What Is An MSSP? An Expert Guide

Are you and your businesses looking for a way to stay safe online? Have you heard about Managed Security Service Providers but don’t know what they are how one could protect your business data? If so, this article is here to answer all your questions!

MSSP stands for Managed Security Service Provider, providing security services such as monitoring, risk assessments, patch management, and more. The goal of an cyber security provider is to provide organisations with the assurance that their information systems are secure at all times.

With the right provider in place, companies can rest assured that their data will remain protected from malicious attacks.

Speaking of malicious attacks, did you know that according to recent research, an average data breach can cost you USD$3.86 million? Sounds terrible, right? However, you can avoid that by considering MSSPs, and this guide will cover everything you need to know to get started.

Managed Security Service providers provide a complete outsourced security solution for businesses.  A great MSSP will provide security monitoring, disaster recovery and incident response for an organisations networks, cloud based infrastructure and endpoints.

In addition to understanding what an cyber security provider does, it is important to understand what circumstances you may use one for.  Outsourcing your cyber security monitoring and protection involves outsourcing the management and monitoring of your security systems and devices.  With all critical technology systems in the hands of an outsourced cyber security provider, your IT teams will have more time to engage in other projects aligned to meeting your business objectives.

Common Services include:

1. Managed firewalls
2. Intrusion detection
3. Virtual private network (VPN)
4. Vulnerability scanning
5. Antiviral services

MSSP’s and MSPs are both third party organisations that provide technology services to other businesses.    However, these two types of service providers differ in their focus.  An MSP like Kaine Mathrick Tech is a third party organisation that manages general network and IT support, and services such as cloud migrations, unified communications and more.   In contrast an MSSP is focused solely on cyber security services.

Kaine Mathrick Tech made the decision in late 2022 to become not only an MSP, but a qualified Managed Security Service Provider and subsequently introduced their market leading Cyber-First Managed Service offering.  The first in the Australian market at the time.

Probably the most distinct difference between an MSP and MSSP is their operations centre.  A Managed Security Service Provider operates a SOC security operations centre which provides their clients with 24*7 security monitoring and incident response.  MSP’s operate a network operations centre (NOC) which monitors and manages client networks.  It is important to understand the difference and also ask your provider to clarify that they will help you mitigate and respond to an attack, not just advise if one occurs.

If you have any questions on how Kaine Mathrick Tech can help, please reach out.

The use of an Cyber Security Provider can bring many benefits to a business, such as:

An improved cybersecurity posture begins with an understanding of the current security landscape. Organisations should assess their risk profile and identify potential threats or vulnerabilities that malicious actors could exploit.

By identifying weaknesses, organisations can take steps to strengthen their defences, such as patching systems regularly and utilising complex passwords for accounts. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) will also help secure user accounts against unauthorised access.

Organisations should also consider implementing a robust cyber awareness program to educate employees on best practices when handling sensitive data and responding to security incidents. It will improve team member knowledge and reduce the chance of human error leading to unnecessary risks.

With proactive threat management, organisations and businesses can dramatically increase their security posture and reduce the risk of security breaches.

Being proactive in cyber threat management is integral to any IT security plan. It involves using various tools to detect, prevent and mitigate threats to your network before they can cause harm. Here are some typical steps for proactive threat management:

• Establish a baseline: You must know what regular activity looks like to spot malicious behaviour.
• Monitor activities: Regularly monitor log files and other data sources for suspicious activity or unusual patterns that could indicate a breach.
• Implement safeguards: Use appropriate technologies such as firewalls, antivirus software, intrusion detection systems (IDS), etc., to protect against known vulnerabilities and potential attacks.
• Engage in ongoing education: It’s essential to keep everyone on staff up-to-date with the latest security best practices and procedures so they can recognise potential risks quickly and take action

Organisations can employ these strategies to ensure their systems remain secure while reducing the risk of undetected threats infiltrating their networks. Moving forward, you’ll determine its cost-effectiveness when incorporating proactive threat management into an organisation’s cyber security plan.

Providers offer comprehensive packages at competitive prices compared to other options like hiring internal IT staff or buying software licenses outright. Furthermore, since many providers bundle services together, businesses often save money in the long run due to not having to purchase multiple products separately.

Ultimately, choosing an Cyber Security Provider can save time and money while providing high-quality security measures that help protect against cyber threats.

As you read this, you’re probably itching to reach out to some MSSP companies and take advantage of their expertise to help your business grow, but you must know how to choose the right MSSP for your business.

Choosing the right MSSP is critical for any organisation that wants to secure its IT infrastructure and data. There are several factors to consider listed below to aid you in selecting a suitable MSSP for you and your team:

• They can provide testimonials

First and foremost, you should look at the provider’s experience and track record regarding security expertise and implementation.

• They are up-to-date with their technology stacks and services

It is also essential to evaluate the robustness of their technology stack and the scope of services they offer.

• They have certifications and training clearances

It would be best to inquire about what training or certification programs are available for employees needing additional guidance on cybersecurity best practices. It will help ensure that your organisation has access to experts with up-to-date knowledge when required.

• They can provide a clear incident response process

Ask how long they can investigate an issue and implement a solution. Understanding their capabilities when responding to threats or breaches is essential.

• They offer reports on cyber-risk management activities

Determine whether or not the provider offers to report on cyber-risk management activities that could help your organisation identify areas where it may be vulnerable. Ensure these reports include actionable insights to understand how to reduce risk within your environment.

With these considerations in mind, organisations and small businesses can make informed decisions while selecting an MSSP that meets their needs.

An MSSP can be a great asset to any business. It offers improved cybersecurity posture and cloud security management, both essential in our increasingly digital world. Additionally, the right provider can significantly reduce the risk of cyber threats and ensure your data remains safe.

When selecting an provider, some key factors must be considered before deciding. Ensure you know their services and ask questions about their expertise and experience. You should also understand if they have access to enough resources to provide 24/7 support.

Overall, having an cyber security provider on board is worth the investment for businesses that want to stay ahead regarding cybersecurity protection. With proper research and due diligence, you’ll be able to find the perfect fit for your company’s needs. If you need immediate assistance with your cybersecurity, you can leave it to the managed security services experts at KM Tech.