Businesses are under constant attack from cybercriminals, and the threat of a data breach is always looming. If you don’t have the time or resources to build and manage your own in-house Security Operations Center (SOC), you need to find a managed security service provider (MSSP), also known as a cybersecurity managed services provider. MSSPs manage and maintain your IT security so you can focus on your core business.
This article will review the top managed security service providers in 2022, to help you select the best option for your business.
- Switchfast Technologies (Ascend Technologies)
- Sentinel IPS Managed Network Security Services
- Cybriant
- Cisco Security Services
- OneNeck IT Solutions
- What is a Managed Security Service Provider?
- Why Use a Managed Security Service Provider?
- How to Evaluate a Managed Security Service Provider?
- Conclusion: Choosing a Managed Security Services Provider
Top Managed Security Service Providers
Let’s review some of the top managed security service providers and see what they offer.
Switchfast Technologies (Ascend Technologies)
Switchfast Technologies has been a leading US Managed Services Provider (MSP) for over 20 years. The company has enjoyed one of the highest client satisfaction rates and provides a full suite of MSP services that include managed security services.
In May 2021, the company was acquired by Ascend Technologies, itself a product of a merger between West Monroe Managed Services and Gratia, Inc. Prior to that, Ascend had merged with Infogressive, a leading cybersecurity solutions provider. Also, in 2021, Doextra CRM Solutions joined Ascend. These mergers and acquisitions have made Ascend Technologies one of the leading MSSPs in the US.
Key Services
- Perimeter Security: Ascend’s managed security services include a managed firewall that provides perimeter security. The company also offers managed intrusion detection and prevention (IDP), advanced threat protection (ATP), web application firewall (WAF), and other managed security services.
- Email Security: The company’s email security solution uses a multi-layered approach to protect against phishing, malware, and other email-borne threats. The managed service includes managed spam filtering, email encryption, and advanced threat protection.
- Vulnerability Management: Its vulnerability management services help you identify, prioritize, and remediate vulnerabilities in your environment. The company uses a combination of automated and manual processes to ensure that all vulnerabilities are addressed promptly.
- Endpoint Security: Ascend’s managed endpoint security service protects laptops, desktops, servers, and mobile devices. The service includes managed antivirus, antispyware, and host-based intrusion detection and prevention (HIDS/HIPS).
- Managed Detection and Response: The company’s managed detection and response (MDR) service provides 24/x365 monitoring and response to threats. The service includes managed security event and incident management (SEIM), managed threat hunting, and advanced threat detection.
Strengths
- Proven track record in the cybersecurity and MSSP space.
- A large team of certified security engineers.
- 24/7 customer support.
- Free initial consultation.
- Offers other managed services such as managed cloud, backup-as-a-service, and Salesforce solutions.
- A free cybersecurity content library includes case studies, datasheets, ebooks, podcasts, webinars, demos, and whitepapers.
Pricing
Pricing is available upon request. Prospective customers can sign-up for a free 20-minute consultation on the website.
Sentinel IPS Managed Network Security Services
With Network Cloaking, Sentinel Outpost extends network security at the edge with malware scanning, exploitation attempts, and other threats before they reach the firewall. Internal Intelligence from Sentinel lets you see throughout the network and detect any vulnerabilities. Hybrid managed detection and response (MDR) deflects inbound attacks, finds internal flaws and infected devices, and is continuously watched by autonomous systems.
Sentinel IPS has been in the cyber security business since the dawn of the Internet in 1995, making it one of the oldest managed security service providers. The company also spearheads the Collective Intelligence Network Security (The CINS Army) initiative, a collaborative effort of like-minded network security pros, customers, and other interested parties to gather and share cyber security threats and deflect attacks.
Key Services
- Network Cloaking: The network’s unique approach to stopping harmful traffic at the perimeter hides the network from attackers. Network Cloaking and the company’s autonomous security are faster and more efficient than firewall configurations that keep out the same danger, so you save time and bandwidth on your network.
- Sentinel Outpost: It uses the CINS Threat Intelligence Gateway and an enterprise-grade Intrusion Prevention System to collect and analyze data from a global network of Sentinel devices, Spamhaus threat feeds, and other data sources. The system is designed to protect against inbound attacks, malware, and other threats before reaching the network.
- Internal Intelligence: Sentinel’s Internal Intelligence solution gives you visibility into your entire network to see what’s happening on every device and find vulnerabilities before they’re exploited. The company’s managed services team will help you deploy and configure the software and keep it updated.
