A managed security service is a procedure that involves partnering with a third-party to oversee and control the cybersecurity systems of a business. It may include evaluating security policies, managing firewalls and intrusion detection, overseeing patch management, and carrying out regular assessments. It could also involve responding to incidents and threats and providing support when needed. It’s not the exact same as a security operations center (SOC) which is a department within an organization that monitors and responds in real-time to cyber incidents.
Using an MSSP could be more cost effective than hiring full-time security specialists for your company, especially for smaller businesses like locations that are distributed, medical or dental practices, attorneys and retailers who may not have the resources to hire an expert in cybersecurity. MSSPs also assist government agencies in consolidating security services, ensuring the requirements of compliance and reducing risks.
The most reliable managed service providers can shield you from sophisticated cyber-attacks. They do this by monitoring network activity, detecting anomalies and unauthorized behavior, and deploying multilayered threat intelligence. They can also assist your business in establishing or improving vulnerability management programs and offer a 24/7 monitoring service to analyze cyber alerts.
When choosing an MSSP, look at the cost of the service as well as the range of services they offer. Ask them about their client reviews, accreditations, and the number of employees they employ in-house. Also, think about if an you can try this out MSSP can gather and analyze data to identify advanced threats without prior knowledge of their behavior by making a baseline of user behavior and comparing any new actions against it.