Outsourcing a cybersecurity risk assessment is a smart move. Most businesses don’t have the in-house expertise or tools to evaluate their systems thoroughly. But just because you bring in a provider doesn’t mean the job will be done right. If the assessment lacks depth, context, or follow-through, it won’t offer the protection your business needs.
Here are the top seven mistakes that can derail the assessment process and how to avoid them.
1. The Scope Isn’t Clearly Defined: If the provider doesn’t work with you to outline a clear scope, critical areas may be missed. Does the assessment include remote devices, cloud tools, third-party apps, and employee workflows? Or just your firewalls and servers? A vague scope means the results may not reflect your real-world risk.
2. It’s Treated Like a One-Time Engagement: Cyber threats evolve quickly, and your tech stack probably does too. But many assessments are delivered as one-off reports, with no plan for follow-up or ongoing monitoring. Look for a provider that supports long-term protection, not just a point-in-time review.
3. The Human Element Is Overlooked: Even experienced providers can focus too much on technical vulnerabilities while underestimating human behavior. If the assessment doesn’t factor in phishing risk, weak passwords, or lack of user training, it’s only telling half the story. Ask if the provider includes user awareness and behavior analysis.
4. Third-Party Risks Are Ignored: Your vendors, suppliers, and platforms are part of your risk landscape. If the assessment doesn’t consider how third parties connect to your systems, such as through APIs, shared files, or VPNs, you could be leaving a door open. A good provider will ask who you work with and assess their potential impact.
5. Risks Aren’t Prioritized: Getting a long list of vulnerabilities is not the same as getting a clear action plan. Some providers hand off reports with pages of issues but no guidance on what matters most. Make sure your provider explains risk levels, likelihood, and business impact so you can take meaningful action.
6. Physical Security Isn’t Considered: Cybersecurity isn’t just digital. Can someone walk into your office and access a network port or an unlocked laptop? If your provider doesn’t ask about physical safeguards, building access, or device handling, it’s a missed opportunity.
7. There’s No Support After Delivery: What happens after the assessment is delivered? Do you get help implementing changes? Are you left to interpret the findings yourself? A trustworthy provider will offer a clear path forward with remediation support, ongoing check-ins, or recommendations for next steps.
Your Assessment Is Only as Good as Your Provider
Outsourcing your cybersecurity risk assessment doesn’t guarantee comprehensive protection, it depends on the provider’s process and your level of involvement. Choose a partner who takes the time to understand your business, communicates clearly, and treats the assessment as a collaborative effort. The right assessment should leave you not just with answers, but with a stronger security posture and a path forward.
