Technology keeps your business running, but it also exposes you to ongoing cyber risks. For many business leaders, especially in small to mid-sized companies, these threats are a constant worry. Studies show nearly half of all cyber breaches impact businesses with fewer than 1,000 employees, proving that smaller organizations are prime targets.
That’s why so many business owners find themselves asking: what’s the real difference between MSP and MSSP, and which one is right for my business? The terms sound similar, but they represent two very different approaches to IT management and cybersecurity.
Both an MSP (Managed Service Provider) and an MSSP (Managed Security Service Provider) promise to take technology headaches off your plate, but they focus on different priorities. Making the wrong choice in the MSP vs MSSP decision could leave security gaps in your systems or have you paying for services you don’t truly need.
This guide will walk you through what MSPs and MSSPs do, highlight the key differences, and help you determine which option makes the most sense for your business today.
An MSP stands for Managed Service Provider. Think of them as your outsourced IT department. They handle the day-to-day technology needs that keep your business running.
Most MSPs work on a monthly subscription model. You pay a fixed fee, and they handle your IT headaches. This approach works well for businesses that don't have full-time IT staff or need to supplement their existing team with an outsourced IT service.
An MSSP stands for Managed Security Service Provider. These companies focus specifically on cybersecurity. They're the specialists who live and breathe security threats.
MSSPs employ security experts who stay current with the latest threats. They use specialized tools that most businesses can't afford to buy and maintain on their own.
The main difference comes down to scope and expertise. MSPs are generalists who handle all your IT needs. MSSPs are specialists who often focus only on security.
MSPs typically provide basic security as part of their broader services. They'll install antivirus software and maintain firewalls, but they're not security experts. Their strength lies in keeping your systems running smoothly.
MSSPs dive deep into security. They have dedicated security analysts, advanced monitoring tools, and specialized knowledge about the latest attack methods. They don't usually handle general IT tasks like printer setup or email configuration.
Many MSPs partner with MSSPs to provide comprehensive security services. This partnership gives you the best of both worlds - general IT support plus specialized security expertise.
Some businesses face higher security risks and stricter compliance requirements. These industries typically benefit more from a dedicated MSSP that offers IT compliance services:
Consider these factors when choosing an MSP or MSSP:
Many successful businesses use both an MSP and an MSSP. The MSP handles general IT needs while the MSSP focuses on security. This approach gives you comprehensive coverage without forcing one provider to handle tasks outside their expertise.
Many modern MSPs like CompassMSP offer both MSSP and MSP services. We recommend choosing an MSP that also offers MSSP services rather than working with two separate companies. This approach keeps everything under one umbrella and delivers tangible benefits.
When choosing a hybrid MSP and MSSP provider, make sure their security team has the same expertise and tools as a dedicated MSSP. Ask about their security certifications and whether they operate their own Security Operations Center.
Start by evaluating your current security posture. Do you have basic protections in place? Have you experienced security incidents? Are you meeting compliance requirements?
Small businesses with limited budgets might start with a well-rounded MSP that includes basic security services. As they grow or face increased threats, they can add MSSP services.
Mid-sized companies often benefit from the hybrid approach. They have enough complexity to need dedicated IT support and enough risk to justify specialized security services.
Remember that cybersecurity isn't optional anymore— a single cyber attack can cost over $1.24M; it's non-negotiable. Every business needs to follow minimum-security standards and to implement some level of protection. The question is whether you need a generalist or a specialist to provide that protection.
Both MSPs and MSSPs play important roles in modern business technology. MSPs keep your systems running efficiently, while MSSPs protect you from cyber threats.
Your choice depends on your industry, risk level, budget, and compliance requirements. Many businesses find that using both services provides the comprehensive support they need.
Don't wait until after a security incident to invest in proper protection. The cost of prevention is almost always less than the cost of recovery.
Q: Can an MSP provide the same security services as an MSSP?
A: Most MSPs provide basic security services like antivirus and firewall management. However, MSSPs have specialized security expertise, advanced monitoring tools, and dedicated security analysts that most MSPs don't offer. For comprehensive security, especially in high-risk industries, an MSSP provides better protection.
Q: How much do MSP and MSSP services typically cost?
A: MSP services usually range from $100 to $300 per user per month, depending on the services included. MSSP services typically cost between $2,000 to $10,000 per month for small to mid-sized businesses, depending on the level of monitoring and number of devices protected.
Q: Do I need both an MSP and an MSSP?
A: It depends on your business needs but we recommend finding a provider that can handle your IT support and cybersecurity together to ensure all of your data and systems are secure.
Q: How do I know if my current MSP provides adequate security?
A: Ask about their security certifications, monitoring capabilities, and response procedures. If they can't provide 24/7 security monitoring, incident response, or don't have certified security professionals on staff, you might need additional MSSP services.
Q: What should I look for when choosing an MSSP?
A: Look for certifications like CISSP, CISM, or industry-specific credentials. Ask about their Security Operations Center (SOC), response times, and experience with your industry's compliance requirements. Make sure they provide regular reporting and communication about security events.
Q: Can I switch from my current MSP to an MSSP?
A: You can, but remember that MSSPs typically don't provide general IT services. You might need to keep your MSP for general IT support and add an MSSP for security or find a provider that offers both services effectively.
Q: How quickly can an MSSP detect and respond to security threats?
A: Most MSSPs monitor systems 24/7 and can detect threats within minutes. Response times vary depending on the threat level, but critical threats should receive immediate attention. Ask potential providers about their specific response time commitments.
Q: Do small businesses really need MSSP services?
A: Small businesses are actually frequent targets of cyberattacks because criminals assume they have weaker security. However, budget constraints are real. Small businesses might start with a comprehensive MSP that includes security services and upgrade to dedicated MSSP services as they grow.