A managed cybersecurity service provides outsourced monitoring and management of security devices and systems. Common services include managed firewall, intrusion detection, virtual private network, vulnerability scanning and anti-viral services.
Managed cybersecurity service providers use high-availability security operation centers (either from their own facilities or from other data center providers) to provide 24/7 services. This reduces the number of operational security personnel an enterprise needs to hire, train and retain to maintain an acceptable security posture.
Overview of Managed Cybersecurity Services
A managed cybersecurity service provider is an information technology (IT) service provider that sells security services to businesses. The role of an MSSP is to help protect businesses from security threats, whether that means providing software and services that keep company data safe or building a network of security experts who can respond to attacks as they happen.
MSSPs provide cybersecurity monitoring and management, which may include virus and spam blocking, intrusion detection, firewalls and virtual private network (VPN) management. MSSPs also handle matters such as system changes, modifications and upgrades.
Organizations may either outsource all or some aspects of their IT security functions to managed cybersecurity services. These companies offer a variety of services, such as continuous security monitoring, vulnerability risk assessment, threat intelligence and assessments, intrusion management, video surveillance and access control. MSSPs can also provide security recommendations and some level of continuous security, and they can develop policies to help protect a company’s infrastructure.
MSSPs are an efficient and cost-effective way to protect your data and network from intrusions while reducing the complexity of the process. For example, hiring an in-house cybersecurity team can be more expensive than working with an MSSP. MSSPs can also help businesses save money on equipment and software tools.
Large enterprises typically benefit from MSSP services due to increased security threats. However, many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can also benefit from MSSPs as security threats evolve.
The evolution of managed cybersecurity services
MSSPs have evolved in various ways. Some traditional service providers, noting the seemingly ever-increasing demand for internet security, have added managed security to their portfolios. Other traditional channel partners, such as a value-added reseller (VAR), will resell vendors’ cloud-based security services.
Still, other MSSPs have come into existence as brand-new entities focused solely on cybersecurity offerings. Some industry observers have asserted that every channel company is a “security provider” to some extent. This is because nearly every aspect of a customer organization’s operations features some cybersecurity component.
Difference between an MSP and an MSSP
A managed service provider (MSP) is a business that provides technology services to its clients using its own employees or contracting the work out to independent contractors. MSPs conduct a variety of services to their clients, including hardware and software maintenance, implementation and deployment.
A managed cybersecurity service provider is a security-focused MSP that offers security-related services. These include network monitoring, security configuration and identity management.
Categories of managed cybersecurity services
Compliance monitoring
Compliance monitoring is the process of checking an organization’s compliance with policies and procedures for data security. It usually involves a managed cybersecurity service performing regular scans of your security devices and infrastructure.
The MSSP will use the scan results to determine if any changes need to be made to your security software or infrastructure. This includes retrieving, storing and transmitting data in a secure and legally defensible manner.
To ensure compliance, an organization is generally required to prove that it is complying with a variety of rules and regulations that govern electronic data storage and transmission.
Managed security monitoring
Managed security monitoring is typically the first step in responding to a security incident report. It involves the regular day-to-day monitoring of security events such as user logins and permission changes, as well as the investigation of such system events throughout the network.
On-site consulting
This is when an MSSP comes in and does a detailed security assessment of a company’s network, identifying potential and real-world vulnerabilities. MSSP on-site consulting involves the managed cybersecurity services finding the security holes and then helping the company fix them.
Penetration testing and vulnerability assessments
These are methods for testing the security of an organization, usually its information and technology assets.
Penetration testing is a form of ethical hacking that tries to break into computer systems to uncover vulnerabilities that hackers might exploit. In a penetration test, a team of trusted hackers attempts to hack into a company’s computers or networks using the same tools and techniques that bad actors do. This simulated attack yields valuable information about how well the company defends itself against a real attack.
Penetration testing is also called pen testing.
Product resale
Product resale is not a managed service but a revenue generator for managed cybersecurity services. An MSSP resells software, hardware and services to its clients.
For example, an MSSP might have a catalog of security devices, including intrusion prevention systems and firewalls, and its clients can choose from a variety of specialized offerings. The reseller might also provide technical support for the devices, perform penetration tests for security and perform security audits.
The managed cybersecurity service model arose when large companies dominated the market, each with its own set of security products. Resellers would then provide customers with a customized security solution made up of products from multiple vendors.
Perimeter management of the client’s network
In network security parlance, a perimeter is a conceptual line that separates an organization’s internal assets from the public ones. If a single enterprise network is used for security, then its perimeter would be the defenses that surround the network, protecting it from outside attacks. The purpose of a perimeter is to limit access to sensitive data, usually by controlling who and what can get into the network.
The key duty of a managed cybersecurity service providing security to a large enterprise is to ensure the organization’s network perimeter is satisfactory. They must also ensure the protection of all the devices within it.
