Decoding IT and Cyber Security Services: MSP, MSSP, and MDR

Small and medium sized businesses rely heavily on third-party service providers to manage their IT and cyber security needs. The decision to outsource allows a small internal IT team to meet the diverse needs of their colleagues and stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.

Amidst a sea of IT and cyber security acronyms, MSP and MSSP are two that are often confused. To complicate matters further, MDR also frequently enters the conversation. While these terms may seem similar, they represent distinct services with unique roles in managing IT and security. Gaining a clear understanding of Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), and Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is essential for businesses looking to effectively protect their IT infrastructure and strengthen their overall cyber security strategy.

What is an MSP?

A Managed Service Provider (MSP) is primarily focused on managing and monitoring a business’s IT operations and infrastructure. MSPs offer a broad range of services that include network management, cloud services, remote work monitoring, help-desk support, and business process automation. Essentially, MSPs ensure that a company’s IT systems are running smoothly and efficiently, allowing the business to focus on its core operations.

MSPs are often seen as an extension of a company’s IT department. Their goal is to improve business efficiency, scalability, and system reliability. MSPs may offer some baseline security services such as system patching, email monitoring, and basic antivirus solutions, but their primary focus is on IT management rather than cyber security.

Recently, many MSPs have expanded their offerings to include cybersecurity services, leveraging their existing knowledge of your IT infrastructure. They are already a trusted partner, so why not ask them to secure your systems as well? This dual role—where your IT provider also manages your security—can introduce added complexities. When the same provider is responsible for both deploying and monitoring your systems, it can lead to challenges in maintaining objectivity and accountability. Essentially, they are being asked to “mark their own homework,” which may compromise the effectiveness of your security oversight.

What is an MSSP?

Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), on the other hand, are experts in cyber security. Operating out of a Security Operations Centre (SOC), MSSPs provide advanced security services designed to protect a company’s digital assets from cyber threats. Their offerings include 24/7 threat monitoring and detection, incident response, network security, endpoint security, security and awareness training, and more.

Unlike MSPs, MSSPs are dedicated to preventing breaches and mitigating risks across the entire IT environment. They play a critical role in ensuring compliance with industry standards, securing sensitive data, and responding swiftly to any threat alerts.

In essence, if an MSP is the general caretaker of your IT infrastructure, an MSSP is the vigilant security guard ensuring that your infrastructure remains secure against cyber threats.

What about MDR?

While Managed Detection and Response (MDR) sounds similar, it comes under the broader umbrella of the services that an MSSP typically offers. It is a specialised cyber security service that takes threat detection and response to the next level. MDR services combine advanced technology with human expertise to deliver continuous monitoring. While MDR is often delivered as a distinct service, it is an integral part of the comprehensive offerings provided by an MSSP.

Choosing the Right Service for Your Business

Selecting between an MSP, MSSP, and MDR service depends on your organisation’s specific needs. If your primary concern is managing IT infrastructure with some basic security, an MSP might be the right choice. However, if your organisation requires robust cyber security measures, partnering with an MSSP is essential. For businesses that need continuous, proactive threat detection and incident response, MDR offers the highest level of protection.

Ultimately, understanding the differences between these services enables organisations to make informed decisions about their IT and cyber security strategies, ensuring that their digital assets are both well-managed and well-protected.

What about MDR?

While Managed Detection and Response (MDR) sounds similar, it comes under the broader umbrella of the services that an MSSP typically offers. It is a specialised cyber security service that takes threat detection and response to the next level. MDR services combine advanced technology with human expertise to deliver continuous monitoring. While MDR is often delivered as a distinct service, it is an integral part of the comprehensive offerings provided by an MSSP.

Choosing the Right Service for Your Business

Selecting between an MSP, MSSP, and MDR service depends on your organisation’s specific needs. If your primary concern is managing IT infrastructure with some basic security, an MSP might be the right choice. However, if your organisation requires robust cyber security measures, partnering with an MSSP is essential. For businesses that need continuous, proactive threat detection and incident response, MDR offers the highest level of protection.

Ultimately, understanding the differences between these services enables organisations to make informed decisions about their IT and cyber security strategies, ensuring that their digital assets are both well-managed and well-protected.