MSSP vs. MSP: Which One Do You Need – Or Both?
Cyber threats are not only increasing in number but also becoming more sophisticated. This leaves many businesses asking: How can we protect our systems and data while staying focused on day-to-day operations? Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) provide essential support by focusing on cyber risk management. But what about Managed Service Providers (MSPs), who ensure your IT runs smoothly?
What if you didn’t have to choose? Let’s break down what each provider does, how they’re different, and why combining these services under one roof can transform how your business manages IT and security.
MSSP vs. MSP: Understanding the Difference
MSPs and MSSP providers are like the two halves of a technology puzzle. Each half focuses on a different part of your IT ecosystem:
MSPs (Managed Service Providers)
Think of MSPs as your IT caretakers. They handle day-to-day technology tasks to keep everything running, including:
- Maintaining hardware and software
- Managing networks
- Providing help desk support for your team
MSSPs (Managed Security Service Providers)
MSSPs are the bodyguards of your IT environment. They focus entirely on cybersecurity, with services such as:
- Monitoring for security threats and vulnerabilities
- Responding to incidents like ransomware attacks
- Helping your business meet compliance standards in industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing
- Providing risk assessments and audits to pinpoint weaknesses in your network and IT
Some managed security providers, like NetGain, combine these roles into a single offering to give businesses the best of both worlds.
Why Consider a Combined MSP and MSSP Solution?
By merging IT management and security under one provider, businesses can simplify operations and gain a more cohesive strategy. Here’s why this approach stands out:
- Simplified Operations– One provider managing both IT and security means fewer handoffs, faster resolutions, and smoother communication. This saves time and prevents confusion.
- Tailored Expertise– A combined provider knows the ins and outs of your systems and can address both performance and security needs with precision.
- Cost Efficiency– Managing multiple vendors can be expensive and resource-intensive. A single provider helps streamline budgets and operations.
- Full Transparency- Unified reporting gives you a clear, comprehensive view of your IT health and security status, helping you make informed decisions.
How MSPs and MSSPs Work Together
Even when MSP and MSSP services are separate, they must collaborate closely. Here’s how they team up to protect your business:
- Incident Response: MSSPs detect and mitigate cyber threats while MSPs work to restore affected systems and ensure minimal disruption.
- Vulnerability Management: The best MSSP will monitor for weak points, while MSPs apply updates and patches to keep your systems secure.
- Regulatory Compliance: MSSPs handle the controls needed to meet industry regulations, and MSPs ensure your systems align with those requirements
Do You Need an MSSP, MSP, or Both?
If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to explore MSSP or combined services:
Your team lacks the expertise to manage cybersecurity effectively.
Cybersecurity requires specialized skills, tools, and constant vigilance that many internal IT teams may not have the bandwidth or training to handle. An MSSP can fill these gaps by providing 24/7 monitoring and proactive threat management.
You operate in a regulated industry like healthcare, manufacturing, or finance.
Regulated industries must adhere to strict compliance standards, and failing to do so can result in costly fines or reputational damage. An MSSP helps ensure your organization meets these requirements by implementing and maintaining robust security protocols.
You’re concerned about growing threats like ransomware or phishing.
As cyberattacks become more sophisticated, traditional defenses may no longer be enough. MSSPs bring advanced tools and expertise to identify, mitigate, and respond to threats before they impact your business.
Protecting sensitive data is critical to your operations.
Data breaches can have devastating effects on operations, customer trust, and compliance obligations. MSSPs specialize in safeguarding sensitive information with encryption, secure backups, and proactive monitoring to minimize risk.
Whether you choose separate providers or a combined approach, ensuring that both IT and security are managed effectively is essential to staying ahead of threats.
What to Look for in a Partner
- Is the cyber security managed services provider offering both IT and security services, or can they work seamlessly with another partner to deliver complete solutions?
- Look for expertise in your field/industry. A manufacturing company’s needs are very different from those of a healthcare provider.
- Ask about their approach to handling cyber incidents and restoring operations.
- Your provider should grow with your business, adapting to new challenges as they arise.
Moving Forward
Your business deserves IT systems that work flawlessly and security that’s always a step ahead of threats. Whether you work with an MSP, an MSSP, or a provider that combines both, the key is to ensure your organization is equipped to handle today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s.
By simplifying your approach and choosing the right partner, you can keep your business running smoothly and securely.