Examples of managed cybersecurity services
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
Also called endpoint threat detection and response, EDR lets you monitor and collect endpoint data in real-time. MSSPs often offer EDR services built with rules-based automated response and analysis capabilities. These services automatically detect and respond to suspicious activities.
Extended Detection and Response (XDR)
XDR represents the next evolution of EDR. It provides visibility into an organization’s data. At the same time, XDR applies analytics and automation to these data. That way, XDR quickly detects and addresses current and emerging cyber threats.
Firewall
If you use a managed firewall service, your organization’s network traffic is continuously monitored. An MSSP observes and tracks patterns in your network traffic. It uses these patterns to find ways to bolster your security posture.
Also, a managed firewall service lets you stay up to date on any security issues that come up. For instance, if a security event happens that falls outside of your organization’s security parameters, the service alerts you. Next, your MSSP addresses the issue and takes steps to prevent similar problems from happening once again.
Log monitoring and management
With log monitoring, an MSSP collects, analyzes, and responds to log data from an organization’s applications and IT infrastructure. In addition to monitoring logs, a service provider can continuously collect, parse, store, and analyze data.
From here, the service provider can give an organization insights that it can use to optimize its cyber protection.
Managed Detection and Response (MDR)
A managed detection and response service is backed by security experts who monitor an organization’s cloud environments, endpoints, and networks. These experts look for and respond to cyber threats 24/7.
Vulnerability scanning
An MSSP can look for security vulnerabilities across an organization’s systems. Additionally, the service provider can help an organization develop and execute a vulnerability management program to protect against data loss and breaches.
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
ZTNA secures remote access based on the concept of “trust nothing, verify everything.” MSSPs offer ZTNA services that define which users are authorized to access an organization’s apps, data, and systems. These services eliminate the risks that come with using a virtual private network (VPN) in which users are granted full access to everything stored and managed on an organization’s network.
How to evaluate a managed cybersecurity service provider
The five key areas to consider when evaluating an MSSP are:
- Expertise. Ensure an MSSP is staffed with experts in the field, including engineers and cybersecurity professionals.
- Services. Determine how well the MSSP’s services align with an organization’s needs and how well those needs can be met.
- Staff. MSSPs require a sufficient number of trained staff members in order to be readily available 24/7 to respond quickly to needs and emergencies.
- Security. Understand how an MSSP handles and maintains an organization’s sensitive information.
- Budget. An organization must assess the pricing and service levels for an MSSP to determine if their budget can accommodate its services.
Evaluating a security service provider can be difficult because not every service offered by an MSSP provides value to a company.
For example, an organization might not require mobile security if they have a small team. Determining the right managed cybersecurity services for an environment requires examining each of these areas of evaluation to determine which is most important for a business.
Benefits of a managed cybersecurity service
24/7 Protection
Cybercriminals are vigilant — and they attack organizations 24/7. Hiring an MSSP gives you round-the-clock cyber protection. Your MSSP identifies and addresses cyberattacks, even if they occur outside of your organization’s standard operating hours.
Access to cybersecurity talent
Your organization — like many others around the world — continues to deal with the cybersecurity skills gap. If you want quality cybersecurity professionals to join your team, you likely have to commit significant time, energy, and resources to recruit and retain them.
By hiring an MSSP, you can supplement or replace your internal security team.
Access to security expertise
To protect against security incidents, you need cybersecurity professionals on staff. An MSSP adds security expertise to your team. You can partner with an MSSP that offers security tips, recommendations, and insights so you can get the most value out of your cyber protection.
Your MSSP can also work with your employees and customers to protect them against cyber threats.
Compliance
If you operate in financial services, healthcare, or another highly regulated sector, you need to secure your data and systems based on industry standards. With help from an MSSP, you can manage your data and systems and comply with industry mandates. Plus, you can avoid compliance penalties that can otherwise damage your brand’s reputation.
Cost of ownership
Investing in managed security services may prove to be more cost-effective than managing cybersecurity internally. An MSSP can bill you a flat rate for cyber protection every month — which may save you money in comparison to hiring on-site cybersecurity professionals.
On top of this, an MSSP can free up time for your security team and other members of your organization. This can help you invest more time in high-value tasks and less time worrying about your cyber protection.
Customization
If you choose cybersecurity services, you are forced to deal with managing and maintaining them on your own. This can prove to be difficult — and even a single mistake during the implementation of your security services can lead to a cyberattack and data breach.
When you have an MSSP at your side, you receive security services tailored to your organization. Your service provider understands your security requirements and plans accordingly. It can provide you with the right security services and scale them as your organization grows.
Cybersecurity Maturity
Many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) want the best cyber protection but cannot afford to hire top cybersecurity talent or invest in high-end security software, solutions, and tools.
An MSSP helps organizations of all sizes and across all sectors improve their cybersecurity maturity. To do so, a service provider learns about an organization’s security posture and looks for cybersecurity gaps. Then, it provides the managed security services and support this organization needs to level up its cyber protection. And, the service provider tracks the results of its work, ensuring an organization can maximize its cybersecurity maturity both now and in the future.
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