In the world of IT services, organizations often encounter two critical types of service providers: Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs). Though the names sound similar, their functions and areas of focus differ significantly. Understanding these differences is essential for businesses aiming to make informed decisions about their IT infrastructure and cybersecurity needs.
What Is an MSP?
A Managed Service Provider (MSP) offers a wide range of IT services to businesses, helping them manage, monitor, and maintain their IT infrastructure. These services often include:
- Network Monitoring: MSPs keep an eye on network performance, identifying and fixing issues before they become critical problems.
- Help Desk Support: MSPs provide technical support for users, handling issues such as software installation, connectivity problems, and troubleshooting.
- Data Backup and Disaster Recovery: MSPs offer backup solutions to ensure that critical business data is safe and can be restored in case of data loss or system failure.
- Cloud Management: MSPs help companies migrate to the cloud and manage their cloud infrastructure, whether it’s hosted on platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
- Software and Hardware Management: From updates to routine maintenance, MSPs handle the management of a company’s IT assets to ensure smooth operation.
The primary goal of an MSP is to streamline and optimize a company’s IT operations, ensuring that systems run efficiently and downtime is minimized. MSPs typically work on a subscription-based model, providing services for a fixed monthly fee, which makes budgeting for IT predictable.
What Is an MSSP?
A Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP), on the other hand, specializes in cybersecurity. While MSPs focus on overall IT management, MSSPs concentrate on protecting a company’s digital assets from cyber threats. MSSP services typically include:
- Security strategy – assisting you in identifying risks and aligning your security strategy and investments with those risks
- Threat Updates – proactively notify you of emerging threats to your business and provide guidance on safeguarding against those risks
- Threat Detection and Response: MSSPs continuously monitor for cybersecurity threats and respond to incidents in real time.
- Vulnerability Management: MSSPs identify weaknesses in a company’s IT infrastructure and suggest fixes to mitigate potential security risks.
- Firewall and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): MSSPs manage advanced security technologies like firewalls and IDS to monitor traffic and prevent unauthorized access.
The focus of an MSSP is to provide a high level of cybersecurity expertise and infrastructure to ensure that businesses can defend against, detect, and respond to evolving threats.
The Increasing Overlap: MSPs Offering Security Services
As cyber threats grow more complex, many MSPs are expanding their service offerings to include security components, often blurring the line between MSP and MSSP. For instance, many MSPs like Aldridge now offer security measures including not only antivirus software, but a combination of people, processes, and technology to help manage our clients’ risk.
In contrast, an MSSP operates with a sole focus on cybersecurity, often employing teams of specialized security professionals and investing in advanced threat detection technologies. For companies facing high levels of cyber risk or stringent regulatory requirements, an MSSP may be a better option.
Choosing an MSP vs an MSSP
MSPs are ideal for businesses that need comprehensive IT support without dedicating in-house resources to manage their infrastructure. They are particularly beneficial for businesses that want to:
- Improve overall IT performance and reliability
- Benefit from predictable monthly costs
- Outsource day-to-day IT management tasks
- Ensure business continuity through data backups and disaster recovery services
- Access a help desk for quick troubleshooting
An MSP may be the best option for companies that require solid IT infrastructure management but have lower exposure to cybersecurity threats or have basic security needs.
On the other hand, businesses that handle sensitive data or operate in highly regulated industries, such as healthcare, finance, or government, may require the specialized security services that an MSSP provides. Some situations where an MSSP may be necessary include:
- Your business is subject to stringent regulatory compliance, such as HIPAA or PCI-DSS.
- You need 24/7 threat monitoring and rapid response capabilities.
- You’ve experienced a cybersecurity incident and need stronger protection.
- You have valuable intellectual property or sensitive customer data to protect.
- You want to implement advanced security practices, such as penetration testing and vulnerability management.
While MSPs and MSSPs have distinct roles, they are not mutually exclusive. Many businesses use both types of providers, either by contracting with two separate companies or by finding an MSP that offers security services.
Combining an MSP’s broad IT management capabilities with an MSSP’s cybersecurity focus can create a well-rounded IT strategy that addresses both operational efficiency and data protection. This approach ensures that while your systems are running smoothly, your digital assets are also secure from evolving cyber threats.
The difference between an MSP and an MSSP comes down to their core focus: MSPs manage the overall IT environment, while MSSPs protect it from security threats. Businesses need to evaluate their own needs carefully to determine which service, or combination of services, makes the most sense.
If your business requires both IT management and security expertise, choosing an MSP like Aldridge that also offers the security services of an MSSP can provide the best of both worlds, ensuring your company’s IT infrastructure is both efficient and secure. With cyber threats on the rise, having a clear understanding of these roles can help your business stay ahead of potential risks while maintaining operational excellence.
If you’re looking to upgrade your IT to achieve more with less, talk to Aldridge today.