MSP vs MSSP

Understanding MSPs

An MSP is a managed service provider, a third-party entity that remotely manages a client’s IT and end-user systems. This commonly includes:

• Infrastructure and network management
• Monitoring
• Security

An MSP’s function is to make IT operations more adaptable, dependable, and effective. An MSP differs from an MSSP (managed security service provider) for several reasons, including:  

• An MSP manages the entire IT infrastructure; an MSSP concentrates on IT security.
• Businesses call on their MSPs when something happens; MSSPs provide incident response planning and services.
• MSPs give IT support and services; MSSPs offer cybersecurity.

Understanding MSSPs

An MSSP falls under the managed security services market and offers outsourced management and monitoring of a business’ security systems. Along with improved cybersecurity, MSSP services include:

• Antiviral services
• End-point protection
• Incident response services
• Intrusion detection
• Managed firewall
• Security consulting
• Security information and event management
• Threat detection and prevention
• Virtual private network
• Vulnerability scanning 

Comparing MSPs and MSSPs 

Both MSPs and MSSPs — and sometimes both — can benefit organizations. There is some convergence of services and skills. Ensuring your IT environment is efficient and effective is an MSP specialty. MSSPs are key in maintaining your system’s security.

Focus and Scope

When determining the right choice for your company’s technology solution, consider your specific needs. The focus of an MSP is to provide general IT services and infrastructure management, while the focus of an MSSP is to take a proactive approach to cybersecurity, as well as managing and protecting information systems. 

Tools and Technology Used

Due to the variance in scope, service providers utilize different tools and various technologies in their product offerings. MSPs use tools for general IT management such as RMM (remote monitoring and management) software, whereas MSSPs use specialized security tools like IDS (intrusion detection system) and SIEM (security information and event management).

Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

Compliance and regulatory requirements differ significantly between Managed Service Providers and Managed Security Service Providers. This is largely due to the nature of their services and solutions, as well as the industries they typically service. 

Both must comply with general data protection rules, but MSSPs usually have more stringent cybersecurity-specific regulations. Depending on the industry, either type of managed service provider may have to comply with things like HIPAA or FISMA.

Skill Sets and Expertise 

In addition, the skill sets and expertise offered by the service provider will differ, depending on the solution. One of the benefits of MSPs is gaining access to experts in infrastructure management who provide a wide range of IT services. When enlisting the help of MSSPs, your organization will benefit from dedicated cybersecurity providers skilled in areas like rapid response and data loss prevention. 

Benefits and Limitations of MSPs 

MSPs are effective in some environments, but not in others. Here’s a look at what you could gain and the possible disadvantages of choosing an MSP.

Advantages of Using MSPs

MSPs cater to process and system management. They bring cutting-edge technology and applications to organizations they work with. MSPs are well-prepared for disasters, which can add to a business’s longevity and ability to react to adverse events.

Potential Drawbacks of MSPs

MSPs aren’t onsite, which can be detrimental if they’re not close to your business, especially in the case of hardware failures. Many are located in other countries, and they can be expensive. Finding an MSP that covers all aspects of IT can be difficult.   

Benefits and Limitations of MSSPs 

Many companies will do all it takes to protect their IT environment, and MSSPs can help. They’re not always the ideal choice, however.

Advantages of Using MSSPs

MSSPs can offer a team of security pros at significant savings compared to building an on-staff team. These experts are usually well-versed in the latest trends, which can take time for an in-house team to become. Most MSSP services are 24/7/365, too.

Potential Drawbacks of MSSPs

Hiring an MSSP doesn’t mean you won’t have additional security costs. You’ll need at least one in-house team member to work with the augmented staff. And many companies aren’t comfortable entrusting a third party with its most sensitive data.

Transitioning Between Types of Service Providers

Regardless of business size, there’s a demand for a focused set of managed services to handle security threats. As your enterprise grows, transitioning from an MSP to an MSSP often makes more sense.

• • Check your agreement end date. Some impose cancellation fees if you stop service outside the terms of the agreement. 
  • Audit active hardware. A new provider needs to know what they will have to support. It’s at least a valuable cross-check. 
  • Ask for a runbook (with passwords) from your MSP. This helps a new provider. This data and access is yours, not the MSP’s.
  • Gather software licensing. Know what you own for a new provider. This is especially helpful for potential upgrades.

Possible Challenges and Solutions 

MSSPs are new. Many companies that offer MSP services will consider adding to their offerings to become an MSSP. It’s an important distinction, as the extra S encapsulates security. Some firms have the expertise to make the transition easy.

Choosing Between MSP and MSSP

Organizations sometimes combine services to get the best of both worlds. Others may be choosing between which managed service provider will fit their current needs. Whether your business is taking a proactive approach to outsourcing IT or coming off the heels of disaster recovery, you’ll want to make the right choice when working with a third party.

Factors to Consider

What is the most critical role you need to fill to enhance business operations? Consider the scope of your needs, what expertise may be required, and what tools or technology would be a factor in hiring a third-party managed service (or security) provider. In addition, consider budget and regulatory compliance for your industry. 

When to Choose an MSP

The MSP model provides network management and other forms of operational efficiency for overall IT. This can be the ideal choice for a business that needs help with everyday platforms, IT systems and other remote IT services. MSP does often offer data security as part of its solution, but isn’t solely focused on data breaches like MSSP services are.

When to Choose an MSSP

If your primary focus is threat monitoring or comprehensive cybersecurity services, you may lean more toward MSSP.

Making the Right Choice: MSP or MSSP?

An MSP is a solid choice for businesses with basic IT needs. If you have an IT staff in place and resources to enhance protection, an MSSP might be suitable. Small businesses hoping to scale might be best served with an MSP and an MSSP.

Medium-sized businesses are often fine with an MSP, depending on data sensitivity. Larger entities often are in high-risk sectors, such as finance or healthcare, rank security as their number one concern, and should hire an MSSP. 

Every business has different needs. Turn to Techmate to help determine which is the best fit for you.