While every square is a rectangle, not every rectangle is a square. Similarly, while every managed security service provider (MSSP) is a service provider, not every managed service provider (MSP) offers cybersecurity services.
With cyberattacks getting more coverage in the media, cybersecurity has also come into the limelight. So much so that the MSSP market size is expected to grow to $52.9 billion by 2028.
Factors that influence this projected rise include businesses' growing adoption of MSSPs due to strict data protection laws, the popularity and frequency of ransomware attacks, and demand by governments and customers that companies increase the scope of their cybersecurity goals.
Join us below for a clearer view of the differences between MSPs and MSSPs, why managed security service providers emerged, and why an organization might consider recruiting a dedicated MSSP for their cybersecurity needs.
For more information on Impact’s stance on managed services, watch our webinar, A Closer Look at Impact’s Approach to Managed IT.
What Is an MSSP?
MSSP stands for managed security service provider. An MSSP is an outsourced manager for a business’ IT security needs. In other words, an MSSP will secure a business’ network, data, and endpoints in order to protect it from cyberattacks and threats.
This means that if your organization’s cybersecurity needs have exceeded the capabilities of its IT team, or it has grown to require more security measures, you can partner with an MSSP to provide the expertise, technology, and support needed to keep your internal IT secure.
An MSSP can help your business improve its cybersecurity standing and become resilient to cyber threats by:
- Performing an in-depth security audit to determine your weaknesses and areas for improvement
- Proactively monitoring your network for threats
- Keeping individual devices secure whether your employees are in-office or work remotely
- Helping you establish a hierarchy of users and admins
- Creating a compliance program so that you abide by data laws and regulations
- Building a custom tech stack that meets your organization’s specific needs
MSP vs. MSSP
Let’s review some of the major differences between an MSP and an MSSP.
Managed service providers (MSPs) create a technology roadmap for your business to ensure its longevity and agility. MSPs have played an increasingly prominent role in business operations in recent years.
MSPs can also provide a range of services from managed IT solutions to print equipment maintenance or building a long-term marketing strategy.
MSSPs, on the other hand, are dedicated cybersecurity providers and focus only on business security and its associated solutions. Partnering with an MSSP is akin to having a permanent shield safeguarding your organization, with experts monitoring for threats and improving your security as cybercrime evolves.
When Are MSSP Partnerships Necessary?
Managed security service provider partnerships become necessary when organizations lack the in-house resources or expertise to manage complex cybersecurity threats effectively. The sophistication of attacks has only increased over the past several years, requiring round-the-clock monitoring and specialized skills that many internal IT teams might not possess.
MSSPs, though, offer continuous surveillance, threat intelligence, and rapid incident response, which is particularly vital for businesses handling sensitive data or facing industry-specific regulations. By outsourcing these services, companies ensure a robust security infrastructure without overstretching their own teams.
Additionally, MSSP partnerships are crucial during periods of rapid scaling, mergers, or regulatory changes, when an organization's security needs quickly evolve. These providers are equipped to offer scalable solutions tailored to the company’s current and future security demands, ensuring ongoing compliance and risk management.
As cyber threats continue becoming more advanced, having an MSSP on board helps organizations remain resilient, leveraging cutting-edge tools and expertise that would be cost-prohibitive or challenging to maintain in-house.
What Do MSSPs Have That MSPs Do Not?
One of the key reasons cybersecurity providers often operate outside of the umbrella of managed service providers is that they need to be able to operate independently from a security operations center (SOC).
IT MSPs will typically operate from a network operations center (NOC), which is purpose-built to ensure that the provider can keep a business network running with as little downtime as possible.
In previous years, it was common for cybersecurity providers to work from NOCs—and many still do—but the demand for cybersecurity, in addition to the environment necessary to provide security services, has prompted MSSPs to adopt SOCs and work independently of IT providers.
Additionally, as an external source of expertise, MSSPs allow for a more objective analysis of an organization’s IT security, which means even stronger cybersecurity for the client.
What Is a Security Operations Center (SOC)?
A security operations center is a centralized facility that houses cybersecurity experts who oversee and monitor the security of their clients and provide continuous cybersecurity consulting services.
These experts use a combination of solutions and protocols to ensure that threats are minimized and incidents are dealt with quickly—often without the client knowing anything happened at all—keeping the client informed and up to date while managing their security risk.
SOCs are critical to modern security programs because they deliver the infrastructure and means to proactively monitor and detect threats on an around-the-clock basis.
Reviewing the Key Benefits of an MSSP Partnership
Partnering with an MSSP offers several key benefits, starting with access to specialized expertise and advanced cybersecurity tools. MSSPs employ teams of experienced security professionals who are adept at handling the latest threats, offering a level of protection that many in-house teams may struggle to maintain.
This allows businesses to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats, leveraging cutting-edge technology such as threat detection systems, intrusion prevention, and vulnerability management that may otherwise be cost-prohibitive.
Another significant advantage is 24/7 monitoring and incident response. Cyberattacks can happen at any time, and MSSPs provide round-the-clock surveillance to quickly identify and mitigate potential threats. This continuous monitoring ensures that businesses are always protected, reducing response times and minimizing the impact of any incidents.
With dedicated resources constantly overseeing an organization’s security landscape, MSSPs can offer a level of vigilance that internal teams, especially those with limited capacity, may not be able to sustain.
Cost efficiency is also a major benefit. Building an in-house security infrastructure to the same standard as an MSSP would require substantial investments in technology, personnel, and training. By outsourcing these services, businesses can access top-tier security solutions at a fraction of the cost.
Final Thoughts on MSSPs
If an organization receives some level of security support from their IT service provider but is unsure of where they stand, they should have a cyber risk assessment conducted. This will allow them to see in detail what their vulnerabilities are and whether they have the appropriate solutions and expertise in place to combat them.
If their current managed service provider is not in a position to implement a strategy that covers all the necessary areas of security—of particular note is compliance for modern companies—then businesses should consider hiring a dedicated MSSP with a security operations center to meet their needs.
Get even more information on how Impact looks at managed IT processes in our webinar, A Closer Look at Impact’s Approach to Managed IT.
