• Home
  • FAQ
  • What Are the Benefits of Managed Security Services Providers (MSSPs)?

What Are the Benefits of Managed Security Services Providers (MSSPs)?

What Are the Benefits of Managed Security Services Providers (MSSPs)?

Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) are third-party companies that provide outsourced monitoring and management of security devices and systems. MSSPs provide network security services to organizations, which can help alleviate the strain on IT teams and free up crucial time for organizations to support and expand operations. 

In this article, we’ll cover what managed security services are, the key benefits they offer businesses, and how Guardian Digital’s fully-managed email security services can improve business security, maximize productivity, simplify deployment and extend critical  IT resources for businesses.

What Are Managed Security Services?

MSSPs provide a range of services such as managed firewall, intrusion detection, virtual private networks (VPN), vulnerability scanning and antiviral services.

Managed Service Providers (MSPs), like MSSPs, offer IT services but differ significantly in their offerings and focus. MSPs specialize in help desk support, cloud computing and network infrastructure management while MSSPs specialize in comprehensive cybersecurity services like threat detection/response/assessments/compliance management.

MSPs focus on managing IT infrastructure, while MSSPs focus on providing cybersecurity services. MSSPs also have specialized expertise in security technologies and often use advanced tools to monitor and manage security systems. While MSPs may offer some security services, their scope is generally smaller and less comprehensive than those offered by MSSPs.

Key Benefits of Managed Security Services for Businesses

MSSPs offer expertise in managing security risks and threats, cost savings compared to in-house security teams, and 24/7 monitoring to detect and respond to threats in real-time. They allow growth without investing in additional infrastructure, and help organizations follow industry regulations and standards to avoid costly fines or reputational damage.

Around-the-Clock Threat Detection

MSSPs use advanced security technologies and tools to monitor an organization's network, devices, and applications for potential security incidents. They analyze security data in real-time to identify threats and respond to them promptly. They also provide regular reports and insights to help organizations improve their security posture and stay ahead of emerging threats.

Expanded IT Security Team 

MSSPs have specialized security knowledge and experience, which can complement an organization's existing IT team. They can provide guidance and support to help organizations develop and implement effective security strategies, policies, and procedures. They can also provide additional security resources, such as security analysts, security engineers, and incident responders, to help organizations manage security incidents and threats.

Improved Efficiency 

By providing 24/7 monitoring and management of security systems, MSSPs can help organizations detect and respond to security incidents more quickly, reducing the time and effort required to manage security incidents. They can also help organizations improve their security posture by providing expertise, resources, and tools that can complement an organization's existing IT team, reducing the workload on IT teams and freeing up time for other critical tasks. 

Access to Specialized Skill Sets

MSSPs have security professionals who are trained and certified in various security technologies and tools, which can be expensive for organizations to acquire and maintain in-house. They can provide organizations with access to these specialized skill sets, without the need for organizations to invest in training and hiring their own security professionals. 

Rapid Incident Response 

MSSPs use advanced security tools, such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) platforms, to detect and analyze security events in real-time. They also have established incident response processes and procedures, which enable them to respond to security incidents quickly and efficiently.

Optimized Security Stack

MSSPs can leverage their expertise and experience to design and implement a comprehensive security solution that meets the specific needs of an organization. They typically use a multi-layered security approach that includes a combination of technologies, such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS), antivirus and anti-malware solutions, and endpoint protection.

Lower Total Cost of Ownership 

Building and maintaining a comprehensive security infrastructure can be expensive for organizations, requiring significant investments in hardware, software, and staffing. By partnering with MSSPs, organizations can benefit from cost-effective security solutions that are designed to meet their specific needs.

Increased Focus on Important Business Activities  

MSSPs allow organizations to offload the responsibility of managing and monitoring their security systems. By partnering with MSSPs, organizations can free up their internal resources to focus on their core business goals, rather than spending time and resources managing security systems.

Expert Tool Configuration & Management

MSSPs work closely with organizations to understand their specific security needs and design a comprehensive security solution that includes the most appropriate security tools and technologies.They can also provide ongoing management and monitoring of security tools, ensuring that they remain up-to-date and effective against the latest threats.

Access to Threat Intelligence

MSSPs can leverage their expertise and resources to collect, analyze, and disseminate information about the latest security threats and vulnerabilities. They can provide regular reports and updates on the latest security trends and emerging threats, which can help organizations stay ahead of the latest security risks.

Better Threat Hunting Capabilities

Threat hunting is the process of proactively searching for and identifying potential security threats and vulnerabilities that may have gone undetected by traditional security tools. MSSPs have dedicated security teams that are trained and experienced in threat hunting, and have access to advanced threat hunting tools and technologies. This includes advanced analytics and Machine Learning capabilities that can help to identify and analyze potential threats, as well as access to real-time threat intelligence feeds that can help to identify emerging threats.

SIEM & Log Management Insights

SIEM solutions provide real-time analysis of security alerts generated by network hardware and applications, while log management tools collect and analyze log data from network devices, servers, and applications. MSSPs can provide organizations with the expertise, technology, and resources needed to effectively manage and monitor their security infrastructure. 

Vulnerability Management 

Vulnerability management involves identifying, prioritizing, and remediating known vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to applications, systems, and data. MSSPs use a variety of tools and techniques to manage vulnerabilities, including vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and threat intelligence. These tools help identify vulnerabilities in an organization's network and applications, and provide insights into how these vulnerabilities can be exploited by attackers. 

Compliance & Risk Management 

MSSPs offer a range of services that help identify, assess, and manage risks to an organization's IT infrastructure. This includes providing regular risk assessments, vulnerability scanning, and compliance audits to ensure that companies are meeting industry-specific regulations and standards. They can also provide guidance on best practices for security and compliance, as well as help organizations develop and implement security policies and procedures.

Enhance Security & Optimize Efficiency with Guardian Digital Managed Email Security Services

Cyber security systems for business networkWe recognize that for the majority of businesses, especially small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), making the most of limited cybersecurity resources is a significant and persistent challenge. Your IT staff already faces great pressure, and supporting complex security technology is simply not in the cards.

Guardian Digital’s fully-managed email security solution, EnGarde Cloud Email Security, eliminates the guesswork and administration headaches frequently associated with email security, and offers all the key benefits associated with investing in managed security services discussed above. Our experienced security experts become a valuable extension of your company’s IT team, working with you to understand your security needs, identifying individuals within your organization who are most likely to be targeted in an attack, and closely monitoring them to watch for targeted threats. This results in enhanced security, increased productivity, and a rapid return on investment (ROI) for businesses.

Keep Reading About the Benefits of MSSPs for Businesses

MSSPs can be a vital asset to maintaining strong cybersecurity for businesses. They offload major amounts of work from in-house IT teams, and can more effectively provide consistent and advanced security infrastructure maintenance, rapid incident response, access to the most up-to-date security tools, along with many other benefits. Utilizing an MSSP can greatly improve not only a company’s work efficiency, but also its threat intelligence. 

Other FAQs