No Cost, No Hassle with Managed Security Services (MSS)

Round-the-clock security coverage is a critical element of a robust cybersecurity strategy, especially as attackers increasingly target organizations during non-business hours, weekends, and holidays. These periods present prime opportunities for adversaries to exploit vulnerabilities and carry out successful cyberattacks.

Therefore, continuous monitoring and response capabilities are essential to promptly detect and mitigate security threats, regardless of the time or day.

However, finding skilled cybersecurity professionals and managing them internally is challenging. For this reason, managed security services (MSS) offer organizations access to skilled cybersecurity professionals without the associated costs or complexities of internal management.

MSS provides a cost-effective, hassle-free solution to meet cybersecurity needs.

What are Managed Security Services?

Managed Security Services (MSS) encompass all cybersecurity solutions and services provided by third-party vendors or managed security service providers (MSSPs). MSS offers organizations a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity management and defense, including a wide range of measures to detect vulnerabilities and stop threats before they reach the organization’s endpoints.

One reason why SMBs are targeted by criminals is their lack of in-house IT personnel to handle security functions or continuously monitor and manage their security environment.

Given the high costs of IT maintenance and the risk of insufficient security protection, many small businesses choose an easier path by partnering with a trusted Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP).

How to protect confidential data and effectively mitigate the risk of cyberattacks in a cost-efficient manner.

Benefits of MSS

Managed security services provide organizations with numerous important benefits, including:

Higher Quality Security Talent

MSSPs offer top-tier cybersecurity talent and specialized tools. Partnering with them grants access to immediate protection and enhances the cybersecurity skills of the organization's IT team over time.

Cost Effectiveness

Partnering with an MSP is cost-effective compared to maintaining an internal security team and tech stack. According to the Foushée Group's survey, the average compensation for a top security executive in 2022 was $489,966, making internal programs financially challenging. MSSPs offer a skilled team and full tech stack for a flat fee, distributing costs across clients.

Fully Managed Cybersecurity Services

The premise of MSS is that all cybersecurity services are fully managed by the MSSP. This allows internal IT teams, many of whom are not skilled in cybersecurity, to focus their efforts elsewhere in the business.

Help with Compliance

MSSPs prioritize compliance to attract and retain clients, sharing liability with them. Partnering with an MSSP helps organizations stay compliant with regulations like PCI, HIPAA, or GDPR by staying updated and ensuring adherence.

MSPs vs MSSPs

There are two main types of managed security services:

MSPs:

• MSPs primarily focus on IT management services, including infrastructure management and support.
• MSPs provide baseline cybersecurity services such as system and email monitoring, application patching, and technical support.

MSSPs:

• MSSPs specialize in cybersecurity services and operate out of a Security Operations Center (SOC).
• Their primary goal is to stop breaches, decrease risk, and ensure systems are up-to-date and compliant.
• MSSPs provide comprehensive and advanced cybersecurity services, including endpoint and network protection, threat detection and response, threat intelligence, threat hunting, and security awareness training.

Key Components of Managed Security Services

Managed security services encompass various components that work together to provide comprehensive protection. These components include:

Continuous Monitoring and Threat Detection:

• Continuous monitoring of networks, systems, and endpoints to detect and respond to security incidents in real-time.

Vulnerability Management:

• Regular scanning and assessment of systems and applications to identify and remediate vulnerabilities. Patch management and software updates to ensure systems are protected against known vulnerabilities.

Security Operations Center (SOC):

• A centralized facility where cybersecurity experts oversee and monitor clients' security. SOC teams use a combination of tools, technologies, and protocols to proactively monitor and respond to security incidents

What Kinds of Services Do MSSPs Offer?

MSSPs offer a wide range of services to help organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture. Some of the typical services provided by MSSPs include:

1. Endpoint Security

Protection of endpoints (devices) from malware, ransomware, and other threats.Endpoint detection and response (EDR) to identify and respond to suspicious activities.

2. Network Security

Protection of endpoints (devices) from malware, ransomware, and other threats. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) to identify and respond to suspicious activities.

3. Intrusion Management

Continuous monitoring of networks for possible cyberattacks. MSSPs leverage intrusion detection and intrusion prevention systems to detect and block anomalous network traffic that may be potentially malicious.

4. Security Technology Management

MSSPs handle the daily management of advanced threat defense technologies, unified threat management, security gateways, firewalls, VPNs, and more.

What Are the Typical Security Technologies Managed and Deployed by MSSPs?

Typical MSSP technology offerings may include deploying, configuring, and managing the following technologies:

• Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
• Identity Access Management (IAM)
• Vulnerability Scanning
• Antivirus (AV)
• Anti-spam
• Firewalls (UTMs, NGFWs, etc.)
• VPN
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
• Threat Intelligence

Best Practices for Selecting a Managed Security Service Provider

When selecting an MSSP, it is crucial to consider the following best practices:

Assess Your Security Needs:

• Assess Your Security Needs: Identify your organization's specific security requirements and compliance obligations.
• Evaluate Expertise and Experience: Look for MSSPs with a proven track record and experience in your industry.
• Review Service Offerings: Ensure the MSSP offers a comprehensive range of services that align with your needs.
• Consider Scalability and Flexibility: Choose an MSSP that can scale its services as your business grows and adapts to new threats.

About the author

Paratus is a reliable and experienced cybersecurity provider, headquartered in UAE, with presence in Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa and Kenya.

Paratus Marketing Team

Cybersecurity