For small and mid-size businesses (SMBs), balancing IT and security resources can be both challenging and essential. With limited resources and personnel, SMBs often rely on multifunctional roles and streamlined operations.
As a business grows the roles on the team become more distinct and have specific focus areas – like security – fostering strong collaboration between IT and security teams is crucial for maintaining both operational efficiency and robust cybersecurity defenses. These teams may have different focus areas, but some steps can be taken and network management solutions play a vital role in helping SMBs address common challenges to enhance IT-security collaboration.
The Shared — but Distinct — Roles of IT and Security
IT and security teams are inherently linked, both supporting the organization through tasks such as data governance, cloud management and identity management, but there are some differences between them. These differences are often due to their distinct goals: IT teams prioritize operational efficiency and the end-user experience, while security teams are driven by the need to protect organizational assets and mitigate risk.
This overlap in domains such as identity management and data governance can easily lead to friction if not handled thoughtfully. Issues like inconsistent data protocols, conflicting policies, or delayed responses to security incidents can all stem from this tension, making it clear that a cooperative approach is necessary to drive business resilience and success.
Key Challenges for IT-Security Collaboration in SMBs
- Resource Constraints
SMBs often lack the extensive IT and security staffing found in larger organizations. IT team members may double as security administrators, creating a need for simplified, cross-functional tools that allow both security and IT to function efficiently. Without effective collaboration, stretched resources can quickly lead to security blind spots. - Increased Risk from Infrastructure Sprawl and Shadow IT
Even SMBs face risks from infrastructure sprawl and shadow IT, as employees often turn to easy-to-access SaaS tools and applications that may bypass formal security protocols. With SMBs frequently managing limited tech budgets, each additional tool or unauthorized application increases both financial strain and security risk. - Vendor Overlap and Management Complexity
For smaller businesses, managing multiple vendors for firewalls, endpoint protection and other solutions can be unnecessarily complex and costly. Redundant systems may provide overlapping security features but also increase the likelihood of security gaps.
How Network Management Solutions Benefit SMB IT-Security Collaboration
- Centralized Visibility and Control
A network management platform centralizes IT infrastructure oversight, providing a real-time view of network traffic, security protocols and system performance. For SMBs, this means that a smaller IT team can monitor network security and performance simultaneously, identifying and addressing potential risks without requiring extensive manpower. This centralized view allows SMBs to reduce complexity and increase efficiency. - Enhanced Risk Management Through Shadow IT Detection
Network management platforms that include SaaS application usage detection tools help SMBs tackle shadow IT by monitoring network usage and identifying unauthorized tools or services that employees may be using. By offering centralized control, these solutions can flag unknown applications or unauthorized devices, allowing IT to secure these endpoints and prevent potential vulnerabilities. For SMBs, managing shadow IT helps protect limited resources and minimizes security exposure. - Consolidation of Tools to Reduce Costs
Instead of relying on multiple redundant tools, SMBs can streamline their IT and security stack through network management. A unified solution provides critical visibility, establishing the foundation for more effective protection without the need for overlapping systems. By consolidating essential tools into a single platform, SMBs can reduce operational costs and minimize management complexity, making it easier for leaner teams to stay on top of their security needs. - Efficient Incident Response
Network management solutions streamline incident response by centralizing data and automating alerts. For small businesses, this reduces the time and resources needed to identify and respond to incidents. Faster detection and streamlined response protocols empower SMBs to address issues before they impact business operations, even if they have fewer IT staff members.
Practical Steps for SMB Leaders to Foster Collaboration
- Define Roles and Shared Goals
In SMBs, roles are often fluid, with IT and security responsibilities overlapping. By clearly defining roles and shared goals — such as protecting customer data and maintaining uptime — SMBs can foster a culture of collaboration. A shared mission helps IT and security work together more effectively, especially with limited resources. - Optimize Vendor Relationships and Tools
Reducing vendor overlap is essential for SMBs to lower costs and complexity. By conducting an audit of current tools and consolidating where possible, SMBs can reduce redundant solutions and simplify management. Leveraging a network management platform that covers both performance and security needs reduces the need for multiple vendors and ensures that IT and security stay aligned. - Conduct Joint Security Drills
Even with limited staff, SMBs can benefit from resilience drills that simulate cyber incidents or system outages. These exercises strengthen team communication, improve response times and help teams practice collaboration under pressure. Regularly scheduled drills are particularly valuable for identifying gaps in IT and security coordination before issues arise.
Moving Forward: Building a Secure, Efficient IT-Security Partnership
For small and mid-size businesses, effective collaboration between IT and security is essential for both operational resilience and cybersecurity. By implementing a network management solution tailored to their size and needs, SMBs can streamline operations, reduce security risks and ensure that limited resources are maximized. With a centralized approach to network oversight, SMBs can keep both IT and security functions aligned, enabling these teams to work together more effectively and protect the business as a unified force.