Comparing MSPs and MSSPs: Which Fits Your IT Strategy?
Depending on your business needs, this process can be costly and time-consuming.
Another approach is outsourcing IT management and working with third-party specialists. In this case, you’ll need to understand the different options available, including MSP vs MSSP services.
What is a Managed Service Provider (MSP)?
A Managed Service Provider (MSP) extends or replaces your in-house IT department. MSPs aim to provide efficient and reliable IT services, leveraging their expertise to deliver the best possible network for your business.
They enable modern business operations and services by:
- Making your data accessible to staff and customers
- Responding to and resolving technical issues as they arise
Outsourcing IT services to an MSP can be superior to hiring or developing the required skill sets in-house.
You’re effectively hiring a team of experts with significant experience in designing and delivering enterprise IT infrastructure across a variety of industries. MSPs can:
- Offer advice on architecture, technologies, and tools that suit your business needs
- Implement a customized network that supports your organizational goals
Examples of typical MSP services include:
- Managing IT infrastructure
- Help desk support and troubleshooting issues
- Integrating new technologies into the network
- Providing, maintaining, and updating enterprise software and services
- Overseeing data access
While some of these services relate to cybersecurity, such as software updates and data access, cybersecurity is not the main focus of MSPs. They provide only basic security capabilities.
For in-depth security services, you need a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP).
What Is an MSSP?
A Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) focuses on securing your IT infrastructure and ensuring compliance. The need for robust cybersecurity services continues to grow with the expansion of digital products, the shift to the cloud, and the rise of remote work.
This adoption increases your attack surface, giving cybercriminals more to target.
With additional entry points and network assets, they are more likely to uncover a vulnerability and gain unauthorized access. The consequences of falling victim to a cyber attack can be catastrophic due to:
- Danno reputazionale
- Customer losses
- Significant financial costs
Developing a strong security posture and adapting to evolving cyber threats is therefore critical. However, a shortage of cybersecurity talent complicates this task. A 2024 report by Check Point found that 76% of respondents stated there is a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals available.
Given these challenges, outsourcing cybersecurity to an MSSP is becoming a popular solution. With an MSSP, you have dedicated security experts:
- Implementing the latest protections
- Adapting to new threat landscape trends
Typical MSSP services include:
- Managing security postures
- Implementing security tools and technologies
- 24/7 network monitoring and alerts
- Testing scenarios to improve incident response
- Security training for staff
- Guaranteeing compliance
MSSPs are especially popular among regulated industries that must meet strict data privacy and security requirements. Organizations can define the compliance standards they need to follow and leave the technical implementation to their MSSP.
The Value of MSP and MSSP
An MSP simplifies IT management by outsourcing the complicated and repetitive work of delivering computing services to your organization. An MSSP removes the burden of protecting your network infrastructure and complying with regulations by delivering a range of cybersecurity services.
Both options can be beneficial for businesses without the necessary in-house IT or cybersecurity capabilities.
MSPs and MSSPs provide access to experienced professionals in technical fields at a predictable cost. They handle essential IT functionality, allowing you and your team to focus on:
- The business side
- Developing a great product
- Finding ways to scale without worrying about system interruptions
Unfortunately, the world of third-party IT management and cybersecurity services can be confusing. The terms MSP and MSSP are often used interchangeably, and there is some overlap in the services they provide. But, there are significant differences between MSPs and MSSPs that you need to understand to choose the best one
MSP vs. MSSP: 4 Key Differences
|
Managed Service Provider (MSP) |
Fornitore di servizi di sicurezza gestiti (MSSP) |
| Scope |
Offers broad IT management services. |
Exclusively offers cybersecurity services. |
| Goals |
Operate a reliable business network that improves efficiency and productivity. |
Deliver comprehensive protection while ensuring compliance. |
| Operazioni |
Network Operations Center (NOC). |
Security Operations Center (SOC). |
| Vantaggi |
Increased efficiency and scalability of IT operations at a lower cost. |
Cybersecurity protections that adapt to new cybersecurity trends and regulatory requirements. |
#1. Scope
While both are third-party solutions for outsourcing IT functionality, there are many MSP and MSSP differences, primarily in the scope of services provided.
- An MSP offers a general set of IT management services covering a wide range of functions, from help desk support to maintaining network infrastructure.
- An MSSP, by contrast, focuses solely on security, delivering comprehensive protection for your IT infrastructure.
While MSPs may provide some cybersecurity-related features, such as:
- Controlli di accesso
- Software patch management
They do not offer the same level of protection as an MSSP.
#2. Goals
An MSP acts as a full, outsourced IT department. Its goal is to seamlessly operate a reliable enterprise network based on your organization’s needs. This includes:
- Improving business efficiency and productivity
- Scaling capacity to match demand without impacting performance
An MSSP aims to:
- Reduce the risk of cyber threats
- Prevent breaches
- Ensure compliance
They achieve this by continuously monitoring infrastructure and tracking regulatory requirements.
#3. Operations
A vital difference between MSPs and MSSPs is how and where they operate.
- An MSP typically operates out of a Network Operations Center (NOC). Their operations are generally more reactive, triggered by specific incidents or customer requests.
- An MSSP operates from a Security Operations Center (SOC), delivering 24/7 network monitoring. Their approach is more proactive, constantly watching IT systems for potential threats.
#4. Benefits
MSPs typically aim to provide:
- Greater efficiency and scalability
- Lower overall IT management costs
- Capabilities that scale based on your demands without affecting performance
This enables your internal team to focus on more strategic tasks. The main advantage of an MSSP is the high-level protection it offers, aligned with:
- Compliance requirements
- The latest cybersecurity trends
You also benefit from 24/7 network monitoring for rapid incident response.
Elevate Your MSP & MSSP Experience with Check Point
Both MSP and MSSP outsource key functionality to experts in their field to enhance your operations with best-in-class solutions.
While an MSP can provide some basic security capabilities, the two products are typically not in competition with one another, and it is common for vendors to work together to deliver comprehensive IT management and cybersecurity services.
Relying on third-party service providers shouldn’t be framed as MSP vs. MSSP but rather as complementary solutions to different problems. For instance, Check Point provides a full set of security services covering every customer size and use case for managed service providers.
To learn more, see our Check Point MSSP Partner Program.
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