As cyber threats continue to evolve, organizations must strengthen their security posture to protect sensitive data and critical systems. Many are turning to a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) for help. 

An MSSP offers specialized cybersecurity services that help businesses detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats effectively. 

But what are the benefits of using managed security services? And how do MSSPs differ from in-house cybersecurity professionals, Managed Service Providers (MSPs), and Managed Detection and Response (MDR) providers? 

This guide will explore the role of MSSPs, the benefits of working with an MSSP, and how to choose the right one for your organization.

What is MSSP?

A Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) is a third-party organization that delivers cybersecurity services to businesses. MSSPs monitor, manage, and respond to security threats using advanced technologies, expertise, and threat intelligence.

These services are more attractive than ever as cyber attacks become alarmingly efficient, with the latest research showing that an attacker can move from the initial compromise to accessing the database holding sensitive data in as little as 29 minutes to 4 hours on average. 

In response, more companies are outsourcing at least some of their security operations to MSSPs — and this trend is expected to continue, with the global managed cybersecurity services market projected to hit $28 billion by 2029.

To better understand this growth, let’s take a closer look at what services an MSSP typically offers.

What are MSSP services?

While no two MSSPs are exactly alike, they typically offer a range of cybersecurity services, including:

• 24/7 security monitoring: Continuous surveillance of networks, endpoints, and cloud environments to detect suspicious activity.
• Threat intelligence and analysis: Identifying and analyzing emerging cyber threats.
• Incident response: Providing rapid support to contain and remediate security breaches.
• Vulnerability management: Conducting regular assessments to identify and mitigate weaknesses.
• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): Collecting and analyzing security data for proactive threat detection.
• Compliance support: Helping organizations meet regulatory and industry security requirements.
• Security consulting: Offering guidance to improve organizations’ overall security posture and processes.

Benefits of managed security services

Partnering with an MSSP provides several advantages, including:

24/7 montioring

Cyber threats can emerge at any time, and constant monitoring is crucial. MSSPs provide 24/7 security monitoring, ensuring threats are detected and addressed quickly to minimize potential damage.

Compliance management

Meeting regulatory and industry compliance standards such as SOC 2, ISO 27001, CMMC, HIPAA, and GDPR can be complex. MSSPs can provide the knowledge and tools needed to implement required security controls, prepare for audits, and maintain compliance.

Cost savings

Outsourcing cybersecurity to an MSSP can be more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house security team. Organizations save on the expenses of hiring, training, and equipping security professionals while still benefiting from high-level expertise.

Enhanced security

Partnering with an MSSP allows business to outsource some security and compliance services and gain access to advanced security technologies and cybersecurity professionals that can help them operationalize and strengthen their security program.

Deciding between SOC vs MSSP

A Security Operations Center (SOC) is an in-house team of cybersecurity professionals that monitors and manages an organization’s security posture. While SOCs are well-suited for enterprises that are large, have unique security needs, and/or stringent data security requirements, the labor market for these professionals is extremely tight. Not only does this mean you’ll have a difficult time finding and attracting the right talent — it also means you’ll have trouble retaining them. 

A recent study by IANS Research and recruiting firm Artico Search found that frustration with limited job growth, compensation gaps, demanding work environments, and inflexible workplace policies are convincing many cybersecurity professionals (60%) to consider changing jobs in the next 12 months.

So opting for an MSSP may help provide more continuity and consistency than in-house cybersecurity professionals in this turbulent market. It may also be less expensive when you consider the costs associated with hiring, training, and retaining talent in this domain.

Here’s an overview of key reasons you may opt for an MSSP over an in-house security team:

• You’re looking for a cost-effective, scalable option: If you’re a smaller organization or just beginning your security program, you likely don’t have the resources or budget required to hire, train, and retain an in-house security team. MSSPs offer flexible service options, allowing you to scale security measures up or down based on budget, business needs, and regulatory changes.
• You’re in a highly regulated industry: MSSPs bring extensive knowledge of industry regulations and can provide specialized services to help businesses meet frameworks like SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI DSS, CMMC, or GDPR.
• You want to implement security measures quickly: MSSPs have the tools, infrastructure, and expertise to deploy security measures quickly, helping minimize downtime and improve your security posture from day one.

