MSP vs. MSSP: What’s the Difference and Which Do I Need?
Your business needs a secure IT infrastructure that helps you operate efficiently. With an increasing bombardment of cyberattacks, you also need a cybersecurity plan to protect your infrastructure and company data.
Setting up your information systems properly and protecting them and your data from threats takes significant knowledge, time and resources. That’s why many companies engage outside help from a reliable managed service provider (MSP) and/or a managed security service provider (MSSP). They are professionals that can completely manage or co-manage your environment.
What’s the difference between MSP vs. MSSP, and which one do you really need?
MSP vs. MSSP: Objectives
An MSP focuses on creating efficient IT infrastructures and operations that minimize tech-related disruptions so that companies can efficiently get through their daily workflow more easily. They help companies make informed technology choices that help them reach their goals. For companies that need to modernize their IT infrastructure into one that’s scalable and tailored to their needs, an MSP is a sound investment.
The primary objective of an MSSP is to provide a cybersecurity program. MSSPs make sure that a company has the best possible cybersecurity posture to defend its IT systems from attacks. They are a great investment and allow companies to be proactive instead of unprepared when disaster strikes.
MSP vs. MSSP: Scope of Services
MSPs provide a broad range of IT management services. Their services can include:
- Network management
- Managed mobility
- Managed communication
- Cloud management
- Service desk management
- Basic cybersecurity services (such as bug fixes, data backups, patch management, and basic antivirus and anti-malware protection)
MSSPs, primarily tasked with providing companies with a comprehensive security program, use a much more specialized set of services to provide advanced protection from cybercrime:
- Threat monitoring
- Anti-phishing measures
- Multi-factor authentication
- Application control
- Vulnerability Management
- Penetration tests
- Compliance and regulatory guidance
MSP vs. MSSP: Expertise and Credentials
The team of consultants working for an MSP organization have excellent overall IT experience, with expertise in building and maintaining a strong infrastructure. Within a typical MSP company, you will find employees with professional designations like:
- Microsoft Role-Based Certifications
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- CompTIA Certifications for technical proficiency in data management, cloud services and other various IT domains
Consultants working for an MSSP will have much more specialized knowledge and training, focusing on threat intelligence, incident response and security. The experts in an MSSP company should have professional designations like:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
MSP vs. MSSP: Outcomes
Using an MSP ensures that your IT is set up correctly and offers your company the greatest consistency in availability of your business computing environment. Your technology is handled by professionals who have a variety of skills, which allows you to focus on the core operations that can drive growth. Using an MSP correlates to:
- Improved system performance
- Improved resolution of technical issues
- An effective, long-term IT strategy
- Properly allocated IT budgets and investments
The need for an MSSP can become more apparent as your company evolves and has need to protect its increasingly complex data footprint and IT infrastructure. Using an effective MSSP vendor can result in:
- Strengthened defenses
- Lower company risk
- Meeting compliance and regulations
- Robust response to incidents
- Informed employees
- Greater business continuity
MSP vs. MSSP: Which One Does My Business Need?
To know if you need an MSP vs. MSSP, you not only need to know what it is they do best, but also the specific needs and priorities of your company. Some factors to consider include:
- Your current IT infrastructure – What is your current situation? Is your IT system reliable and keeping up with your business needs?
- The type of cybersecurity needed – Does your company have the IT staff with the niche cybersecurity know-how to create and maintain the robust security program you need?
- Compliance requirements – Are you able to effectively manage any compliance or regulatory requirements associated with your company?
- Risk profile – All companies are vulnerable to a cyberattack, but some are more targeted than others. Are you operating in a high-risk industry and confident in the cybersecurity measures you’ve taken?
- Resources – Does your company have the immediate in-house resources to create, maintain and support an efficient IT infrastructure and/or cybersecurity program?
- Long-term goals – What are the ultimate outcomes you want for your company’s IT infrastructure and/or cybersecurity program? Is your company able to reach those goals by itself?
It’s possible that you may need both MSP and MSSP services, especially if you require comprehensive IT management, cybersecurity, and strong compliance or regulatory needs. The degree to which you need either solution is also bound to change as your company’s business requirements, goals and cyberthreats change. Some companies may start with an MSP and then seek out MSSP services as their needs evolve.
Moving Forward With MSP and MSSP Services
MSPs and MSSPs have distinct purposes. Both provide cost-effective solutions for companies that want to remain at pace or succeed in the ever-changing world of IT and compliance.
As a leader, you must critically evaluate your company to know if you need MSP support, the specialized security services of an MSSP or both. Connect with a Warren Averett Technology Group advisor to start the conversation now.
