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Understanding Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs)
A Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) offers specialized network security services to organizations. As an external partner, an MSSP can alleviate the burden on IT teams and free up essential time for the organization to focus on supporting and expanding its operations.
This article explores how MSSPs enhance organizational efficiency and differentiates them from Managed Service Providers (MSPs). While both provide managed services, MSSPs and MSPs have distinct features.
What Are Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) Used For?
Understanding what an MSSP is involves knowing how they are used. Outsourcing the management and monitoring of security systems and devices to an MSSP allows IT teams to focus on other projects that advance organizational goals. Common services provided by MSSPs include:
Managed Firewall
A managed firewall service provides enhanced threat management through continuous monitoring by security experts. These professionals scrutinize network traffic, establish security parameters, and respond to potential threats. This service is akin to hiring a watchman, policeman, and detective simultaneously.
Intrusion Detection
Intrusion detection involves safeguarding all components, people, and software within and outside the organization. An MSSP ensures that all devices and systems are protected, preventing bad actors from using them to harm other systems inside or outside the organization.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
An MSSP can configure a VPN to securely protect the organization’s operations. A private VPN minimizes the attack surface by limiting access to necessary users and implementing security measures to safeguard the network from those users and their devices.
Vulnerability Scanning
An MSSP scans for vulnerabilities within the network, identifying potential targets for cybercriminals. This includes both obvious targets like workspaces and sensitive data, and less obvious ones that may be exploited indirectly. An MSSP can pinpoint each vulnerability, whether directly or indirectly connected to an attack surface.
Antiviral Services
As viral attacks diversify annually, MSSPs have the resources to focus on the most imminent threats to the network. They design antiviral services to target these threats and implement general antiviral measures at various network levels, such as in-house and cloud servers.
MSSP vs. MSPs: What's the Difference?
Managed Service Providers (MSPs)
An MSP manages an organization's IT infrastructure remotely, aiming to reduce liabilities in the cybersecurity network while maintaining operational efficiency. MSPs evaluate the existing system and create customized solutions to enhance security. Organizations can hire MSPs as advisors or to manage day-to-day operations, handling both simple tasks and complex objectives.
Exclusive Security Measures
While MSPs ensure that all facets of information systems are accessible to employees and customers, MSSPs focus exclusively on preventing unauthorized access. This focus on reducing attack opportunities makes MSSPs a superior choice for some organizations.
Prioritizing Security Over Administration
The primary mission of an MSP is to ensure smooth IT operations, giving decision-makers control over processes. An MSSP, however, prioritizes IT security. For holistic IT solutions, MSPs offer more flexibility, but for organizations primarily concerned with network security, MSSPs are a better choice.
Specific Tools for Threat Mitigation
MSSPs differ from MSPs in their suite of solutions, specifically designed for threat prevention, detection, and response. MSSPs provide services focused on improving safety by directly addressing threats, protecting the network, infrastructure, and interfacing applications.
Top Managed Security Services Providers (MSSPs)
Secureworks Managed Security Services, Worldwide "From Migration to Metrics: Detailing the Journey of a Robust Security Solution"
- Rating: 4.2/5 (61 Ratings)
- Pros: Professional, timely, insightful.
- Competitors: IBM, Verizon, AT&T
Trustwave Managed Security Services, Worldwide "Fast and professional support!"
- Rating: 4.8/5 (59 Ratings)
- Pros: 24/7 support, useful portal, constant monitoring.
- Competitors: Secureworks, Verizon, IBM
Tata Communications Managed Security Services, Worldwide "Excellent service and support"
- Rating: 4.3/5 (39 Ratings)
- Pros: Great management and support.
- Competitors: NTT Security, Accenture, Wipro
Alert Logic Managed Detection and Response (MDR) "Cost efficient and flexible"
- Rating: 4.2/5 (26 Ratings)
- Pros: Custom programs, excellent support.
- Competitors: Secureworks
Symantec Managed Security Services, Worldwide "Excellent tool for data protection"
- Rating: 4.2/5 (26 Ratings)
- Pros: Comprehensive services.
- Competitors: Secureworks, IBM, Optiv
AT&T Managed Security Services, Worldwide "Comprehensive email security"
- Rating: 4.4/5 (23 Ratings)
- Pros: Effective against spam and malware.
- Competitors: Verizon, IBM, Optiv
Netsurion "Great service and value"
- Rating: 4.4/5 (21 Ratings)
- Pros: Professional, consistent follow-up.
- Competitors: IBM, Trustwave, Secureworks
Samurai MDR "Accurate threat detection"
- Rating: 4.2/5 (17 Ratings)
- Pros: Advanced analysis, critical threat focus.
- Competitors: Secureworks, Verizon, IBM
BAE Systems Managed Security Services, Worldwide "Trusted cybersecurity partner"
- Rating: 3.3/5 (17 Ratings)
- Pros: Long-term, consistent service.
- Competitors: Secureworks, IBM, BT
IBM Managed Security Services, Worldwide "Effective internal threat prevention"
- Rating: 4.1/5 (15 Ratings)
- Pros: Integrated with other security products.
- Competitors: Accenture, NTT Security, AT&T
Lumen Managed Security Services, Worldwide "Excellent support"
- Rating: 3.9/5 (15 Ratings)
- Pros: Proactive support.
- Competitors: AT&T, IBM, Verizon
Verizon Managed Security Services, Worldwide "Reliable perimeter protection"
- Rating: 4.8/5 (14 Ratings)
- Pros: Regular posture reviews.
- Competitors: AT&T, Secureworks, IBM
Eviden Managed Security Services, Worldwide "Comprehensive SOC process"
- Rating: 4.2/5 (13 Ratings)
- Pros: Mature threat detection.
- Competitors: IBM, Accenture, DXC Technology
Gradient Cyber Managed Security Services "Exceptional security partner"
- Rating: 4.5/5 (9 Ratings)
- Pros: Excellent service.
- Competitors: AT&T, HCLTech, Cipher
Wipro Managed Security Services, Worldwide "Effective security operations"
- Rating: 4.0/5 (9 Ratings)
- Pros: Balances security with business needs.
- Competitors: IBM, Verizon, Accenture
BT Managed Security Services, Worldwide "Effective virus and scam protection"
- Rating: 3.9/5 (9 Ratings)
- Pros: Real-time monitoring.
- Competitors: IBM, Lumen, AT&T
Capgemini Managed Security Services, Worldwide "Seamless implementation"
- Rating: 3.9/5 (9 Ratings)
- Pros: Proactive monitoring.
- Competitors: IBM, Deloitte, Accenture
Optiv Security Managed Security Services, Worldwide "Timely project delivery"
- Rating: 4.8/5 (8 Ratings)
- Pros: Secure resources, timely delivery.
- Competitors: IBM, Secureworks, AT&T
Guardian 365 "Advantageous service"
- Rating: 4.6/5 (8 Ratings)
- Pros: Best practices and vendor knowledge.
- Competitors: Optiv, Comcast Business
Nclose Managed Security Services "Highly professional service"
- Rating: Not provided
- Pros: Excellent product and service.
Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) enhance network security by offering specialized services such as managed firewalls, intrusion detection, VPNs, vulnerability scanning, and antivirus protection. They free up IT teams to focus on core operations, providing a security-focused alternative to Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Top-rated MSSPs like Secureworks, Trustwave, and Tata Communications deliver professional support and comprehensive security solutions, making them ideal for organizations prioritizing network security. For more insights and comparisons, check out our full list of Managed Security Services Providers.
