MSSPs differ from traditional Managed Service Providers (MSPs) that offer general network maintenance like Software as a Service. Instead, they focus solely on security services, digital assets, and infrastructure protection.
Data breaches can cost your business millions in fines, lost profits, and loss of reputation. A capable MSSP can help prevent these attacks from happening to your business.
Detection
MSSPs managed network security services have a broad catalog of security products they can resell, integrate with other devices, and provide technical support. They may also perform penetration tests and security audits. Some specialize in a specific type of security, such as firewalls or intrusion prevention systems. Others are pure resellers of third-party security devices or may act as value-added consultants, offering their products in addition to those of other vendors.
MSSPs typically operate a network operations center (NOC) with security analysts who deliver 24/7 customer monitoring and support. This allows them to identify threats and respond quickly, even when a customer’s internal team is unavailable or has fallen behind in handling the latest cyber risks.
The best way to determine whether an MSSP can meet your security needs is to ask about its experience and expertise. The most reputable security service providers are already long established in the cybersecurity business and a good number of them have hundreds of security experts at their disposal. They also stay abreast of all the innovative cybersecurity trends and techniques.
One of the key things to look out for in a managed network security service is in-depth and exclusive security measures of IT systems. This includes virus protection and a managed SOC that provides constant monitoring and all-around threat detection. The best MSSPs usually have global operations and are always keen on identifying how various threats affect their customers’ networks and ways of dealing with these threats.
Prevention
In addition to detecting and responding to threats, an MSSP can provide preventative services. This includes monitoring Software and application configurations for vulnerabilities. It can also help to ensure compliance with industry and government standards.
A good MSSP is capable of monitoring the entire organization’s attack surface. They swiftly identify vulnerable areas where cyber attacks can infiltrate security systems and recommend strategic solutions to limit these weaknesses. This can range from creating security policies, deploying Software and hardware protections, or implementing internal controls and procedures.
Another critical role of an MSSP is to keep up with the latest threat landscape. They can do this by continually monitoring and utilizing advanced analytics to detect attacks as they occur. They can also implement patch management solutions to eliminate vulnerabilities created by out-of-date applications.
Cyberattacks are increasingly a problem for businesses of all sizes. When these attacks happen, they can result in the loss of proprietary data and confidential customer information. They can expose an enterprise to legal hurdles, financial losses, and regulatory violations.
Identifying and evaluating an organization’s risk is the key to preventing cyber attacks. Recognizing that a cyberattack will harm a business’s finances and may put the company out of business entirely is crucial. To avoid this fate, it is critical to enlist the help of an MSSP.
Response
In addition to detecting breaches and cyberattacks, MSSPs offer ongoing threat intelligence. They monitor a company’s firewall to assess its strength and identify threats that might go unnoticed. Some even conduct automated penetration testing to detect potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the firewall.
MSSPs also monitor software applications and patch management to eliminate vulnerabilities resulting from out-of-date programs. This reduces the risk of security breaches, prevents unauthorized access, and ensures that systems are up to date. They may also assist with compliance management by providing tools like policy templates and assistance with security audits.
Whether you need a cybersecurity expert to fill in the gaps in your internal team or to replace it entirely, an MSSP can provide the expertise and resources you need. They have high-availability security operations centers that operate around the clock to deliver services designed to minimize your cybersecurity risk.
It’s important to distinguish between an MSSP and a Managed Detection and Response (MDR) vendor. A vendor that positions its cybersecurity expertise front and center in its marketing and promotes a cybersecurity-focused set of services is likely an MSSP. At the same time, one that appears to be more general in scope is most likely an MDR. The distinction is vital because MDRs offer more advanced managed network security services.
Recovery
Cybersecurity is a complex problem, and it’s unlikely that any organization has the resources to handle every facet of it in-house. Instead, businesses that seek to protect themselves from the potentially catastrophic fallout of a cyberattack can outsource some or all of their cybersecurity functions to a leading MSSP.
An MSSP’s duties can include a security assessment of the company’s digital assets and systems to identify gaps. Then, on-site consulting can help fill those gaps, resulting in a more secure system. This may involve installing new hardware and Software, including an advanced firewall or a virtual security appliance. The best MSSPs also offer 24/7 system monitoring because many modern business operations require around-the-clock protection of sensitive data.
In addition, experienced Managed Network Security Services can provide various other security services. These include threat intelligence sharing, malware protection and remediation, penetration testing, and database scanning. They can even assist in developing a security policy and recovery procedures.
An excellent cybersecurity strategy will not only reduce a company’s risk of a cyberattack, but it can lower insurance premiums and save the business money. It will also increase the confidence of customers, investors, and stakeholders. And, perhaps most importantly, it can minimize the damage that could result from a successful cyberattack or data breach.