Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP): what is and how it can improve SMEs cybersecurity
What is a Managed Secuerity Service Provider?
A Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) is a cybersecurity service provider that offers companies outsourced managed services for monitoring and protecting IT and OT infrastructures.
These services can include Threat Intelligence, proactive maintenance of IT systems, technical support, complete cybersecurity management, and strategic planning, all aimed at shielding businesses from cyberattacks.
MSSPs typically operate through 24/7 high-availability Security Operations Centers (SOCs), meaning they can continuously protect your systems without interruption.
Why an MSSP is important for small and medium-sized enterprises
Partnering with an MSSP is a strategic move for SMEs that may lack the internal resources, technologies, or processes needed to handle cybersecurity on their own. With an MSSP, companies gain access to specialized expertise to protect their operations without overwhelming investments.
This kind of partnership allows SMEs to focus on their core business with peace of mind, knowing their digital assets are continuously safeguarded by a qualified team of experts.
In today’s digital landscape, cyber threats are increasing in both frequency and sophistication, especially as IT and OT systems converge. An MSSP helps businesses stay ahead of these evolving risks.
What an MSSP typically offers
An MSSP delivers a range of services to manage and monitor the security of an organization’s digital infrastructure. These often include:
Endpoint Protection: safeguarding laptops, desktops, and mobile devices from threats.
Incident Response: quickly responding to breaches to mitigate impact and restore operations.
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): centralizing and analyzing security data so you get real-time visibility into your security posture.
Vulnerability Scanning: periodically checking for weaknesses in your systems and initiating defense measures.
Key benefits of an MSSP
- Access to specialized experience: an MSSP consists of a team of experienced and certified professionals in the field of IT. These experts have specific skills and in-depth knowledge of best practices and the latest technologies. You will benefit from their experience without having to hire an expensive team internally.
- Cost reduction: for many SMEs, hiring and maintaining an internal IT team can be a significant financial burden. With an MSSP, you’ll only pay for the services you actually need, without having to face additional costs like salaries, training, equipment, and software licenses. This allows you to reduce operating costs and allocate financial resources more efficiently.
- Improving cybersecurity: cybersecurity has become a critical priority for all businesses. An MSSP will implement advanced security solutions to protect your network, sensitive data and computer systems from external and internal threats. It will constantly monitor your IT infrastructure, detecting and mitigating potential vulnerabilities, ensuring regulatory compliance and reducing the risk of security breaches.
- Quick technical support: with an MSSP, you will have access to professional and timely technical support. Any problem or disruption of service will be promptly addressed by your dedicated support team. This allows you to minimize downtime and keep your business operations smooth and productive.
- Scalability and flexibility: a MSSP can adapt to your evolving business needs. As your business grows, MSSP can provide additional services, expand your IT infrastructure, and ensure your resources are adequate for your needs. At the same time, when you need to resize your operations, you can easily reduce the services or resources provided by the MSSP.
How to Choose the Right MSSP for Your Small Business
Here are a few tips to help you make an informed choice:
Understand what you actually need: Identify the assets you need to protect (networks, servers, endpoints, cloud environments) and whether you have internal IT support.
Check experience and references: Choose a provider with proven expertise in cybersecurity, not just a general IT vendor.
Look for recognized certifications: Standards like ISO/IEC 27001, SOC 2, and Cyber Essentials Plus show that the provider follows structured, professional practices.
Review services and customization options: Make sure they can monitor 24/7, manage endpoints, firewalls, SIEM, incident response, and tailor services to your needs.
Clarify SLAs and response times: Service Level Agreements should clearly define how and when incidents are handled.
Ensure transparency: Good communication about incidents and reports is essential for trust with an external provider.
Think long-term: Pick an MSSP that can scale with your business and adapt to future technological or regulatory changes.
Managed Security Services from CyberTrust 365
CyberTrust 365 offers a suite of modular, scalable managed security services designed to protect SMEs from evolving cyber threats. Their services are based on robust SIEM & SOAR technology and include monitoring, automated incident response, vulnerability assessment, external attack surface scanning, and Dark Web monitoring.
Their SOC service provides 24/7 cybersecurity monitoring and threat response, acting as an extension of your internal team to detect, investigate, and neutralize threats in real time.