"Outsourcing, or the delegation of certain tasks to external partners, is a common practice in organizations aiming to reduce costs, optimize operations, and focus on core activities. When it comes to activities related to information systems, this practice is often referred to as IT outsourcing, Application Management Outsourcing (AMO), or cloud computing. It's widely tolerated and even integrated into the development strategies of private companies, public organizations, and Critical Infrastructures.

Outsourcing can be global, covering all components of the information system, or partial, focusing on specific activities such as development, operations, maintenance, hosting, or supervision.

Cloud Computing, an extension of outsourcing, encompasses various service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) and deployment models (private, public, hybrid, community). Each model represents a different level of externalization and dependency on the provider.

ADVANTAGES OF OUTSOURCING:

Cost Reduction: Outsourcing enables organizations to benefit from economies of scale, reducing IT costs by sharing resources and avoiding fixed expenses. With tailored outsourcing contracts, organizations can spend based on actual usage, avoiding unexpected expenses and better planning their budgets.

Focus on Core Activities: Outsourcing allows organizations to focus on their core competencies by delegating non-core tasks to external specialists. This enhances performance, agility, and responsiveness to market demands.

Agile System Evolution: Outsourcing offers scalability and flexibility, allowing organizations to adjust resources according to fluctuating demands quickly. This agility facilitates rapid responses to changing business needs.

Access to Expertise: Outsourcing provides access to specialized skills and up-to-date technologies, enhancing service quality and performance. This expertise ensures efficient IT management and supports organizational growth.

While the benefits of outsourcing are compelling, it's essential to address the associated risks:

Operational Risks: Outsourcing may lead to knowledge loss and reduced control over operations, creating dependencies on external providers.

Regulatory and Legal Risks: Organizations must ensure compliance with regulations and laws, especially when outsourcing to third-party providers in different jurisdictions.

Security Risks: Outsourcing involves sharing sensitive information with external partners, increasing the risk of data breaches, unauthorized access, and loss of confidentiality, availability, and integrity.

To address these risks and make informed decisions, organizations must consider several factors:

Choice of Provider: Selecting a reliable and trustworthy provider capable of ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Data Classification: Assessing which data can be outsourced based on regulatory requirements and risk analysis, ensuring sensitive data remains protected.

Impact on the Organization: Evaluating the internal impact of outsourcing and planning for potential system reversibility in case of contract termination.

To shed light on these considerations and provide insights into managing the challenges of outsourcing, the General Directorate of Information Systems Security (DGSSI) is organizing the 7th edition of its cybersecurity seminar. The theme of this seminar is 'Outsourcing Information Systems and Cybersecurity Challenges.'

This event, scheduled for November 12, 2019, at the Bank Al Maghrib Club, aims to complement existing efforts in helping national organizations assess the benefits and risks of outsourcing their information systems. Through publications, guides, and reference materials, such as the Outsourcing Guide, Information Security Risk Management Guide, and System Classification Framework, DGSSI is committed to supporting organizations in navigating the complexities of outsourcing while ensuring cybersecurity."

This edition of the seminar underscores the importance of understanding and managing the risks associated with outsourcing in the evolving landscape of cybersecurity.