What are managed security services (MSSP)? Definition and when to use

In this era of digitalization, businesses heavily rely on digital technologies, but with the benefits come threats like Cybersecurity. With technologies, cybercriminals have also upgraded so it is becoming tougher to detect cyber threats like malware, phishing, and ransomware. In this scenario, managed security service provider or MSSP has emerged as a game-changing aspect.
Managed security service

Definition Of Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP)

MSSPs are agencies that help businesses optimize their IT infrastructure security by offering a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity services. According to industry reports, the global managed security services market is projected to reach $64.73 billion by 2026.

Types Of Services Offered By MSSP

  • Threat Detection. MSSPs monitor the IT infrastructure of businesses to find potential security threats by utilizing robust analytics and machine learning.
  • Vulnerability Management. MSSPs can identify vulnerabilities in a business IT infrastructure and offer solutions. With regular vulnerability scanning and patch management, MSSPs keep your system updated and secured.
  • Incident Response. If a security incident takes place; MSSPs can respond instantly and restrict the impact on the business.
  • Compliance Management. MSSPs perform regular audits and assessments to make sure that the business is compliant with all the relevant regulations.

Benefits Of MSSPs

  • Optimized Cyber Security. Outsourcing cybersecurity requirements to an MSSP enables businesses to save on the expenses of hiring a full-time cybersecurity team and benefit from the expertise of a whole team of cybersecurity professionals at the same time.
  • Reduced Costs. Hiring a full-time cybersecurity team is a costly affair, but outsourcing cybersecurity needs from an MSSP can be highly cost-effective.
  • Scalability. MSSPs can offer an adjustable cybersecurity solution that can evolve and fit with the businesses. It will offer them complete control in scaling their cybersecurity needs as per business requirements.
  • Proactive Threat Detection. As MSSPs monitor the IT infrastructure using the latest analytics and machine learning, which enables them to detect and resolve potential threats on the spot.

When To Use MSSPs?

  • Limited In-House Expertise. When your organization does not have the luxury of in-house cybersecurity expertise, MSSPs become the ideal option for you. You get a team of highly professional cybersecurity experts who can effectively protect your business from new-age cybercriminals.
  • Resource Constraints. When your business does not have enough resources to create and manage an advanced cybersecurity program, hiring an MSSP can be the best option as it will offer you budget-friendly security solutions.
  • Regulatory Compliance. When your business belongs to an extremely-regulated industry including stringent privacy and security regulations, utilizing an MSSP can offer you proper help to make sure that your business stays compliant.
  • Require Round-The-Clock Monitoring. If you feel that your business is vulnerable to new-age cyber attacks and the IT infrastructure requires round-the-clock monitoring, MSSP will be the best option for you. As they will continuously monitor your network to detect potential threats and offer real-time solutions.
  • Want A Comprehensive Security Program. In case you want to have a more comprehensive cybersecurity program for your business an MSSP can offer you a suite of services like risk assessment, security awareness training, and more.
  • Need For Scalability. When your business grows, your cybersecurity needs will automatically grow as well. Collaborating with an MSSP can help you get security solutions that can scale with your always-changing business needs. It will ensure your business network is well-protected even when your business is expanding.

The Emerging MSSP Trends

With the growing demand for MSSPs, a few key trends have been observed-

  • Cloud Security. As most businesses are shifting their data and apps to the cloud, a massive demand for cloud-oriented security services has emerged. So MSSPs are now expanding their suite of services to include cloud security services to safeguard businesses even in cloud environments.
  • Adoption of AI & ML. To respond to threats instantly and accurately MSSPs are heavily utilizing AI and ML technologies. These technologies can assess a large amount of data within seconds.
  • Focus on Compliance. Due to the highly spreading digitalization new data privacy and security regulations are coming to effect in bulk. With a sheer focus on compliance, MSSPs offer compliance assessments, gaps assessments, and more to help businesses meet all the critical regulatory requirements.
  • Managed Detection & Response (MDR). MDR services are one of the most prospering trends in the MSSP sector. MDR services include offering businesses an additional layer of threat detection and response abilities. With real-time threat detection and response capabilities, MDR services break through the limits of traditional managed security services.

Conclusion

Considering the above discussion it can be said that MSSP can significantly help businesses enhance their cybersecurity aspects. From detecting threats to instantly reacting to them an MSSP plays a critical role in strengthening the cybersecurity of a business.

In addition, collaborating with an MSSP offers significant benefits to a business, including reduced costs, scalability, and more. During this ongoing digital revolution leveraging the MSSPs’ expertise to defend your business networks and IT infrastructures is a great option.