A managed security service is the process of contracting a third-party to oversee and manage a company’s cybersecurity systems. It can include assessing security policies, managing firewalls and intrusion detection, coordinating patch management, as well as performing regular reviews. It could also include providing support and response to incidents and threats. It should not be confused with security operations centers (SOC) which is an in-house team that responds to cyber-related incidents in real-time.
An MSSP is a less expensive option than hiring a full-time cybersecurity specialist for your company. This is especially relevant for smaller businesses, like dental or medical practices or lawyers. MSSPs can also help government entities consolidate security services, meet compliance requirements and limit risk.
The most trusted managed security service providers can safeguard your enterprise from complex and sophisticated cyber threats by monitoring network activity, identifying unauthorised behavior or anomalies, and deploying multi-layered threat intelligence. They can also help your company in creating or enhancing the vulnerability management program and offer a 24/7 monitoring service to examine cyber-related alerts.
When selecting an MSSP take a look at the cost of the service and the breadth of services they provide. Find out about their customer reviews and accreditations. Also, inquire about the number of employees they have. Also, consider if an MSSP can gather and analyze data to spot advanced threats with no prior knowledge of their behavior. This is done by creating a baseline of typical user behavior, and then matching new actions against it.