Part Five: Cost-effective Value Without Sacrificing Quality
Cost-effective cybersecurity services do not need to come with a high price tag. For years, I have said that in cybersecurity consulting, you get what you pay for. Many traditional cybersecurity vendors offer services at a low cost, but their service quality is often lacking which can put your organization at risk. On the other hand, legacy accounting firms typically provide high-quality services—at a steep cost. But what if you did not have to choose between price and quality?
CyberAssurance is built differently. We believe organizations deserve world-class cybersecurity services without unnecessary expenses. Our approach is built on transparency, efficiency, and expert-level cybersecurity consulting, ensuring that you receive cost-effective cybersecurity solutions without sacrificing quality. We achieve this by maintaining a team of highly skilled cybersecurity experts, leveraging advanced technologies, and following cybersecurity best practices to provide comprehensive and resilient cybersecurity solutions.
Legacy Business Model: The High Cost of Overhead
Legacy accounting firms operate with significant overhead. Their structure is built on multiple layers of high-cost professionals:
Equity partners: Bill clients $500–$600+ per hour.
Income partners: Similar rates to equity partners.
Managers and directors: Start at $300 per hour, often exceeding $500.
Senior associates: Bill between $180–$300+ per hour.
Junior associates: Typically start at $150 per hour.
Every engagement involves at least an income partner and a manager or director, driving up costs before meaningful work begins. You are also paying for large back-office administrative teams and high operating costs.
Hidden Costs in Cybersecurity
Beyond high hourly rates, legacy accounting firms introduce hidden costs in cybersecurity. These firms disregard additional fees because the fees are not recognized as revenue on their books. While these fees do not count as revenue for the firm’s top line, the fees significantly increase the client’s final bill.
Travel Time Charges
Some firms bill full rates for round-trip travel, while others charge full rates one way—either way, you are paying for non-productive time at premium hourly rates.
Inflated Travel Expenses
While travel costs are usually passed through, consultants often book more expensive flights, rental cars, and accommodations. Per diem meal allowances can total $100+ per day, further increasing the overall costs paid by the client.
Technology Fees
Many legacy accounting firms add a mandatory “tech fee” that starts at 5% of total consulting fees. While legacy accounting firms justify the tech fee as a “transparent” way to cover their investments in technology to keep client data secure, clients often view this as an unnecessary surcharge. Worse yet, these fees do not count as consulting revenue, meaning firms treat them like a tax, charging clients without appreciating the fact that they increased the client’s overall bill.
CyberAssurance’s Transparent Cybersecurity Pricing
At CyberAssurance, we believe high-quality cybersecurity services should be priced fairly. That is why we take a different approach:
No Technology Fees – We secure your data in transit and at rest for no extra cost, ensuring transparency and fairness.
No Travel Time – If travel is required, it is covered within our service fees.
Travel Expense Transparency – We manage expenses as if we were paying them ourselves, making smart choices.
Client-Centric Pricing – We tailor solutions to your risk profile and budget without compromising quality.
Streamlined, Efficient Business Model – We eliminate excessive layers of management, ensuring you only pay for expert-level service.
Innovative Technology Use – We leverage automation, artificial intelligence, and specialized industry software to drive efficiency and reduce costs.
The Bottom Line: High Quality at Fair Price
Effective cybersecurity solutions should be high quality and priced fairly. Do not let bloated firms nickel-and-dime you with hidden fees and unnecessary overhead. With CyberAssurance, you get the cybersecurity experts and high-quality cybersecurity services you need—without the inflated costs of legacy accounting firm fees and low quality of traditional cybersecurity vendors.
Experience the CyberAssurance difference. How can we help? Contact us today to learn more.
