Companies need the workforce and experience to protect their systems effectively if a cybersecurity attack targets them. That’s when Managed Security Service Providers (MSSP) come in. This article will explore what these providers do, the benefits of working with one, and what you should know before contracting an MSSP to manage your digital security.

What Services Do MSSPs Provide?

MSSPs are IT companies that provide various outsourced services related to business cybersecurity. Some of their services include:

• Security and threat monitoring
• Vulnerability risk assessment
• Cybersecurity policy development
• Cybersecurity management (blocking spam, detecting viruses, etc.)
• Incident documentation and response
• Intrusion detection
• Secure cloud-based infrastructure design and building
• Firewalls and virtual private networks (VPN) Installation
• Enterprise systems Installation, modification, and upgrade

The main categories of managed security services are:

• Compliance monitoring: monitoring compliance means measuring how closely the enterprise systems follow cybersecurity best practices. This may include regular scans of security devices and making the necessary adjustments as they are needed. The goal is to make the enterprise systems compliant with the best electronic data storage and transmission practices.
• Vulnerability assessments: “ethical hacking” is hacking into enterprise systems, not to steal information, but rather to determine how the security systems would fare if a lousy actor tried to attack them. Ethical hacking lets MSSPs resolve possible vulnerabilities hackers may exploit in an attack.
• Security monitoring: MSSPs monitor daily logins, permission changes, and security incident reports. Constant monitoring gives MSSPs a long-term vision of how enterprise system security operates.
• On-site consulting: MSSPs may visit your business premises to assess your systems’ security and determine how to fix issues and ensure safety.
• Network perimeter monitoring: The network’s “perimeter” is the limit between the internal enterprise data and the public internet, like a router’s interface that connects to the internet. Monitoring the perimeter involves monitoring who and what information can enter and leave the enterprise network.
• Product resale: MSSPs may resell their clients’ software licenses and security hardware. MSSPs offer a variety of software solutions and security devices that make them possible. Clients may choose the best ones and depend on MSSPs to maintain and upgrade the devices.

Benefits Of Working With An MSSP

Working with a managed security service provider can significantly benefit your business. Some of the most notable benefits of working with an MSSP include the following:

• Cost-effectiveness: depending on individual business needs, it may be cheaper and more cost-effective to outsource cybersecurity services rather than forming an IT or cybersecurity department.
• Fill skill gaps: even if a business has an IT or cybersecurity department, it may need to gain specific talents to perform specialized security functions. . MSSPs can provide experienced specialists to fill skill gaps.
• Constant protection: MSSPs may offer 24/7 monitoring and security. Considering cyberattacks may occur at any time, this is invaluable.
• Cybersecurity awareness: many small and medium-sized companies must fully understand their potential vulnerabilities. MSSPs can spread awareness and help businesses develop a more mature overview of cybersecurity.
• Expert solutions: cybersecurity is complex and best for experienced network and security engineers. MSSPs sometimes offer solutions for a fraction of what it would cost to hire and train employees.
• Compliance: consumer expectations and data regulations such as GDPR and CCPA demand mature cybersecurity solutions. MSSPs help enterprises comply with relevant laws and regulations.

What To Know Before Contracting An MSSP

If you are looking for an MSSP to provide security services for your enterprise, keep these criteria in mind when choosing one:

• Understand their services: determine their specialized areas and compare their skill set with your needs. It’s better to contract an MSSP with a relatively small but profound set of specializations than one that tries to do it all.
• Their location: this is important if you require frequent in-person assessments and implementations, but in general, you need to ensure that their site allows them to provide timely solutions for your needs.
• Their background and experience: you need to determine how much experience they have solving your specific needs by exploring online reviews and, if possible, having in-person conversations with past or current clients.
• Scalability: all businesses want to grow, but their needs will change, including their cybersecurity needs. MSSPs need to be able to keep up with your growing needs and support them with their services.
• The regular costs: how will contracting an MSSP affect your budget? You need to determine whether the regular cost of their services will be worth the peace of mind.
• Industry standards: MSSPs must stay updated with changing malicious practices and techniques to be aware of how to best respond to them. Ensure the MSSP you contract meets industry standards and best practices.

Managed Security Services Providers Help You Achieve Cybersecurity Goals

If your business requires security solutions but needs more time or the resources to build a dedicated IT and cybersecurity department, MSSPs can help you achieve cybersecurity goals and boost your digital transformation. When looking for options, choose the one with the most experience in your industry, who can provide solutions on time, and who fits within your budget needs.