Managed security services (MSS) are a service model or capability provided by cybersecurity service providers to monitor and manage security devices, systems, and even software as a service (SaaS) applications. These services are designed to help businesses protect their data and systems from cyber threats, while also allowing them to focus on their core business functions. Third-party vendors offer managed security services for the monitoring and administration of a company's security processes, ranging from assessment and consulting to implementation and managed services. The increasing complexity of cybersecurity and the continuing shortage of cybertalent, as well as the associated recruitment and retention problems, have led to a greater demand for managed services.
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and businesses often lack the resources or bandwidth to hire and train expert in-house staff, making managed security services an attractive option. Managed security service providers (MSSPs) provide services internally or remotely, typically through the cloud. MSSPs offer a wide range of security services, from configuring infrastructure to managing security or responding to incidents. Some managed security service providers specialize in certain areas, while others offer the full outsourcing of a company's information security program.
The main benefit of managed security services is the security expertise and the additional staff they provide. MSSPs can help design, create and operate a comprehensive vulnerability management program, perform high-volume security tests and monitor changes over time. They can also provide solutions that are tailored to the business context and risk offered with extensive experience in security operations, which integrates solutions into multiple security operations platforms. Before evaluating MSSPs, IT and security teams should carefully plan what functions will be outsourced and then meet with business unit leaders and management to determine the budget and processes that will be required for the partnership.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) created the report Risk Considerations for Managed Service Providers to help companies strategically select the right partner. There is currently a wide range of managed security services and MSSP on the market, so it's important to identify the needs of your organization and hire the best MSSP to address them.In other cases, organizations will hire managed security service providers to perform security audits or respond to and investigate incidents. And for those with the means, a substantial cybersecurity skills gap can complicate things even more. As MSPs expanded their offerings, expectations also increased.
A study by Apps Associates revealed that IT decision makers expected that a partnership between MSPs would help IT departments protect the company, allow them to focus on critical corporate initiatives, help with a successful cloud migration, and improve the morale and retention of the internal team.Cyber attacks, such as ransomware aimed at SMEs, continue to increase, in part because malicious actors realize that these organizations do not have the means or manpower for security teams. However, even companies with fully staffed teams can struggle to implement complex endpoint detection and response solutions, leaving security capabilities unoptimized. And then there's the issue of false positives, which waste valuable time for internal teams, which are already overloaded.The number of cyber threats is increasing and, as a result, it is crucial that companies prioritize IT security. MSPs generally manage management services on a daily basis so that customers can focus on their core business functions without worrying about interruptions or system downtime.Today, MSSPs offer a wide range of security services, from fully outsourcing security programs to specialized services that focus on a specific component of business security (such as threat monitoring, data protection, management of network security tools, regulatory compliance or incident response, and forensic analysis).
MSPs are becoming more common: 38% of companies use MSPs to manage more than half of their IT needs, a notable increase of 25% over the previous year. Common services include managed firewall, intrusion detection, virtual private network, vulnerability analysis, and anti-viral services.Third-party risk management services focus on highly repeatable, multi-year third-party risk management and provide a holistic view of risk assessment needs with a consistent, efficient and cost-effective delivery of these services.In conclusion, managed security services are an invaluable tool for businesses looking to protect their data from cyber threats while also allowing them to focus on their core business functions. With an increasing number of cyber threats on the rise it is essential that companies prioritize IT security by utilizing managed service providers who specialize in providing comprehensive solutions tailored to their specific needs.
