• Learn about what a MSSP is
• Learn about what a MSSP does
• Learn about how and when to choose a MSSP
Many businesses recognize the importance of cybersecurity, but they struggle to manage it effectively on their own. They may lack sufficient in-house security expertise, or be unable to keep up with the security requirements of constantly evolving environments.
In these cases, Managed Security Service Providers, or MSSPs, can step in and fill the breach. MSSPs specialize in delivering security services on an outsourced basis, allowing businesses to manage security needs effectively without hiring security experts.
Here's an overview of what a MSSP does and why a business might choose to work with one.
A Managed Service Security Provider, or MSSP, is a security engineer or firm that provides cybersecurity services for other businesses.
MSSPs offer their services on an outsourced basis, meaning that organizations can hire MSSPs to meet specific security needs that their own internal IT staff cannot address. This service model makes MSSP operation easy to tailor to fit your business's particular needs. You can hire MSSPs to perform whatever services you require and pay for them based on the number of services you consume. In many cases, this is preferable to maintaining a full-time security team, especially if your IT environment isn't large enough to justify investment in that kind of team.
MSSPs are similar in this respect to Managed Services Providers, or MSPs. MSPs provide managed IT services on an outsourced basis to other companies. However, while MSPs deliver a range of general-purpose IT services – like data backups, help desk support, and network management – MSSPs specialize in security services alone. (Some MSPs may also offer managed security services, which makes them MSSPs, but not all MSPs are also MSSPs.)
MSSPs can provide a range of managed security services. A complete list is beyond the scope of this article, but common examples include:
The specific services that MSSPs offer vary from one MSSP firm to the next. Some MSSPs provide a range of managed security services, while others specialize in certain areas (like network security or data security).
Not all businesses need a MSSP. And even if you do need a MSSP, the best one for you will depend on your specific security requirements.
In general, it makes sense to hire a MSSP if either of the following is true:
If you choose to work with a MSSP, consider factors like the following:
For various businesses, MSSPs play a central role in closing the gap between IT operations and security operations. But because different MSSPs provide different types of managed security services, you should carefully evaluate your security needs before choosing whether and how to engage with a MSSP.