In the modern era, cybersecurity has grown to be a critical aspect of any entity's survival, whether individual or corporate. There are two key terms that are closely associated with cybersecurity services – Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) and Managed Services Provider (MSP). Understanding the difference between MSSP and MSP is vital for any company looking to secure its information systems. This blog post aims to offer you a deep dive into the worlds of MSSP and MSP.

Introduction

MSSP stands for Managed Security Services Provider, whereas MSP stands for Managed Services Provider. A common confusion arises when these terms are used interchangeably, as both deal with managing services for a client company, but their objectives and operations are different.

The Role of MSP

MSPs provide a range of IT services to a client company, not limited to security. They can manage a company's network infrastructure, offer cloud services, aid with hardware and software updates, and provide consulting among various other services. Simply put, MSPs handle the broader area of IT services.

The Role of MSSP

MSSPs, on the other hand, focus primarily on security. They provide services that continually monitor and manage a customer's security systems and processes. These services could include managed firewalls, intrusion detection, virtual private network (VPN) management, conducting vulnerability scans and on-site consultations, among others. Their role is more specialized than an MSP.

Detailed Comparison: MSSP vs MSP

While they might seem similar, there are notable differences when it comes to MSSP vs MSP. They can be discerned from their functions, fields of expertise, and the nature of service management practiced.

Function

An MSP typically handles a broad set of IT services including but not limited to consulting, networking, data management, and Infrastructure services. An MSSP focuses only on the aspect of security, providing their expertise to protect the client's information systems from cybersecurity threats.

Field of Expertise

While MSPs have a general expertise handling an array of IT services, MSSPs are specialized in the field of cybersecurity. Their knowledge is concentrated on assessing, identifying and mitigating security risks.

Service Management

When it comes to service management, MSPs handle the entire IT infrastructure of a client's business. MSSPs, in contrast, only deal with security management issues such as risk assessments, vulnerability scanning, and intrusion detection.

Which One Does Your Business Need: MSSP or MSP?

When deciding between an MSP and an MSSP, it primarily depends on the requirements of your business. If you're looking for a provider to handle your entire IT infrastructure and services, then an MSP is a better choice. However, if your business specifically needs stronger security protection, an MSSP is more suitable.

Choosing an MSP

Investing in an MSP is a worthwhile decision if your company seeks a one-stop-shop solution for all IT issues. The broad knowledge and operation areas of an MSP cover virtually all computing needs a company might encounter.

Choosing an MSSP

However, if your business is undergoing rapid growth, or if it is highly targeted by cyber threats due to the nature of your operations, it may be more prudent to invest in an MSSP. Having a specialist take care of your security needs could prove invaluable to safeguard your business against rising cybersecurity threats.

In conclusion, the decision between an MSSP and an MSP depends largely on the specific needs of your company. While both MSSP and MSP providers play an important role in the IT industry, understanding the differences between the two is crucial for making an informed decision for your cybersecurity strategy. Prioritize your business needs, and make the decision that best aligns with your strategic goals and efforts to stay protected in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity.