A Comprehensive Guide to Managed Security Services

As cyber threats grow more numerous and sophisticated, they’ve placed an excessive burden on IT departments. Managed security services have emerged as a way to better serve a company’s cybersecurity needs and fill key gaps. There are many types of managed security services each with its own benefits and best applications.

Let’s look at some of the more common types of managed security services to help you understand which might be the best for your organization.

Types of managed security services

Managed security services fall into the following six major categories:

1. MDR (Managed Detection and Response):

MDR focuses on detecting and responding to cybersecurity threats at the endpoint. Essentially, it’s EDR (Endpoint Detection and Monitoring) “as a service.” MDR typically includes continuous monitoring, threat hunting, incident response, and remediation support.

While MDRs market a focus on response, in most cases, they’re automated and add minimum value. If you choose this service, be sure to understand how much response and remediation are in fact being done by the provider.

2. MSP (Managed Service Provider):

An MSP is primarily an IT services partner, although many MSPs make cybersecurity services available as an add-on. However, even if you have an MSP working with your IT department; it’s an unfortunate fact that most MSPs are not equipped to handle many of your organization’s cybersecurity needs.

The rapidly evolving threat landscape, the increasing number of cyber threats, and the growing sophistication of hackers all require specialized expertise and resources that most MSPs typically don’t possess.

3. MSSP (Managed Security Service Provider):

MSSPs specialize in cybersecurity services, providing a wide range of advanced security solutions and expertise. MSSPs typically offer services such as threat intelligence, vulnerability management, security monitoring, incident response, security device management, and security consulting.

While MSSPs are an excellent choice for outsourcing cybersecurity, their offerings and their pricing can be confusing. What services does YOUR company actually need to stay cyber-safe? Many MSSPs offer only security monitoring, leaving customers inundated with alerts to which they have neither the expertise nor the tools to respond.

4. XDR (eXtended Detection and Response):

XDR is an emerging approach to managed security services that provides comprehensive threat detection and response capabilities across multiple security analysis and telemetry tools. You can think of XDR as an enhanced version of MDR — one that is designed to incorporate data and information from a variety of sources, which is helpful for more complex environments.

That said, XDR is typically a solution for larger organizations because the offering tends to require costly tools and extensive expertise. Additionally, what XDR provides is still very much threat-focused and lacks the capabilities to enhance your security overtime, such as awareness training or active directory assessments.

5. CoMIT (Co-Managed IT):

CoMIT services offer a blend between an MSP and your in-house IT team. It’s a collaborative approach to IT and security.

Such an option suffers from similar drawbacks to the MSP option and may result in a misalignment of goals between your IT team and the MSP because they’re essentially two different teams. This is a less desirable choice for a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.

6. Managed Security Program:

Unlike MDR services, which can rely too heavily on automated tools and lack the human touch needed for complex threats, a managed security program offers a comprehensive and specialized approach to cybersecurity.

Similar to a fitness program, a managed security program encompasses all aspects of staying cyber-safe and not just maintaining a set of tools.

How to choose the right managed service provider for your organization

It’s important to be thorough when looking for the right managed security service provider. You should consider the specific challenges your organization has. This might include a lack of staff, resources, or budget dedicated to cybersecurity.

Depending on your specific requirements, one of the above categories might be better suited to your needs than others.

Lack of resources

If you lack resources, such as staff or budget, you’re more likely to choose an MDR, MSSP, or managed security program. Each of these approaches accounts for reduced resources, and the ones that provide human support as well are often best for organizations that need more guidance.

Too many vendors, not enough time to manage

If your primary challenge is that you have too many vendors, MSSP, managed security program, and XDR options are likely the best choices as they focus on being a single point of contact for your cybersecurity needs. This is especially helpful if you’re short-staffed or your team is too small to handle multiple vendors. In those situations, a managed security program is a good selection because it brings in vendors and manages them for you.

Have some solutions and tools in place, but unsure what’s best

A managed security program would be best in this case because the provider supplies a true turnkey solution, providing everything you need. Ensure the provider also updates their offerings regularly so you can have a worry-free time ahead.

Why a managed security program might be best for your organization

A managed security program functions as a dedicated, outsourced department that takes care of all your cybersecurity needs. By unburdening you from these pressures, you’re able to focus on your business’s core operations.

In addition, a managed security program also offers several other benefits:

• It provides round-the-clock protection.
• It reduces costs.
• It offers improved detection and remediation.

A managed security program such as SolCyber’s enables faster response to incidents and ensures you’re well-equipped to handle any cybersecurity threats that may arise, without breaking the bank.

To learn more about SolCyber’s managed security program, contact us today.