By 2021, cybercrime damages are projected to cost around $6 trillion annually, according to the Cyber Security Ventures website. This means that cyber threats are bound to keep on growing with time and only the most prepaid organizations will survive. However, cybersecurity solutions do not come free, according to online slots portal SlotsAdviser.
For firms that would like to walk the less cost-effective path, then investing in open source log management software will provide them with the solution they need. The question is whether open source security software is as profitable as needed, or will they be giving up a big part of their security? In order to make the right investment decisions, IT leaders need to weigh between both options and determine the best way forward.
Here is a short comparison between both options to help you decide on the better one:
Why Work With Open Source Security Software?
There are more benefits of using open source software than just the reduction in cost. Since you can customize source code, you can change the functionality of the security software to fit your needs. For instance, in case the software has a specific iis error log that it fails to display, then you can make the necessary changes.
On the other hand, open source software doesn’t come with licensing or activation requirements. Such software also allows you some freedom in that you are not bound to the policies of the software vendors. Unlike in proprietary software, you will not have to worry about looking for other software to use once the vendor’s business fails since communities of developers run the most open source software.
Why Not Invest In Open Source Software
It can be tough to get in touch with the support staff of such software. This means that circumventing hurdles might be left to your internal IT staff and you will have to focus on the best tech support practices for end-user gratification. On the other hand, vulnerabilities are easier to find in such software since the software is typically exposed to the world.
In case the vulnerabilities are found by spiteful individuals before the developing community identifies them, it will expose you to cybersecurity risks. While the software might be free or less costly, the developers tend to make money in the form of ads which can be annoying at times.
Why Use Proprietary Software
The primary benefit of the proprietary software is that companies tend to offer multiple application features under one vendor. As an added advantage, you will also enjoy support throughout your time using the security software in the line of updates and troubleshooting. Since the software vendors own the source code, your organizations will not deal with the programming of the code, which can be a time saver for most organizations.
As for the scope of the software, most security software vendors tend to offer software that can reach a wide scope from small businesses to enterprises. Some even offer the luxury of integrating their software with common business IT systems to improve its effectiveness.
Why You Might Think Twice About It
The downside of software vendors being a one-stop shop for all the security needs is that you will have to rely on them completely. In some cases, the products that you get from them can be bulky and include more features than you need. This is a waste of your investment and resources.
Switching between software solutions is also tough. While it will mean starting over and investing in the necessary infrastructure, it will also call for employee training which can also be costly. In most cases, the initial financial commitment will be regarded as a waste.
Conclusion
The standoff between open source and proprietary software simply depends on the needs of your organization. If cost is a big issue, then walking the open source path will be wise. On the flip side, proprietary software will be great enough for organizations looking for convenience.
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