Brooksource Insights

When Agents Join Your Organization

Kalyn Richardson — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Outlining the Changes Organizations Will Need to Make as AI Adoption Increases

Over the past year, I’ve spent a lot of time talking with manufacturers about Industrial AI; where it’s showing up, how organizations are experimenting with it, and what it means for the workforce. Throughout all those conversations, one thing has become clear: the biggest shift isn’t automation.

It’s that AI is beginning to work alongside people, and that changes how organizations operate.

Across manufacturing and industrial operations, AI systems are moving beyond dashboards and analytics into operational workflows. They monitor systems in real time, surface recommendations, and increasingly coordinate activity across complex environments.

In many ways, these systems behave less like traditional software and more like another organizational element altogether. And once that happens, the way companies coordinate work starts to change, or at least it should if an organization wants to be successful.

Rethinking Career Paths

Ashley Darling — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Exploring Contract & Contract-to-Hire Roles - Opportunities, Concerns, & Growth for Engineers

The engineering job market is undergoing a significant shift, and you might be feeling its effects without even realizing it. Did you know that in the US today, 30%-50% of all engineering hires come through contract and contract-to-hire pathways? Although many engineers may still be unfamiliar with this type of work, most Fortune 500 companies have been using a contract-heavy model to manage fluctuating project loads for several years. This approach to addressing workforce challenges is now expanding to specific industries, such as aerospace, construction, and manufacturing, where the percentage of contracting can exceed 50%.

Brooksource Earns Its Status as a V3-Certified Company

Paul Schiffman — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Brooksource, a leading IT and Engineering consulting provider across technology, healthcare, and government sectors, has officially earned certification from the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VDVS). This honor is the latest recognition reflecting Brooksource’s ongoing commitment to supporting the military-connected community and strengthening its workforce with mission-ready talent.

Staffing & Professional Services Firms’ Growing Role in Cybersecurity

Paul Schiffman — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 13:00:00 GMT

According to the ISC² 2024 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, the global Cybersecurity workforce reached 5.5 million in 2024, but demand still outpaces supply by about 4.8 million roles, a 19 percent increase in the shortage year over year.

The cybersecurity talent shortage has become a defining risk for organizations worldwide. As a result, an increasing number of IT departments have been heavily relying on staffing and professional services providers like Brooksource to fill urgent roles and run critical projects. Yet even this use of external support to address cybersecurity talent gaps and bandwidth constraints comes with inherent risks. Consultants often require privileged access to your enterprise, control over sensitive systems, and the ability to shape security posture in ways that can either protect or endanger your organization.

However, as business leaders, we recognize that every decision entails its own unique set of pros and cons, and ultimately, it is our responsibility to understand the available strategies and make the best decision for our organization. When it comes to matters as encompassing and impactful as cybersecurity, it’s always helpful to turn to the experts to ensure you get a holistic view of all available options. This is why we sat down with a trusted advisor of our own, Richard Connor, Brooksource’s Cybersecurity Advisor, to help explore the various risks associated with this talent shortage and highlight how working with the right talent solutions partner can mitigate exposure while enabling access to scarce cyber talent.

The Talent Imperative in Cybersecurity

For over 10 years, Richard Connor has been partnering with CIOs, CISOs, and compliance leaders to build robust security frameworks that protect data, ensure regulatory compliance, and reduce risks. Throughout that time, Richard has had a front-row seat to the growing prioritization of cybersecurity by organizations across all sectors and the resulting surge in demand for talent.

Executives have no other choice but to turn to staff augmentation, professional services engagements, or hybrid models, such as Brooksource’s Elevate program, which allows organizations to “build in-house talent” by converting contractors into full-time positions upon completing their project. However, without trusted staffing partners, these arrangements can add as much risk as they resolve.

Inherent Risks of Cybersecurity Staffing

We’ve previously covered how bad actors are taking advantage of companies that are eager to fill roles quickly, but here are some additional risks of Cybersecurity Staffing that Richard identified.

