10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Security Firm
These questions help you distinguish firms that will actually help from those just looking for a quick sale.
Question 01
"What experience do you have with companies at our stage?"
Look for: Experience with companies your size who haven't had security programs before. A firm used to enterprise clients may over-engineer solutions you can't maintain.
Question 02
"What will we be able to do ourselves after the engagement?"
Look for: Knowledge transfer as a core deliverable. Good consultants build your capabilities, not dependency.
Question 03
"Who will actually do the work?"
Look for: Named individuals with relevant credentials. Beware firms that sell senior partners but deliver junior staff.
Question 04
"What does a realistic timeline look like?"
Look for: Honest timelines with built-in buffer. Security assessments typically take 4-8 weeks depending on scope.
Question 05
"What happens after you deliver the report?"
Look for: Implementation support, remediation guidance, or ongoing advisory options. A report that sits on a shelf doesn't help.
Question 06
"Can you share a sample deliverable?"
Look for: Clear, actionable reports written in business language - not just technical jargon. You should be able to understand priorities without a translator.
Question 07
"Do you sell security products or tools?"
Look for: Independence. Firms that sell tools may recommend what they resell, not what you need. Advisory-only firms have fewer conflicts.
Question 08
"How do you prioritize findings?"
Look for: Risk-based prioritization tied to YOUR business context, not generic severity ratings. What matters for a healthcare company differs from manufacturing.
Question 09
"What does success look like in 90 days?"
Look for: Concrete, measurable outcomes. "Improved security posture" is vague. "Documented incident response plan tested with tabletop exercise" is specific.
Question 10
"What will this actually cost - including hidden fees?"
Look for: All-in pricing or clear scoping boundaries. Watch for "additional phases" that weren't in the original quote.
Red Flags in Vendor Proposals
Watch for these warning signs when reviewing security firm proposals:
One-size-fits-all scope: If the proposal looks templated with your company name dropped in, they haven't understood your situation.
Fear-based selling: Legitimate firms educate; they don't scare you into buying. Avoid "you'll definitely get breached without us."
Tool-first recommendations: If they recommend specific products before understanding your environment, they may be resellers first, advisors second.
Vague deliverables: "Comprehensive security assessment" means nothing. Look for specific outputs: asset inventory, risk register, remediation roadmap.
No mention of your team: Engagements that ignore your existing IT staff often create reports nobody can act on.
Pressure to sign quickly: "This price is only good until Friday" is a sales tactic. Legitimate firms don't create artificial urgency.
Credentials that don't match scope: A firm with only penetration testing experience may not be right for a compliance-focused engagement.
What to Expect in Your First Assessment
A well-run first security assessment typically includes these phases:
Phase 1
Discovery (Week 1-2)
- Interviews with key stakeholders (IT, operations, leadership)
- Documentation review (policies, network diagrams if they exist)
- Technical inventory of systems, applications, and data flows
- Understanding your business context and risk tolerance
Phase 2
Assessment (Week 2-4)
- Gap analysis against relevant frameworks (NIST CSF, CIS Controls)
- Technical vulnerability scanning (with your permission)
- Review of access controls, configurations, and processes
- Compliance mapping (if applicable: HIPAA, PCI, SOC 2)
Phase 3
Analysis and Reporting (Week 4-6)
- Risk-prioritized findings with business context
- Executive summary for leadership/board
- Technical details for IT team
- Remediation roadmap with quick wins identified
Phase 4
Handoff (Week 6-8)
- Findings presentation to stakeholders
- Q&A and clarification sessions
- Implementation planning support
- Knowledge transfer to your team
Realistic Budget Ranges
Security assessment pricing varies widely. Here's what to expect for companies with 50-500 employees:
| Engagement Type | Budget Range | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Assessment | $10K - $25K | High-level gap analysis, top 10 risks, executive summary. Good for "where do we even start?" |
| Comprehensive Assessment | $30K - $75K | Full security program assessment, detailed findings, remediation roadmap, compliance mapping |
| Penetration Testing | $15K - $50K | Active testing of your defenses. Often done after initial assessment to validate technical controls |
| Virtual CISO (Monthly) | $5K - $20K/mo | Ongoing security leadership. Strategic guidance, program management, board reporting, incident support |
| Compliance Program (SOC 2, HIPAA) | $40K - $100K | Full compliance readiness including policy development, control implementation, and audit prep |
Note: Prices vary by region, firm reputation, and scope complexity. Get 2-3 quotes and compare scope, not just price.
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