Platform vs Consultants: Honest Comparison for Belgian SMEs
Should you use a cybersecurity platform or hire consultants? This is one of the most common questions Belgian SMEs face when tackling NIS2 compliance. We're one of the options being compared here, so we'll be transparent about our perspective while presenting the facts fairly.
Two Different Approaches
Understanding the fundamental differences helps you choose the right approach for your needs.
Platform Approach
Self-service software that guides you through compliance step by step
- Structured workflow with clear next steps
- Pre-built templates and documentation
- Progress tracking and evidence collection
- Fixed monthly pricing, predictable costs
- Available 24/7, work at your own pace
- Built-in Belgian compliance framework (CyberFundamentals)
Consultant Approach
Expert professionals who assess, advise, and implement for you
- Deep expertise in specific domains
- Customized solutions for your exact situation
- Hands-on implementation support
- Direct access to experienced professionals
- Can represent you in audits
- Flexible scope based on your needs
Cost Comparison
Cost is often the first consideration. Here's a realistic picture of what each approach costs for a typical Belgian SME (20-100 employees).
| Cost Element | Platform | Consultant |
|---|---|---|
| Initial assessment | Included in subscription | 2,000 - 8,000 |
| Monthly ongoing | 99 - 199 | 500 - 2,000 (retainer) |
| Full NIS2 project | 1,200 - 2,400/year | 15,000 - 50,000 |
| Audit preparation | Included | 3,000 - 10,000 |
| Total year 1 | 1,200 - 2,400 | 20,000 - 60,000 |
Typical cost ranges in EUR. Consultant rates vary significantly based on firm size and reputation.
When Each Approach Excels
Platform Works Best When...
You have internal capacity
Someone on your team can dedicate time to cybersecurity tasks, even if they're not an expert.
Budget is limited
You need to achieve compliance without spending tens of thousands on consulting fees.
Standard requirements apply
Your business fits standard NIS2/CyberFundamentals requirements without unusual complexities.
You want ongoing management
You need continuous compliance tracking, not just a one-time project.
Speed matters
You want to start immediately without waiting for consultant availability.
Consultants Work Best When...
Complex technical environment
Your IT infrastructure is unusual, legacy, or involves complex integrations requiring expert analysis.
No internal capacity
You have no one who can dedicate time to cybersecurity, even with guidance.
High-stakes audit coming
You're facing a formal audit or certification and need expert representation.
Custom solutions needed
Your situation doesn't fit standard frameworks and requires tailored approaches.
You need hands-on implementation
You want someone to actually do the work, not guide you through doing it yourself.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Platform | Consultant |
|---|---|---|
| Time to start | Immediate | 1-4 weeks to schedule |
| Availability | 24/7 self-service | Business hours, by appointment |
| Customization | Framework-based | Fully customized |
| Expertise depth | Standardized best practices | Deep, specialized knowledge |
| Implementation | Guided self-service | Done for you (optional) |
| Documentation | Automated generation | Custom documents |
| Evidence collection | Built-in tracking | Manual collection |
| Ongoing support | Platform + email | Direct access to expert |
| Audit representation | Not included | Can represent you |
| Language support | NL/FR/EN built-in | Depends on consultant |
| Scalability | Same price for growth | Cost increases with scope |
The Hybrid Approach: Best of Both
Many Belgian SMEs find that combining platform and consultant works best. Here's how:
Platform for daily management, consultant for assessment
Use the platform for ongoing compliance tracking and evidence collection. Bring in a consultant once per year for an independent assessment or penetration test.
Consultant for setup, platform for maintenance
Have a consultant assess your situation and create the initial roadmap. Then use the platform to execute and maintain compliance ongoing.
Platform now, consultant for audits
Start immediately with the platform to build your compliance foundation. Engage a consultant when you need formal audit support or certification.
Honest Limitations of Our Platform
We want to be upfront about what we cannot do:
- We cannot replace deep technical expertise for complex environments
- We cannot physically implement security controls in your infrastructure
- We cannot represent you in formal audits or regulatory discussions
- We cannot provide customized legal advice for unusual situations
- We cannot assess risks that require on-site technical evaluation
If your situation requires these capabilities, a consultant is the right choice. We'd rather you succeed with a consultant than struggle with a platform that doesn't fit your needs.
Making Your Decision
Ask yourself these questions to help decide:
Do you have someone who can spend 2-4 hours per week on cybersecurity?
Is your budget under 5,000 per year for compliance?
Is your IT environment standard (Office 365, common business software)?
Do you need certification or formal audit in the next 6 months?
What Easy Cyber Protection Offers
Our platform is designed specifically for Belgian SMEs navigating NIS2 and CyberFundamentals compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from platform to consultant (or vice versa)?
Yes. If you start with our platform and realize you need more support, you can engage a consultant anytime. Your documented progress transfers. Similarly, if you started with a consultant, our platform can help maintain compliance ongoing at lower cost.
Do consultants recommend platforms like yours?
Some do. Forward-thinking consultants recognize that platforms handle ongoing compliance management more efficiently. They focus on high-value activities like assessments and audits while recommending platforms for daily management.
What if I choose wrong?
The cost of switching is relatively low. If the platform isn't working after a month, you've invested minimal money. If a consultant project isn't delivering value, you can pause and reassess. Most SMEs find their right approach within 2-3 months.
Are there consultants who work with your platform?
Yes. We partner with several Belgian cybersecurity consultants who use our platform as part of their service offering. This gives you consultant expertise with platform efficiency. Contact us for recommendations.
What about managed security service providers (MSSPs)?
MSSPs are a third option: they provide ongoing security services including monitoring, incident response, and compliance support. They're more expensive than platforms but less intensive than project-based consultants. Good for SMEs who want to fully outsource security operations.