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4 min readcybersecurityWe Need to Think About It

How to Handle "We Need to Think About It" in Cybersecurity & IT Security Sales

Expert framework for overcoming the "We Need to Think About It" objection in Cybersecurity & IT Security. Proven scripts and industry-specific techniques.

ScriptFly AI Team

Expert Sales Trainers

Crushing the "We Need to Think About It" Objection in Cybersecurity Sales

As a cybersecurity sales professional, you've heard it countless times: "We need to think about it." This seemingly innocent phrase is actually a silent killer of potential deals - especially when you're selling critical security solutions that could prevent catastrophic data breaches.

Why "Thinking About It" is Dangerous in Cybersecurity

When a prospect says they need to "think about it," what they're really telling you is that you haven't created enough urgency or demonstrated the immediate risk to their organization. In the world of cybersecurity, waiting can be fatal.

Consider this: Every moment a company delays implementing robust threat detection is another moment they're exposed to:

  • Potential ransomware attacks
  • Compliance violations
  • Data breach risks
  • Unauthorized network access
  • Potential financial and reputational damage

The Real Cost of Hesitation

Let's break down a hypothetical scenario with SecureShield Technologies' enterprise security platform:

A mid-sized financial services firm tells you they "need to think about it." Two weeks later, they suffer a $1.2 million ransomware attack that could have been prevented by implementing your endpoint detection and response (EDR) solution.

Lesson: Hesitation is not a strategy - it's a vulnerability.

The 3-Step Framework for Overcoming Security Sales Stalls

Step 1: Acknowledge Their Concern

Show empathy and understanding. You're not dismissing their need to evaluate, but redirecting their thinking.

Step 2: Reframe the Conversation

Transform "thinking about it" into an immediate risk assessment conversation.

Step 3: Ask Strategic Questions

Use probing questions that reveal their underlying security concerns and create urgency.

5 Powerful Response Variations

1. The Risk Exposure Script

"I understand you want to think about it. Before you do, can we quickly assess your current threat landscape? Our recent scan shows potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited within 72 hours."

2. The Compliance Pressure Script

"Most organizations in your industry are required to demonstrate active threat prevention. Delaying this decision could put you at risk of non-compliance penalties. Would you like me to outline the specific regulations?"

3. The Breach Prevention Script

"Companies like yours are experiencing an average of 3-5 attempted breaches monthly. Each day you wait increases your potential exposure. What specific concerns are preventing an immediate evaluation?"

4. The Competitive Awareness Script

"Your competitors are rapidly adopting advanced threat detection. Waiting means falling behind in security readiness. Would you be interested in understanding how other leaders in your sector are protecting themselves?"

5. The Cost Comparison Script

"The cost of a potential breach far exceeds our solution's investment. Would you be open to a quick ROI analysis that demonstrates the financial protection we provide?"

Strategic Questioning Techniques

When a prospect says "We need to think about it," respond with targeted questions:

  • Urgency Probe: "What specific security concerns are making you hesitate?"
  • Risk Assessment: "If a breach occurred today, what would be the potential impact on your business?"
  • Compliance Check: "How are you currently meeting [specific industry] security requirements?"
  • Current Solution Evaluation: "What limitations are you experiencing with your existing security infrastructure?"

Handling Common Pushback

Budget Concerns

  • Offer flexible pricing models
  • Demonstrate immediate and long-term ROI
  • Provide clear total cost of ownership comparisons

Technical Complexity

  • Offer comprehensive onboarding
  • Provide technical support guarantees
  • Showcase seamless integration capabilities

Red Flags to Watch

Be alert to potential stalling tactics that might indicate:

  • Lack of budget
  • Decision-maker not involved
  • Competing solutions being evaluated
  • Internal organizational uncertainty

Closing Strategies

Soft Close

Offer a risk-free security assessment or threat scan to demonstrate immediate value.

Hard Close

Present a limited-time offer with additional security modules or enhanced support.

Final Thought: Action Prevents Reaction

In cybersecurity sales, your job isn't just selling a product - it's preventing potential disasters. Every moment of hesitation is a moment of increased vulnerability.

Pro Tip: Create a sense of proactive protection, not reactive fear.

Ready to Transform Your Security Sales Approach?

Want a custom objection-handling script tailored to your specific cybersecurity solution? [Schedule a 15-minute sales strategy session]() and we'll help you turn "We need to think about it" into "Where do I sign?"


About the Author: A veteran cybersecurity sales strategist with 15+ years of experience helping technology leaders close critical security deals.

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Common Questions About This Objection

When is the best time to use this objection response?

Use this response immediately when you hear the objection. The key is to acknowledge their concern authentically before reframing it. Timing matters—respond too quickly and you seem dismissive, wait too long and you lose momentum.

What if this script doesn't work for my specific situation?

Every prospect is different. Use these scripts as frameworks, not word-for-word responses. Adapt the language to match your industry, product, and the prospect's communication style. The underlying psychology remains the same.

How do I practice these responses effectively?

Role-play with a colleague or record yourself. Focus on tone and delivery—confidence matters as much as the words. Practice until it feels natural, not scripted. The goal is to internalize the framework, not memorize lines.

Can I combine this with other objection handling techniques?

Absolutely. These responses work well with techniques like the "Feel, Felt, Found" method or the "Boomerang" technique. Layer multiple approaches for complex objections, but keep it conversational—never sound like you're running through a checklist.

How many times should I try before moving on?

If you've addressed the same objection 2-3 times using different angles and they're still not budging, it's likely not a real objection—it's a polite way of saying no. Know when to pivot or disqualify the prospect to focus on better opportunities.