How Managed Service Provider are Different to Managed IT Security Services

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Are you a business or organization looking to outsource IT services and security? You may have heard terms such as Managed Service Provider (MSP) and Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP).

To the untrained eye, these two services can sound quite similar. However, when it comes down to understanding how they can benefit your business or organization, it's important to realize there are significant differences between an MSP and MSSP.

In this blog post, we’ll break down exactly what sets the two apart — helping you decide if one or both are right for your company's needs.

What is Managed Service Provider (MSP)?

Have you ever heard of a Managed Service Provider (MSP)? If not, let me explain. MSPs are companies that provide IT services and support to other businesses.

Basically, they serve as an outsourced IT department. This is beneficial for businesses who don't have the time, resources, or expertise to manage their own IT infrastructure.

MSPs offer a wide range of services, including data backup and recovery, network monitoring and security, and software installation and upgrades.

By enlisting the help of an MSP, businesses can free up their time and energy to focus on what they do best: running their business.

So, why not consider hiring an MSP to take care of your IT needs? It could be the best decision you make for your business.

What is Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP)?

Have you ever heard of a Managed Security Service Provider, also known as an MSSP? Essentially, an MSSP is a third-party company that provides security services to businesses and organizations.

These services can range from managing firewalls and intrusion detection systems to conducting risk assessments and responding to cyber attacks.

By outsourcing their security needs to an MSSP, businesses can focus on their core operations and leave the security management to the experts.

MSSPs are becoming increasingly popular as cyber threats continue to escalate and businesses strive to protect their sensitive data and IT systems.

If you're responsible for the security of your organization, working with an MSSP may be a smart choice.

Managed Service Provider (MSP) vs Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP)

 

SL. No. Managed Service Provider (MSP) Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP)
1. MSPs manage an organization's IT infrastructure and end-user systems. MSSPs focus on securing an organization's network from cyber threats.
2. MSPs typically provide services such as 24/7 monitoring, patch management, and incident response. MSSPs typically provide services such as firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention, and malware removal.
3. MSPs can be helpful in reducing an organization's IT costs. MSSPs can be helpful in reducing an organization's cybersecurity risks.
4. MSPs are often used by small and medium-sized businesses. MSSPs are often used by large enterprises.
5. MSSPs are often used by large enterprises. not all MSSPs offer IT management services.
This above table shows the difference between MSP and MSSP
 
Source: SMB Nation

Services Offered by Managed Service Provider (MSP)

1. IT Support

One of the primary services offered by MSPs is IT support. This can include a wide range of services, such as help desk support, remote monitoring and management, on-site support, and more.

MSPs can provide these services to businesses of all sizes, from small businesses to enterprise organizations.

2. Cloud Services

MSPs also offer a variety of cloud services. These can include cloud storage, cloud backup, cloud computing, and more.

Cloud services can help businesses to save money on infrastructure costs, increase flexibility and scalability, and improve disaster recovery capabilities.

3. Security Services

Another service offered by MSPs is security services. This can include things like managed firewall services, managed intrusion detection and prevention services, managed vulnerability scanning and remediation services, and more.

MSPs can help businesses to protect their data and systems from cyber threats.

4. Compliance Services

MSPs can also help businesses to meet compliance requirements. This can include things like HIPAA compliance, PCI compliance, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, and more.

MSPs can help businesses to ensure that they are meeting all of the necessary compliance requirements.

5. Data Management Services

Finally, MSPs offer data management services. This can include data backup, data recovery, data archiving, and more.

Data management services can help businesses to protect their critical data from loss or corruption.

Services Offered by Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs)

1. Managed Security Systems

Managed security services are a type of service offered by managed security service providers (MSSPs). MSSPs are companies that provide a range of security-related services to their clients.

These services can include things like monitoring and managing network security, conducting security audits, and providing incident response services.

2. Network Security Monitoring

One of the most important services offered by MSSPs is network security monitoring.

This service involves continuously monitoring a client's network for signs of intrusion or other malicious activity.

If an issue is detected, the MSSP will work to resolve it as quickly as possible in order to minimize the impact on the client's business.

3. Security Audits

Another common service offered by MSSPs is security audits. During a security audit, an MSSP will assess a client's current security posture and make recommendations for improvements.

This can help businesses to identify weaknesses in their security infrastructure and make changes to mitigate the risks posed by these weaknesses.

4. Incident Response

If a business experiences a security incident, such as a data breach or malware attack, they may need to rely on the services of an MSSP for incident response.

An MSSP can help businesses to contain and resolve incidents quickly and effectively in order to minimize the damage caused by them.

5. Managed Firewall Services

Another common service offered by MSSPs is managed firewall services. This service involves the installation, configuration, and management of firewalls for businesses.

Firewalls are an important part of any security infrastructure as they can help to block unauthorized access to networks and systems.

Other Services Offered by MSSPs

  • Risk assessment and gap analysis
  • Management of security systems
  • Risk management and policy development
  • Solution scoping
  • Solution/tool research and requisition
  • Solution implementation
  • Security updates
  • Configuration management
  • Training and education
  • Reporting, auditing and compliance

Finding the Right IT Security Solution for Your Business

Most SMBs are not adequately prepared for the rising cyber security threats, and even the ones with in-house IT teams and Managed IT Services Providers are finding it hard to keep up.

When you consider the drastic changes that are happening in the whelm of Digital Transformation, investing in Managed Security Services (in addition to general IT support), is a smart decision for businesses looking to flourish in the next phase of IT technology.

Contact us today to book a Free IT Security Assessment or to learn more about our services from our award-winning experts.

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