What is a Managed Security Service Provider?
A managed security service provider (MSSP) is a third-party group of cyber security experts who help a company's in-house IT department by remotely managing a customer's IT infrastructure on a daily basis. These groups are in charge of monitoring and administering business networks, devices, and systems and providing advice on the most recent technological advancements and trends. They keep networks safe through firewalls, antiviral inspections, intrusion detection, and vulnerability screening.
MSSPs want to develop ways to save money and identify risks in a cyber security network while retaining operational efficiency. MSSPs create tailored solutions that adapt to their customers' demands and objectives after evaluating systems.
In addition to providing additional intelligence, MSSPs free up time and reduce workload for in-house security teams, allowing firms to focus on programs and activities that support overall business objectives.
According to a recent industry projection, demand for managed security services will continue to rise. MSSPs are predicted to increase in value by 37.03 billion dollars by 2026. As the market for these professionals expands, it's critical to understand the services they offer and how they might help your business.
The Key Elements of a Managed Security Service Provider
Managed services are offered for practically every aspect of a business, including IT, payroll, labour management, human resources, and vendor management, to name a few. The amount of service supplied is frequently determined by the organization's demands; nonetheless, the fundamental categories within these services remain constant.
Let's look at the six major areas that make up the majority of managed security services.
1. Compliance Monitoring
Compliance monitoring is the practice of ensuring that a company follows data security rules and procedures. Compliance monitoring usually includes regular scans of your security devices and infrastructure by an MSSP. The MSSP will use the results of the scan to determine whether any adjustments to your security software or infrastructure are required. This includes retrieving, storing, and transmitting information safely and lawfully.
A company must generally demonstrate compliance with a range of laws and regulations that regulate electronic data storage and transmission in order to ensure compliance.
2. Perimeter Management of Client's Network Management
A perimeter is a notional line that divides an organization's internal assets from its public assets in the context of network security. If a single enterprise network is utilized for safety, the perimeter refers to the network's defences and defending it from external attacks.
The goal of a perimeter is to restrict access to sensitive data by limiting who and what can access the network. If you work as an MSSP for a large company, ensuring that the network perimeter and all devices are secure is an important part of your job.
3. Product Resale
Product resale is an income generator for MSSPs, not a managed service. An MSSP is a company that resells software, hardware, and services to its customers. An MSSP, for example, might have a catalogue of security devices, such as intrusion prevention systems and firewalls, from which its clients can select from several specialized services. The reseller may also provide technical assistance for the devices, conduct security penetration tests, and conduct security audits.
When major corporations controlled the market, each with their own security solutions, the MSSP paradigm evolved. Customers would then receive a bespoke security solution consisting of items from numerous manufacturers via resellers.
4. Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessments
Penetration testing and vulnerability assessments are techniques for evaluating an organization's security, particularly its information and technological assets. Penetration testing is a type of ethical hacking in which hackers attempt to break into computer systems to find weaknesses that they could exploit.
A penetration test is a group of trustworthy hackers trying to hack into a company's computers or networks using the same tools and techniques used by bad actors. This simulated attack provides useful information about the company's ability to protect itself in the event of a real attack. Pen testing is another name for penetration testing.
5. Consulting
An MSSP consultant comes in and does a thorough security evaluation of a company's network, finding potential and real-world vulnerabilities. MSSP on-site consulting includes the MSSP finding security flaws and assisting the firm in repairing them.
6. Managed Cyber Security Monitoring
Managing security monitoring is usually the first step when reacting to a security incident report. It entails monitoring security events such as user logins and authorization modifications daily and investigating system occurrences across the network.
What to Consider When Hiring an MSSP
It's critical to locate a managed security service provider who is well-versed in the security services your company demands.
Here are the five most important factors to consider when selecting an MSSP for your business:
- Services
- Security
- Expertise
- Staff
- Budget
It's tough to assess a security service provider because not every service provided by an MSSP is beneficial to a corporation. If a company has a small crew, mobile security may not be necessary. Examining each of these areas of evaluation to decide which is most relevant for a business is required while determining the correct MSSP for an environment.