support with basic security hygiene.
Managed Cybersecurity Partner
Cybersecurity is the core service. Monitoring, detection, and response are continuous. Accountability is clearly defined from day one.
Best for: Organizations wanting enterprise-grade protection without internal cybersecurity overhead.
The real cost of cybersecurity isn't just the monthly investment. It's about risk, responsibility, and what happens when something goes wrong.
Every hour your systems are unavailable means lost revenue, missed opportunities, and frustrated customers. Can you afford to wait?
Ransomware payments, forensic investigations, legal fees, regulatory fines, and reputational damage. A single incident can cost 10-50x your annual security budget.
Failed audits delay contracts, damage credibility, and expose your organization to penalties. Documentation and evidence matter when it counts.
How much time does your internal team spend on security alerts, vendor management, and compliance tasks? That's time not spent on strategic work.
Cybersecurity is a risk and responsibility decision, not a commodity purchase.
The question isn't just "what does this cost?" - it's "who owns the outcome when something fails?"
We'll help you decide honestly. No pressure, no sales pitch - just a clear conversation about what makes sense for your situation.
No obligation. No automated pitch. Just honest guidance from people who understand cybersecurity.