Deciding between MSP vs MSSP

A Managed Service Provider (MSP) focuses on managing and maintaining an organization’s IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, and end-user systems. While MSPs often include basic security measures like antivirus and firewalls, their primary role is ensuring system uptime, performance, and efficiency rather than offering dedicated cybersecurity services.

If your business needs comprehensive monitoring, threat detection, and incident response, an MSSP may be a better fit. Unlike MSPs, MSSPs specialize in security, providing advanced threat intelligence, compliance support, and 24/7 monitoring to protect against evolving cyber threats.

Here’s an overview of key reasons you may opt for an MSSP over an MSP:

• You need dedicated security expertise: While MSPs offer general IT support, MSSPs focus entirely on security, providing threat monitoring, intrusion detection, firewall management, patch management, endpoint protection, penetration testing, and continuous monitoring to protect against cyberattacks.
• You require compliance support: While both MSPs and MSSP can offer compliance as a service, MSSPs are more likely to have the specialized expertise and services to help businesses meet compliance requirements for frameworks like SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI DSS, CMMC, and GDPR.
• You need 24/7 security monitoring: MSSPs are more likely to include security event monitoring and alerting in their service offerings, helping to make sure your organization stays informed and protected at all times.

Deciding between MDR vs MSSP

Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is a service that includes proactive threat detection, investigation, and response to cyber threats. MDR vendors use a combination of advanced analytics, machine learning, and human expertise to identify and contain security incidents before they cause damage. They typically do more than alert an organization of a potential incident, instead working their customers to resolve and recover from an incident.

While MDR services are highly effective at identifying and responding to threats, they typically do not offer broader security management services, such as compliance support and vulnerability management, like MSSPs do.

Here’s an overview of key reasons you may opt for an MSSP over an MDR provider:

• You need a full-service security solution: While MDR providers focus on detecting and responding to threats, MSSPs offer a broader set of security services, such as compliance and vulnerability management.  
• You require compliance assistance: MSSPs help organizations meet industry regulations like SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI DSS, CMMC, and GDPR, ensuring security controls align with compliance requirements.
• You want ongoing management and improvements: In addition to incident detection and response, MSSPs usually offer 24/7 monitoring and management of intrusion detection systems and firewalls, handle patch management and upgrades, and conduct security assessments and audits to help improve a security program over time. 

How to choose an MSSP

When selecting an MSSP, consider the following criteria:

Experience and expertise

Look for an MSSP with a proven track record in cybersecurity. Experienced providers have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle evolving threats effectively and provide reliable security solutions.

Service offerings

Evaluate whether the MSSP provides the specific security services your organization needs. Some MSSPs specialize in certain areas, such as SIEM, vulnerability management, or compliance support, so it’s essential to align their services with your security requirements.

Compliance support

If your organization must adhere to industry regulations, choose an MSSP that offers compliance assistance. A provider with experience in SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, or GDPR can help streamline compliance efforts and reduce audit complexities.

Threat intelligence capabilities

Assess the MSSP’s ability to identify and respond to emerging cyber threats. A provider that leverages real-time threat intelligence and advanced detection tools can help you stay ahead of evolving security risks.

Integration with compliance automation solutions

Selecting an MSSP that partners with compliance automation solutions like Secureframe can make compliance management even more efficient. Such partnerships help ensure security and regulatory requirements are met seamlessly while reducing the cost and complexity of achieving and maintaining compliance.

In a survey of more than 160 small businesses leveraging our automation solution, Secureframe users reported completing compliance tasks 40% faster on average. Additionally, 70% said they reduced compliance costs by at least 25% after adopting Secureframe, with most businesses reporting cost reductions in the 25-50% range.

How Secureframe can help you find an MSSP that's right for you

Secureframe partners with leading MSSPs to help organizations enhance their security and compliance posture. Our Service Partner Program connects businesses with trusted security providers who align with their compliance and cybersecurity needs. Whether you're looking for support for SOC 2, CIS Controls, CMMC, or other compliance standards or broader cybersecurity services, Secureframe can help you find the right MSSP. 

To schedule a demo or learn more about the Secureframe Service Partner Program, visit our website or contact partners@secureframe.com.