I used to work at a larger accounting firm with an internal IT department, and I could generally install trusted software for my keyboard, mouse, and other peripherals without much trouble. I recently moved to a smaller firm that uses an external IT provider, and now I have to wait for approval or assistance with nearly everything, including Adobe PDF software, Logitech utilities, and Elgato updates. This is especially frustrating when I work on weekends and an update is needed before something will function properly. Is this a normal difference between internal IT and an external managed service provider, or is the current setup unusually restrictive or slow?
4 Answers
This isn't necessarily an internal-versus-external IT issue. It mostly depends on company policy, risk tolerance, and how well the IT team has designed its processes. A good setup can let users install pre-approved applications from trusted vendors or use an approved-software portal without giving them unrestricted administrator access. If every small update requires a manual request, the provider should at least offer a faster process or automatic patching.
The restriction itself is pretty normal and is usually about security, not whether IT trusts your particular mouse software. Giving users local administrator rights lets them install legitimate tools, but it also makes it much easier to install malware, ransomware, vulnerable drivers, or software from a fake download page. Accounting firms handle sensitive financial information, so controlling endpoint software is especially important.
An outside provider normally works according to the service agreement and priority levels. They may support many companies at once, so a noncritical request submitted on a weekend might wait until the next business day. Internal IT may have felt more responsive because the staff were nearby, knew your firm well, or worked extra hours during busy season. That doesn't automatically mean the old environment was more secure or the new provider is doing something wrong.
It would be worth asking your firm's management or IT contact whether there is an approved list of software, a self-service installation option, or a defined response time for urgent work interruptions. They may be able to approve Logitech and similar tools in advance, schedule updates outside work hours, or provide supported hardware. Security controls are reasonable, but users shouldn't be left without a practical way to keep essential tools working.
That was probably the difference at my previous firm. I may have had access to a limited set of trusted downloads or simply been given more leeway because IT knew what I was doing. I never really tested the limits because I only installed peripheral utilities.