A 28% increase in insider-driven data exposure, loss, leak, and theft events was recorded between 2023 and 2024 (StationX, 2025).

Contractors and consultants often hold administrative rights or privileged accounts. Policy writing, penetration testing, or architecture work usually requires deep but temporary access. If not monitored and controlled, these users can become vectors for insider misuse.

It’s clear that underqualified hires pose significant performance and security risks, particularly when not adequately monitored. However, skilled professionals who lack alignment with internal controls can also pose a risk by unintentionally exposing systems.

Third-party labor is no longer just an HR issue. It is a supply chain and enterprise risk management issue. Boards are expected to demonstrate oversight of contractor risk as part of frameworks like NIST CSF 2.0, ISO 27001, and SOC 2. Thus, executives cannot ignore staffing risk when it directly affects fiduciary duty, compliance, and reputation.

Cybersecurity is a knowledge-intensive field. If any resource, contractor, or even full-time employee leaves suddenly, organizations face knowledge loss and project disruption.

A single incident can damage trust with regulators, customers, and investors alike.

$1.7 Billion: The total cost of Equifax’s 2017 data breach, when one calculates both the direct and indirect costs of the incident, including everything from regulatory fines, class action lawsuits, and damage to the organization’s reputation.

Inaction Can Be Just as Costly

Like all things in business, high demand for a resource or skill set is typically associated with a high price. Given the stiff competition and high price tags, it’s understandable that some organizations are hesitant to invest heavily in this cybersecurity “arms race.” However, inaction can be just as costly.

The IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024 found that organizations with severe security staffing shortages faced average breach costs of $5.74 million compared to $3.98 million for better-staffed peers. This means staffing shortages add an incremental cost of $1.76 million per breach (IBM, 2024).

How the “Right” Talent Solutions Provider Can Mitigate These Risks

The right partner provides more than resumes - they actively reduce exposure. Yes, when it comes to cybersecurity, even the most robust strategies still hinge on the knowledge and practices of each individual working within your environment. This is why you need to be selective in your partnerships, as not every organization is the same. Some industries have even adopted the use of third-party organizations like HITRUST to “vet” potential partners. However, here’s a quick glimpse into some of the risk mitigation efforts you should be benefiting from when working with a consulting or staffing firm, like Brooksource.

Building a Risk-Informed Staffing Strategy

Given the current landscape of the Cybersecurity workforce, the use of or reliance on consulting and professional service providers is unavoidable. But unmanaged staffing is a liability. If you are to take anything away from this piece, let it be the following:

Treat contractors and consultants as part of the supply chain, subject to third-party risk management.
Embed staffing into enterprise risk management processes.
Use technical safeguards such as privileged access monitoring, identity lifecycle management, and regular audits.
Ensure your talent solutions partner shares accountability for risk, not just speed of placement.

Organizations that treat their talent approach as a strategic risk vector can protect themselves while gaining the talent they need. Professional services providers that blend speed with security offer executives a way to balance both imperatives. All that’s left for you to decide is which partner makes the most sense for helping close your talent gap while keeping risk top of mind.

Interested in Learning How Brooksource Can Address Your Cybersecurity or Workforce Challenges?

View a Case Study on Brooksource’s Cybersecurity Workforce Support

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Interested in Learning How Brooksource Can Address Your Cybersecurity or Workforce Challenges?

Richard Connor, President - LockStock Cybersecurity & Analytics | Cybersecurity Advisor - Brooksource

Richard Connor leads cybersecurity and risk strategy for Brooksource, helping organizations engage professional services and contingent staff in ways that protect their data, systems, and reputation. He works with business and technology leaders to design secure engagement models that integrate governance, accountability, and access management throughout the staffing lifecycle.

In partnership with LockStock Cybersecurity & Analytics, Richard brings deep experience in regulated industries where trust, transparency, and compliance define competitive advantage. His approach ensures that professional services operate as a controlled and auditable extension of the client’s enterprise, enabling agility without increasing risk.

