Today, cyberattacks are no longer considered a “what if,” but a “when.” Despite countless efforts, managing security effectively in-house can feel near impossible. That’s why many organizations are outsourcing cybersecurity functions to managed security service providers (MSSPs).
Finding the right MSSP requires time and careful evaluation, but choosing a qualified partner is essential to building and maintaining strong, long-term security.
What is a managed security service provider?
Managed security service providers are third-party companies that offer organizations monitoring and management of vital cybersecurity measures. When a business needs to either enhance its internal security systems or offload its security operations, it outsources the responsibility to its MSSP.
Key aspects of an MSSP:
- 24/7 monitoring: Surveilling network traffic and log files around the clock to identify and resolve threats in real time.
- SOC services: Working with security operations centers to collect and analyze vital data from a variety of sources.
- Threat detection: Utilizing tools and technology to stop cyberattacks before they cause harmful damage.
- Vulnerability management: Identifying and scanning digital systems for potential targets for scammers and hackers.
- Compliance: Ensuring all systems align with regulatory standards through audits and detailed reports.
- Incident remediation: Minimizing damage by providing a rapid response to security breaches and launching forensics to comprehend the root cause of the issues.
- Endpoint and cloud security: Securing cloud environments, servers and remote devices to prevent external or unauthorized access.
What is the difference between an MSSP and an MSP?
Managed services providers and managed security service providers may both offer third-party services, but their focuses are vastly different.
- MSPs aid overall infrastructure and IT services, including network concerns, help desks, general IT support and hardware and software maintenance.
- MSSPs focus solely on bolstering security services to protect organizations from potential cybersecurity threats.
Oftentimes, MSPs and MSSPs work hand in hand to create a layered and sustainable defense strategy. When a managed security service provider identifies a vulnerability, it is the managed services provider that applies patches and updates to the tech. Combining its two strengths enables a more proactive approach to disruptions and issues.
What services do managed security service providers handle?
While the approach can vary, managed security service providers play a pivotal role in increasing workplace efficiency, tackling security risks and protecting digital assets against evolving threats. When you meet with a potential MSSP, you will discuss what services align most with your business’s unique needs.
Common MSSP services:
- Day-to-day monitoring: Rather than relying on a “break/fix” approach, MSSPs offer a proactive alternative. The combination of advanced threat hunting and human-led analysis helps MSSPs detect, investigate and respond to threats as soon as they arise, often via an SOC.
- Endpoint services: EDR or endpoint detection and response, protects internal user devices, such as workstations, laptops or mobile devices, against ransomware and malware. If a virus does breach the system, MSSPs can deploy advanced behavior-based antivirus solutions.
- Firewall strengthening: Managed security service providers hold the expertise necessary to oversee every step of firewall installation, configuration, management and monitoring. By regularly reviewing updated firewall policies, MSSPs can block unauthorized access while allowing legitimate traffic through. This is often done by establishing VPNs.
- Security program development: MSSPs offer expert advice and guidance on strategy, cybersecurity policies, approaches to risk mitigation and security program maturation. They’ll be able to assist any organization in adhering to industry-specific regulations, whether that’s HIPAA, CMMC or GDPR.
- Penetration testing: Quality MSSPs don’t just set you up for success—they conduct authorized and simulated attacks to uncover security flaws and secure weak points before they are exploited. If any inefficiencies are found, an MSSP provides actionable remediation reports and resecures your systems for future tests.
Could partnering with a managed security service provider be key to success?
In the age of sophisticated and persistent cybersecurity threats, partnering with a managed security service provider has become a critical move for organizations across all industries. If your organization is undergoing digital transformation and migrating critical services to cloud-native architecture, you need to strengthen security measures—and MSSPs can help you do so.
Agreeing to an MSSP partnership also gives you access to a team of highly skilled security professionals. Outsourcing digital protection to a third-party company saves you money and makes room for your existing staff to focus on strategic goals and new projects. Offload the “heavy lifting” to a managed security service provider and rededicate your efforts to innovating revenue-generating initiatives.
The best MSSPs will also bring state-of-the-art security tools and technology to the table. These programs, whether MDR, XDR or AI-driven, come with high licensing costs and are rarely accessible to individual businesses. Stay within budget and gain a competitive advantage by using the shared, multi-tenant platform that managed security service providers rely on.
Considerations when selecting a managed security service provider
Not all managed security service providers are alike. The right one for your organization will have experience in your industry, be able to prove successful past results and have the ability to scale alongside your growth. As you interview potential MSSPs, it’s important to do your due diligence and ask the right questions.
11 questions to ask your potential MSSPs:
- Is your Security Operations Center in-house or outsourced?
- What security frameworks do you follow?
- What is your average response time for critical and non-critical alerts?
- Do the tools you use for EDR/XDR integrate with our existing setup?
- What is your experience with regulatory compliance in my industry?
- How often will I receive your reports?
- What threat management responsibilities will remain in our hands?
- How are your security analysts trained?
- Can you provide customer references?
- Would you work alongside a managed services provider for non-security-related services?
- Are your services available 24/7/365?
Partner with us and transform your cybersecurity today
Navigating today’s cybersecurity framework is no small feat—but you don’t have to go through it alone. MSSPs are just one of our many cybersecurity services, and after investing heavily in our credentials and capabilities, our consultants can work with businesses across all industries. Connect with a managed security service provider today and start the path to success.
