What Are Managed Security Service Providers or MSSPs?

Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) provide network security services to an organisation. The cybersecurity skills gap is a major issue in the industry. With the steady and rapid rise in cyber attacks, this skills gap means fewer people to secure organisations and manage IT services.

Amidst this, most organisations resort to hiring a third-party service or an MSSP to alleviate the strain on their IT teams. It also helps free up crucial time for the organisation to support and expand its operations.

This article explains what MSSPs are, how they work, their use, and everything else you might need to know.

What are MSSPs?

Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) is a third-party organisation that delivers outsourced cybersecurity services to help businesses protect their digital assets. They act as third-party extensions of internal IT or security teams, providing the organizations with technology, expertise, and other services that they might lack the resources to manage in-house.

An MSSP provides a complete outsourced security solution to an organisation. The core of the MSSP business is providing security monitoring and incident response for an organization’s enterprise network and endpoints. However, as organisational networks continue to grow and evolve, MSSPs may also support other platforms, such as cloud-based infrastructure.

What are MSSPs used for?

As mentioned above, MSSPs are an extension of an organization’s internal IT security network. With an MSSP handling critical security systems, IT teams have more time to engage in other projects that benefit the organisation. Here are some of the common services included:

1. Managed Firewall: MSSPs configure and monitor firewalls to control network traffic and block unauthorized access. This approach keeps business networks safe from external threats.
2. Intrusion Detection: MSSPs use intrusion detection systems to track network activity and flag suspicious behavior. Real-time alerts help teams stop breaches before damage occurs.
3. Virtual Private Network (VPN): MSSPs manage VPNs to give employees secure remote access. Encrypted connections protect sensitive data on public networks.
4. Vulnerability Scanning: MSSPs scan systems and applications to find security gaps. Early detection helps teams fix weaknesses before attackers exploit them.
5. Antiviral Services: MSSPs deploy endpoint protection to stop malware, ransomware, and spyware. This protection keeps devices and business data secure.
6. Security Event Monitoring: MSSPs monitor logs and network events around the clock. Quick detection enables faster response and supports compliance requirements.
7. Managed Detection and Response (MDR): MDR combines advanced tools with expert analysis to detect and contain threats quickly. This strategy reduces downtime and limits damage.
8. Threat Hunting: MSSPs actively search for hidden threats and signs of compromise. Proactive defense helps organizations stay ahead of advanced cyberattacks.

Since managing these services individually would require a larger IT security team, outsourcing to MSSPs enables organisations to manage them without hiring additional professionals.  

Benefits of MSSPs.

Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) offer practical advantages for organizations that need strong cybersecurity without building large in-house teams. They help close security gaps, strengthen defenses, and respond quickly to emerging threats.

A key benefit is filling critical security roles. Many organizations struggle to hire and retain skilled cybersecurity professionals due to high costs and talent shortages. MSSPs provide experienced analysts, engineers, and incident responders. This support lowers hiring expenses and ensures consistent protection.

In addition, MSSPs provide access to specialized expertise. During a cyber incident, companies often need malware analysts, digital forensics experts, or threat intelligence specialists. MSSP teams step in quickly to investigate, contain, and remediate attacks, which reduces downtime and data loss.

Another major advantage is 24/7 security monitoring. Cyberattacks can occur at any time. MSSPs run round-the-clock Security Operations Centers (SOCs) that detect threats in real time and respond before damage spreads.

Organizations also gain improved security maturity. Small and medium-sized businesses often lack advanced tools and structured processes. MSSPs deploy proven frameworks, modern technologies, and best practices that strengthen the overall security posture.

Additionally, MSSPs simplify regulatory compliance. Data protection laws such as GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, and PCI DSS require strict controls and documentation. MSSPs collect logs, generate audit-ready reports, and guide compliance efforts, thereby reducing legal risk and building customer trust.

How do MSSPs work?

