A Managed Security Service Provider provides management and outsourced monitoring of systems and security devices to protect businesses against cybersecurity threats and respond to attacks when they happen.

The main role of an MSSP is to protect the business, and all of its devices, from security threats through continuous monitoring and implemented systems and protocols.

What are MSSPs used for?

Organizations can outsource all aspects of their IT security functions to MSSPs or simply outsource more specialized functions to them. They offer services such as:

  • Continuous security monitoring
  • Vulnerability risk scanning and assessments
  • Treat intelligence
  • Intrusion detection and management
  • Managed firewalls
  • Access controls
  • VPN setup and management

MSSPs are often used as cost effective ways to protect the organizations while reducing complexity and resources of in-house personnel required. Large organizations use MSSPs to manage their security due to the increasing sophistication and frequency of cybersecurity threats.

Categories of managed security services 

On site consulting 

This will include a visit to the organization’s offices to carry out a security assessment on their network, on site security and potential threats.

Perimeter management of networks

Setting up a perimeter to limit access to sensitive data by controlling access permissions for the network of employees and external visitors.

Product resale

An MSSP resells software, hardware and services to its clients on behalf of companies. They will have a range of offerings in many product categories, evaluating and recommending those which would work best for each individual organization.

Managed security monitoring

This is usually the first step when responding to a security incident report. It will include regular monitoring and investigation of security events within the network.

Penetration testing and vulnerability assessments

These are methods for testing the security of an organization, its information and its network structures. Simulated attacks, such as penetration testing, allow companies to see where their vulnerabilities and weakness lie and what is needed to repair these in defense of attacks.

Compliance monitoring

This is the process of checking an organization’s compliance with policies, procedures and regulations for data security.