Brooksource Opens South Florida Office

Paul Schiffman — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Brooksource, a leader in the talent delivery industry for Fortune 500 companies, has been dedicated to offering top-tier services and solutions. With 30+ offices nationwide and three Florida locations already established in Tampa, Jacksonville, and Orlando, Brooksource is excited to expand to the South Florida market this summer. This new market will allow the company to offer services and expert teams spanning from Jupiter down to Miami, while also investing in the South Florida communities.

The Ever-Evolving Battle Against Candidate Fraud

Paul Schiffman — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMT

The hiring process has become the newest frontier for growing cyber threats. Scammers are becoming increasingly creative in their attempts to obtain valuable Personal Identifiable Information (PII), Intellectual Property (IP), and, of course, financial gain.

More Than a Thank You

Paul Schiffman — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Whether it’s through our national Veteran consulting program or our Military and Ally Community (MAC), supporting the men and women (and their families) who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces is at our core. For Professional Recruiter Matthew Powell, that commitment recently took center stage when he received a surprising phone call in late Q1 2025. Robert Sempek, ESGR Virginia’s Military Outreach Director, had informed him that not only did one of Matthew’s consultants nominate him to the ESGR for his outstanding support, but that Matthew had also been awarded the ESGR’s Patriot Award!

Matthew was honored to receive this external validation of his support! He was even more astonished to discover that his longtime consultant, David Williams, had nominated him for the award. While this recognition came as a pleasant surprise for Matthew, it was no surprise to those who know him best. Friends and colleagues describe Matthew as a service-oriented individual who always goes above and beyond to help others, especially his consultants. We sat down with Matthew to gain more insight into his award-winning service, as well as uncover how Brooksource shows its support for those who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Evolving Personnel Strategy Alongside Tech Strategy

Ryan Huck — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Ryan Huck
National Vertical Manager
Healthcare Insurance

What Does It Really Mean to Evolve Your Personnel Strategy Alongside Your Tech Strategy?

I often ask my clients, “What are you doing to ensure your personnel strategy is evolving alongside your technology strategy?” It’s a loaded question, no doubt – one that can take a conversation in a million directions, some productive, some not. But it’s a question that I think is important. While technology-based investments are climbing steadily year over year, are we still ensuring the most critical part of any operation – the people – are being equally invested in?

There are more tools, platforms, and tech roadmaps than ever before. When you layer in innovations like AI and organizational changes, such as product-oriented delivery shifts (or other methodologies), it becomes even more complex. So, in an effort to draw attention back to the workforce side of the aisle, I want to share some thoughts about how we can better align our technology and personnel strategies. To avoid oversimplifying the topic, I’ve categorized personnel strategy into three foundational buckets.

Brooksource Achieves ISO 9001:2015 QMS Certification

Paul Schiffman — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 13:00:00 GMT

As a leading Engineering and IT consulting and professional services provider, Brooksource is passionate about living up to the Quality Management Systems (QMS) standards and best practices. Recently, Brooksource has been awarded the ISO 9001:2015 Certification as a provider of engineering and technology consulting services including software, design, electrical, mechanical, and embedded engineering. This achievement signifies Brooksource’s commitment to consistently meeting – and exceeding – our partners’ expectations in the ever-evolving industries like healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, and technology.

Women in Tech Day

Paul Schiffman — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 12:00:00 GMT

This September brought several firsts for Brooksource, the state of Indiana, and women interested in a STEM career. Earlier this year, thanks to the efforts of Linda Calvin, Chief Impact Officer of Reboot Representation and Kara Kavensky, an award-winning writer, Governor Eric Holcomb issued a proclamation declaring September 15–22, 2024 “Women IN Tech Week.” The goal of this week was to celebrate and recognize women working in tech careers and female students pursuing tech education, with several events that took place throughout the week ranging from career fairs to networking events. However, the organizers behind the celebration hope the week accomplished much more than that!