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EDR / MDRIdentify, contain, respond, and stop malicious activity on endpoints
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SIEMCentralize threat visibility and analysis, backed by cutting-edge threat intelligence
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Risk Assessment & Vulnerability ManagementIdentify unknown cyber risks and routinely scan for vulnerabilities
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Identity ManagementSecure and streamline client access to devices and applications with strong authentication and SSO
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Cloud App SecurityMonitor and manage security risk for SaaS apps
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SASEZero trust secure access for users, locations, and devices
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SOC ServicesProvide 24/7 threat monitoring and response backed by ConnectWise SOC experts
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Policy ManagementCreate, deploy, and manage client security policies and profiles
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Incident Response ServiceOn-tap cyber experts to address critical security incidents
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Cybersecurity GlossaryGuide to the most common, important terms in the industry
Managed Security Service Provider Definition
What is a managed security service provider (MSSP)?
A managed security service provider (MSSP) is a business that supplies security services, software, and/or expertise to other organizations.
The role of the MSSP can include a wide array of cybersecurity monitoring and management services, such as virus, malware and ransomware detection, general network management, and making customizations or upgrades to the organization’s security information and event management (SIEM) platform.
Relying on an MSSP for full-scale cybersecurity management allows organizations to maintain high levels of security without accepting the large overhead costs of an in-house team. They operate through a security operations center (SOC) to provide superior cybersecurity expertise and 24/7 access and monitoring.
Roles of the MSSP
Each MSSP can provide different areas of expertise and select different tools and software to utilize. Regardless, the MSSP will establish an information security program unique to their area of expertise. The typical approach will include:
- Identifying a suitable framework that will serve as the basis for the organization’s cybersecurity program
- Establishing a security measurement process
- Performing a risk assessment to add context for the compliance framework
- Identifying risk gaps across the organization and establishing priorities for addressing their findings
- Implementing or enhancing an employee training and education program, if one does not already exist
This approach will reveal the critical projects needed to secure an organization's network while also helping both teams look ahead to the upcoming priorities and help the MSSP identify proactive opportunities to improve the organization’s security posture.
The difference between an MSSP and an MSP
Modern MSPs typically offer services like IT system maintenance, implementation, and deployment. Many modern MSPs are increasing the value they provide by including foundational cybersecurity offerings, but their scope or focus is much narrower than that of an MSSP. These modern MSPs are often referred to as MSP+Security or simply MSP+.
Organizations can work with both an MSP and MSSP to address needs across their IT and security teams. Smaller organizations may also turn to an MSP+ to gain the performance and administration capacities of an MSP with a slightly greater level of security.
While the MSSP operates through an SOC, the MSP operates through a network operations center (NOC.) The SOC structure results in MSSPs focusing solely on security processes and software, allowing them to staff their teams with a high level of cybersecurity expertise.
Narrowing the cybersecurity skills gap to build your MSSP
The increased interest in cybersecurity expertise is relevant both to the MSPs own business and to better serving their customers. However, the growing skills gap in the cybersecurity industry presents a challenge for those looking to ramp up their practice.
Of MSPs that we’ve surveyed, 95% feel that cybersecurity certifications are important to their business. However, a shocking 67% are not confident that they can defend against a cyberattack today.
While an MSP can’t reach MSSP status by simply broadening their security offerings or adding new software to their suite, they can enhance their capabilities to better meet the current security demand.
MSPs can level up their cybersecurity expertise by introducing a governance, risk management or incident management program. Additionally, MSPs can help their customers define their security architecture within the processes they manage.
Did you know?
The MSSP market is projected to grow from USD 31.6 billion in 2020 to USD 46.4 billion by 2025, compound annual growth rate of 8%.
Additional resources

Take your Cybersecurity practice to the next level
Cybersecurity presents the greatest opportunity for your MSP to grow, and the greatest challenge to your long-term success, and that of your clients. Learn what you need to think about when launching, building or growing your cybersecurity practice.

Building Your Cybersecurity Practice Kit
Even before the pandemic hit, there’s been elevated pressure on MSPs to think beyond prevention measures and deliver a new standard of cybersecurity protection. ConnectWise has the tools and resources to help you establish a cybersecurity solution you can deliver with confidence—based on best practices throughout the industry.

IT Roundtable discussion on cybersecurity
By 2021, cybercrimes will cost an estimated $6 trillion annually around the world. To make it worse, cybercriminals have discovered an easy way to cash in and access multiple small businesses at once: attack MSPs. With the keys to several small businesses, have you done everything you can to ensure they don’t fall into the wrong hands?

ConnectWise Cybersecurity Starter Kit
Want to get started selling cybersecurity? We’ve put together a kit to help. Download the kit today for helpful resources that will transform your business from an MSP to an MSP+ model, including educational information for your SMB customers, templates, and more.

Selling Cybersecurity for the MS(S)P
Not long ago, managed services was a whole different ballgame. See how it’s evolved and the motivating factors behind the push for MSPs to scale their security offering.

IT Nation Certify cybersecurity training
Become your client’s go-to security expert by joining thousands of MSPs worldwide in obtaining MSP-specific cybersecurity training to protect your own practice, gain confidence in your ability to provide cybersecurity services to your clients, and drive security sales growth.