MSSPs operate using a blend of technology platforms, cybersecurity professionals, and standardized processes. The work usually begins with initial risk and posture assessment, along with the implementation of core services such as:

• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) for log aggregation and real-time threat detection.
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Extended Detection and Response (XDR)
• Firewall and intrusion detection/ prevention system (IDS/IPS) management
• Firewall and intrusion detection/prevention system (IDS/IPS) management
• Cloud security monitoring using APIs and integrations with CSP-native tools
• Compliance support, including audits, policy management, and reporting
• Threat intelligence and proactive threat hunting

These tools provide relevant information to the MSSP’s centralized SOC, where analytics use correlation engines and threat intelligence to detect suspicious activity. In the event of an incident, MSSPs initiate incident response protocols, such as isolating the affected system, conducting forensic analysis, and guiding recovery steps.

Cloud-native MSSPs often integrate directly with public cloud providers via APIs and use automation to adapt to dynamic infrastructure. This helps ensure visibility into short-lived resources such as containers. They also support scalable security monitoring without requiring intrusive agents.

Security risks and challenges with MSSPs

Although using MSSPs comes with numerous benefits, organizations still need to take this step with a step of caution since they are outsourcing critical security functions such as:

• MSSPs require access to sensitive systems and data, which introduces the organization to potential exposure. Poor access and control lead to significant risks.
• Since MSSPs are external teams, they may lack full visibility into an organization’s business processes, making it harder to prioritize or tailor response actions.
• Shared responsibility, especially in cloud environments, can blur boundaries, leaving it unclear which party is responsible for specific controls and resulting in coverage gaps.
• Organizations often tend to over-reliance on MSSPs, which results in blind spots. It is crucial to remember that outsourcing does not eliminate the need for internal governance.

To mitigate these risks, organisations need to retain internal security leadership. This helps manage vendor relationships, ensure accountability, and verify that MSSPs deliver expected outcomes.

Best practice for using MSSPs

Organizations must follow clear best practices to gain maximum value from a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP). A structured approach improves security outcomes and reduces operational risks:

• Conduct thorough due diligence: Review the MSSP’s security certifications, financial health, incident history, and client references. This step confirms reliability and long-term stability.
• Establish secure data access: Set strict access controls and encryption standards before sharing sensitive data. Limit user privileges by role to reduce exposure.
• Define responsibilities clearly: Use a shared responsibility matrix and detailed Service Level Agreements (SLAs). These documents define ownership, response times, and performance targets.
• Integrate with internal tools: Connect MSSP services with existing security tools, SIEM systems, and workflows. Integration improves visibility and speeds up threat detection.
• Maintain internal oversight: Assign an internal security lead to monitor MSSP activities. Active oversight ensures accountability and alignment with business goals.
• Enable regular communication: Schedule frequent reviews, status updates, and threat briefings. Clear communication strengthens coordination and keeps stakeholders informed.
• Test incident response readiness: Run tabletop exercises and simulated attacks. Regular testing strengthens response plans and improves team coordination.

These best practices help organizations build a strong MSSP partnership while maintaining control, transparency, and a resilient security posture.

MSSPs vs MSPs: what is the difference?

Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers are both third-party organisations that provide services to a company. However, both of these service providers differ significantly in their focus. While an MSSP focuses solely on security services, an MSP provides general network and IT support. MSP also provides managed telecommunications (telco) and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms.

Another difference between MSPs and MSSPs is their “operations center.” An MSP is likely to operate a network operations center (NOC) to monitor and manage its clients’ networks. An MSSP, on the other hand, manages a security operation center (SOC) which provides 24/7 security monitoring and incident response.

Key Takeaways

MSSPs help organisations strengthen their cybersecurity without overburdening their internal teams. They provide continuous monitoring, advanced threat detection, and rapid incident response, significantly reducing risk. However, MSSPs help organisations meet regulatory compliance and address the shortage of cybersecurity skills professionals. However, it is important to keep all security risks in mind and follow necessary best practices to ensure organisations reap the full benefits of hiring an MSSP.

FAQs

What are managed security services?

Managed security services are outsourced cybersecurity solutions where a third-party provider monitors, detects, and responds to threats, helping businesses strengthen protection without maintaining an in-house security team.

What is an MSP or MSSP?

An MSP (Managed Service Provider) manages IT infrastructure and support, while an MSSP (Managed Security Service Provider) specializes in cybersecurity services such as threat monitoring, incident response, and compliance management.

Who is MSSP?

An MSSP is a Managed Security Service Provider—an external cybersecurity expert that delivers continuous security monitoring, risk management, and threat mitigation to protect an organization’s networks and data.