How Value-Added Resellers (VARs) Can Help You Save on Your AppSec

In an era of escalating cyber threats, application security is more critical than ever for businesses of all sizes. However, building a robust in-house application security (AppSec) program can be a costly and time-intensive endeavor. This is where value-added resellers (VARs) can provide a lifeline, offering expertise, resources, and proven solutions that significantly save money while ensuring top-notch application security.

This blog post explores the various ways VARs help businesses streamline their AppSec efforts, achieve cost-efficiency, and ultimately reduce the risk of devastating security breaches.

Understanding Value-Added Resellers (VARs) in AppSec

Value-added resellers go beyond simply selling software products. They provide valuable services and expertise to help businesses integrate, optimize, and manage those products effectively.

In the application security domain, VARs offer:

• Security Expertise: VARs have teams of specialists well-versed in the latest AppSec trends, vulnerabilities, and best practices.
• Solution Integration: They help seamlessly integrate security tools into existing development environments and workflows.
• Training and Support: VARs provide ongoing training and support to ensure optimal use of security products and processes.
• Managed Services: Some VARs may offer managed security services, taking over some or all of your AppSec operations.

Key Ways VARs Save Money in Application Security

Here's a breakdown of the major cost-saving areas where VARs can have a significant impact.

Reduced In-House Staffing Costs

Hiring and maintaining a dedicated in-house AppSec team involves significant expenses, including salaries, benefits, recruitment fees, and continuous training. A skilled application security expert can be costly. VARs offer pre-built teams of security professionals, eliminating the need to invest heavily in in-house personnel.

Faster Time to Value

Setting up a comprehensive in-house AppSec program from the ground up takes time, often delaying the actual implementation of security measures. VARs bring pre-established processes, templates, and tool configurations, accelerating the integration of security into development pipelines and significantly shortening the time to value.

Streamlined Tool Acquisition and Implementation

Without the right expertise, selecting, purchasing, and correctly configuring AppSec tools becomes a costly and complex process. VARs have partnerships with leading security vendors and in-depth knowledge of their offerings. They streamline the tool acquisition process by suggesting solutions that best align with your specific needs and budget. VARs ensure tools are optimally calibrated and integrated into your processes.

Minimized Remediation Costs

The earlier vulnerabilities are discovered in the development cycle, the cheaper it is to fix them. VARs help shift security left by integrating AppSec tools and processes early on, catching bugs in development rather than after deployment. This proactive approach significantly reduces the high cost of remediating vulnerabilities found in production.

Reduced Risk of Breaches

Data breaches come with massive costs – financial losses, reputational damage, regulatory fines, and more. By relying on the expertise of a VAR, you mitigate these risks and the associated crippling expenses. Robust application security implemented by a VAR helps to prevent costly breaches.

Optimized Security Spend

VARs analyze your specific needs to select the most fitting and cost-effective security solutions. They help avoid overspending on unnecessary tools or features and ensure that every dollar invested in security delivers maximum value.

Additional Benefits of Working With VARs

Beyond direct cost savings, partnering with VARs offers several other advantages:

• Access to Latest Technologies: VARs are always at the forefront of the latest AppSec solutions and trends, providing cutting-edge technologies that your internal team may not have the resources to constantly research.
• Scalability: VARs offer a flexible approach; their services can be easily scaled up or down based on your evolving security needs.
• Focus on Core Business: Outsourcing AppSec tasks to a VAR allows your in-house developers to focus on your core business functions.

Choosing the Right VAR for Application Security

Not all VARs are created equal. Here's what you should look for when making your decision:

• Proven Expertise: Look for a VAR with a dedicated specialization in application security, not just general IT. Ensure they have relevant certifications and a track record of successful AppSec implementations.
• Vendor Relationships: Partner with VARs who have established relationships with various top-tier security vendors. This broadens your solution choices and offers more competitive pricing options.
• Tailored Approach: Choose a VAR that takes the time to understand your unique business requirements, budget, and risk tolerance. They should provide customized solutions, not one-size-fits-all packages.
• Communication and Support: Prioritize VARs that offer transparent communication channels, readily available support, and a commitment to long-term partnership.

Final Thoughts (Plus a little about True Positives AppSec)

In today's threat landscape, failing to properly secure your applications can be incredibly costly. Partnering with a reputable value-added reseller can help organizations of all sizes overcome the financial and operational challenges of in-house application security. Through specialized expertise, access to best-in-class technologies, and proven processes, VARs streamline AppSec efforts, deliver robust security posture, and drive significant cost savings.

By carefully selecting a VAR, you invest in your organization's cyber resilience, allowing you to protect both your bottom line and your reputation.

You can learn more about the managed AppSec services we offer at True Positives by reaching out to us for a completely free 1 on 1 consultation with one of our experts here: Free 1 on 1 AppSec Consultation plus Vulnerability Scan.

With over 100 years of combined AppSec experience across our team, we offer a trusted partner to help you navigate the complicated world of application security.