MSPs and MSSPs are both types of managed service providers, but they offer different services. MSPs provide general managed services, while MSSPs focus on security services.

MSPs provide a range of services to their clients, from basic IT support to complete outsourced IT management. MSSPs specialize in providing security-related services such as managed firewall services, intrusion detection, and prevention systems (IDS/IPS). Also, anti-virus and anti-malware protection.

When you buy managed IT services, it’s important to make the right decision. It includes the level of service and type of organization that will meet your needs. 

 

What does it means by Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP)?

MSSPs are organizations that specialize only in security solutions and services. This includes everything from vulnerability assessment and risk mitigation to incident response and forensics.

An MSSP’s core expertise is providing security services like monitoring, assessment, and response. They are not typically involved in the day-to-day management of your infrastructure or applications.

MSSPs are security experts that offer highly specialized services to optimize security operations. And with ‘best of breed’ technologies backed by expert-level support staff. For example, MSSPs will help you integrate email encryption, vulnerability scanning, and automated risk mitigation into your security operations. 

 

What do you mean by a Managed Service Provider (MSP)?

The term managed services provider (MSP) applies to any organization that offers managed services of any type. MSPs offer guidance on how to be better stewards of technology investments. This can mean managing your IT service infrastructure, applications, and business processes.

MSPs will have a mix of technology experts. It will range from network engineers to system administrators to software developers.

MSPs may also manage all the following so you can focus on your business.:

  • Applications Servers
  • Networks Storage
  • Unified Communications
  • Business Continuity
  • Provide remote monitoring & management services 

 

Difference between a Managed Security Service Provider vs. Network Security Service Provider

A Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) offers you security services like monitoring, assessment, and response to optimize security operations. Also, with ‘best of breed’ technologies backed by expert level support staff. A Network Security Service Provider provides network traffic, network security, and intrusion detection services.  

 

Difference between a Managed Security Service Provider vs. Managed Service Provider

  • MSSPs are certified and accredited IT service providers, whereas MSPs are general technology experts who may also have some security experts.
  • MSSPs are experts in providing security solutions and services, whereas MSPs manage all aspects of technology, including security.
  • MSSPs offer threat intelligence and incident response expertise to help clients proactively maintain security, whereas MSPs do not typically have this type of expertise.
  • MSSPs manage a broad range of security functions for clients like detection, reporting, and mitigation. However, they are not responsible for managing your infrastructure or applications.
  • MSSPs can provide uninterruptible 24/7 services that enable businesses to improve their ability to detect, respond and recover, whereas MSPs cannot typically offer this service.
  • MSPs can be less expensive than MSSPs because they offer a broader range of services, including application support, disaster recovery, business continuity, and more.

On the other hand, MSSPs are typically more expensive than MSPs because they have more specialized expertise in areas like threat intelligence and incident response.

While MSPs can provide some cyber security solutions, MSSPs are the best option for businesses that are looking for a comprehensive and expert security solution. For businesses that are looking for a general technology expert with some security expertise, MSPs may be a better option.

 

Advantages of MSP

  • MSPs can provide you with a wide range of services that go beyond security.
  • MSPs can help you make better use of your technology investments.

 

Advantages of MSSP 

  • MSSPs are certified and accredited to provide security services.
  • MSSPs are experts in protecting your environment, not merely managing it.
  • MSSPs offer threat intelligence and incident response expertise that enable them to help clients proactively maintain security.

 

Advantages of MSP over MSSP

  • You can get a broader range of technology services from an MSP, including application support, disaster recovery, business continuity, and more.
  • An MSP may be less expensive than an MSSP because they offer a broader range of services (although you will pay for the expertise)

 

Advantages of MSSP over MSP

  • A security-focused team can help proactively maintain security
  • More specialized expertise in areas like threat intelligence and incident response
  • Provides uninterruptible 24/7 services that can help businesses improve their ability to detect, respond and recover 

Bottom Line 

Both MSPs and MSSPs are reputable companies that commit to protecting your businesses from security threats. There are many resemblances between the two in that they both provide a valuable service in an effort to protect businesses. Yet, MSSPs have more expertise when it comes to managing IT service security. And also have the ability to maintain the security of their clients proactively.