MSP vs. MSSP: What You Need to Know

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When it comes to IT support for businesses worldwide, the old break-fix model of IT support is now officially a thing of the past.

59% of all business-related IT services are now performed under a managed services model instead. And with numbers like that, it can only mean there is a clear and distinct monetary advantage to choosing a managed service provider (MSP) to handle your organization’s IT needs.

But, MSPs aren’t the only players in the game. Managed security service providers (MSSP) have also taken the business world by storm. 

Now the question is, as a business owner, how do you choose which type of managed IT service is right for you?

In this blog, we’re going to take a deep dive into both types of managed IT services. We’ll explain what each one is, what services they typically offer, and then directly compare the two so that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

What is an MSP: An MSP Definition

An MSP is a type of managed IT service that provides businesses with comprehensive IT support and services. 

MSPs will often have a team of IT professionals that are experts in different areas of IT support. This allows them to provide their clients with a well-rounded suite of services that can address most, if not all, of their IT needs.

What Services do MSPs Offer?

MSPs offer a wide variety of IT support and services, which is one of the reasons they have become so popular in recent years. 

Some of the most common services that MSPs offer include:

• Help Desk Support
• On-Site Support
• Data Backup & Disaster Recovery Services
• Managed Print Services
• Managing Cloud Computing & Storage Solutions

As you can see, MSPs can provide businesses with a comprehensive suite of IT services that cover everything from data backup to managed print services. 

This allows businesses to outsource their entire IT operation to an MSP, giving them peace of mind knowing that their IT needs are being taken care of by a team of experts.

What is an MSSP?: An MSSP Definition

For those inquiring into an MSSP’s meaning, an MSSP is a type of managed IT security service that provides businesses with comprehensive cyber security solutions. If you were to think of an MSSP as a highly specialized cyber security MSP, you wouldn’t be too far off the mark.

MSSPs will often have a team of IT security professionals that are experts in different areas of cyber security. They tend to conduct their day-to-day cybersecurity services from a dedicated security operations center (SOC), in order to better conduct advanced security functions like penetration testing and risk assessments.

This allows them to provide their clients with a well-rounded suite of security solutions that can address most, if not all, of their cyber security needs.

What Services do MSSPs Offer?

MSSPs offer a wide variety of IT security solutions and services, which is one of the reasons they have become so popular in recent years. 

Some of the most common services that MSSPs offer include:

• Full-Time Network Security Monitoring & Management
• Intrusion Detection & Prevention (AKA Security Breaches)
• Vulnerability Management
• Email & Website Security
• Data Encryption
• Malware Removal
• Firewall Configuration & Management
• Compliance Assistance

MSSPs can provide large and small  businesses alike with a comprehensive suite of IT security solutions that covers everything from data encryption to intrusion detection. 

MSSP vs. MSP: Comparing the Two Service Providers

Now that we’ve taken a look at what each type of service provider is and what they typically offer, let’s directly compare a managed service provider (MSP) and a managed security service provider (MSSP) side-by-side.

Here’s a quick rundown of the key differences between MSPs and MSSPs:

MSP vs. MSSP: Which One is Right for Your Business?

As you can see, there are more than a few key differences between MSPs and MSSPs. 

So, which type of managed IT service provider is right for your business? Ultimately, the decision of which one is right for your business depends on your specific needs and goals. 

If you’re looking for a comprehensive suite of IT services that covers everything from data backup to managed print services, then an MSP is likely the choice for you. 

However, if you’re primarily concerned with cyber security and you’re looking for a team of experts to handle your organization’s IT security needs, then an MSSP is the better option.

Getting More Help Deciding Between an MSP vs. MSSP

If you’re still not sure which option is right for you, we can help you make the right decision.

Here at CP Cyber we’re far more than a Managed Cybersecurity Provider. 

Our team of specialists come from a range of backgrounds, including the US Armed Forces, NSA and FBI, as well as Big 4 IT auditors and Federal Government contractors. Meaning that we have some of the most experienced and certified Ethical Hackers (CEH) and Certified Penetration Testers (CPT) around. 

To help identify your IT needs correctly, schedule a free consultation with us today and we’ll work with you to determine the best, and most cost-effective course of action for your company.

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