A managed security service is a standardized approach that a third party takes to manage the cybersecurity needs of a business. This includes monitoring firewalls, managing firewalls and managing intrusion detection, implementing patch management, and upgrading, as well as performing assessments of vulnerabilities and penetration and responding to emergencies and providing reports. Managed security service providers are typically a cost-effective option for businesses that cannot afford to hire and support their own cybersecurity team or have in-house capabilities that are not sufficient.
A security-focused MSP is a service which focuses on cybersecurity while an IT service provider focuses on IT operations. MSSPs offer monitoring of information security and management throughout the day to help organizations detect and respond to cyberattacks. They typically utilize a high-availability security operation center and provide services such as managed firewalls that detect intrusions and virtual private network (VPN) management, endpoint threat detection and vulnerability scanning and response.
An MSSP must be able to provide tailored services based on an in-depth understanding of the company’s security objectives and its surroundings. Premium MSSPs provide monitoring 24/7, threat intelligence and analysis of data. This allows them to proactively detect threats and to eliminate crucial weaknesses.
A security-focused MSP should also have the capabilities to provide advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) and XDR solutions. XDR monitors a variety of sources of data, such as firewalls, intrusion detectors, anti-virus, next-generation firewalls and other devices for enterprises. It also offers central management and automation. The platform is able to detect unidentified attackers through multi-layered detection methods and gives access to the entire attack zone to identify and fix any weaknesses.