- Hybrid MDR: The company’s managed detection and response service combines technology, people, and processes that work together to find and fix security issues before they cause damage.
- Vulnerability Assessment: Sentinel uses a range of cutting-edge Vulnerability Scanning solutions to scan your public network for flaws, identify problems and offer remedy suggestions for serious issues.
Strengths
- Pioneers in managed security services.
- Offers a comprehensive suite of managed security services.
- CINS Threat Intelligence Gateway and strong cyber intelligence capabilities.
- Comprehensive document library comprising videos, case studies, and ebooks.
- 24/7/ support via an online support center.
- Daily security reports.
Pricing
Pricing is available upon request. Customers can also sign up for an instant demo.
Cybriant
Cybriant offers a complete set of managed cyber security services that are comprehensive and customizable. With Mobile Threat Defense, LIVE Monitoring, Managed Detection and Remediation (MDR), Comprehensive Vulnerability Management, Managed SIEM (security information and event management), Next-Gen Firewall-as-a-Service, and Application Security, the Cybriant team of highly trained specialists provide continuous threat detection and response.
The company has a client portfolio of over 1,400 clients worldwide, offering a comprehensive range of managed security services and consultant advisory services.
Key Services
- CybriantXDR: CybriantXDR employs machine learning and artificial intelligence in tandem with experienced monitoring to identify and terminate malware before it can execute. The solution integrates data from multiple security tools to provide a complete picture of your organization’s cyber hygiene.
- Managed SIEM: The solution helps customers quickly detect and respond to incidents by providing visibility into all activity across the enterprise, including on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments.
- MDR: Cybriant’s managed detection and response service provides 24/7 monitoring and incident response services.
- Vulnerability Management: The company offers a managed vulnerability management service that includes continuous scanning, patching, and reporting.
- Mobile Threat Defense: The Standard Mobile Threat Defense service offers basic security and assurance for your mobile devices against common threats and attack routes, while the Advanced Mobile Threat Defense Service is tailored for high-risk situations.
- Application Security: The Application Security managed service offers robust protection for your enterprise applications.
Strengths
- CybriantXDR offers robust cyber intelligence capabilities.
- Offers a wide range of managed security services.
- The extensive client portfolio demonstrates a proven track record.
- 24/7 monitoring and incident response services.
- Comprehensive protection for your company’s web applications.
- Responsive support.
Pricing
Pricing is provided upon request. The company also offers a free 30-day trial of its MDR service.
Cisco Security Services
Cisco Security Services offers managed security services that leverage its industry-leading security expertise. The firm takes a proactive approach to secure your security infrastructure while complying with local and global standards.
In addition to its managed security services, Cisco offers consulting and advisory services to help organizations assess their security posture and develop a security strategy.
Cisco has a long history of providing innovative security solutions and has a strong reputation in the cyber security industry.
Key Services
- Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Architecture: This service feature is an alternative to conventional security. It combines networking and security functions into a service delivered over the cloud. It provides access and protection from edge to edge. This includes the data center, roaming users, remote locations, and more.
- Automation and Orchestration: The managed security service includes automation and orchestration to help you manage your security infrastructure more effectively. With this service, you can increase the value of Cisco SecureX. Cisco SecureX is a security platform that provides ample protection for your organization’s network and data. It includes various security services, such as managed security, intrusion prevention, firewall, and more. It also offers a centralized management console to help you easily manage your security infrastructure.
- Talos Incident Response: The managed security service includes Talos Incident Response, a team of expert security analysts who investigate and respond to incidents. This service helps you quickly identify and resolve incidents.
- Umbrella DNS Security: This is a cloud-based solution that is your first line of defense. The most efficient approach to strengthen your security stack. DNS is an excellent place to observe and manage Internet interactions. Combining Cisco Talos knowledge of the most current threats with Umbrella’s potential for identifying and stopping many threats at the early stages becomes a powerful tool for securing your network.
- Secure Analytics: Cisco Security Analytics is a managed security service that provides real-time visibility into your organization’s network traffic. It uses big data analytics and machine learning to identify and respond to threats.
- Managed Detection and Response: Cisco Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is an advanced program that brings together a world-class team of researchers, responders, and consolidated threat intelligence. This approach allows Cisco to detect, prioritize and respond to threats faster. The service is based on defined research and response playbooks from Cisco Talos security research.
Strengths
- Cisco is a well-known and respected name in the cyber security industry.
- The company offers a wide range of managed security services.
- It has a strong reputation for innovation in the cyber security space.
- Talos Incident Response.
- Lots of help and learning resources.
Pricing
Pricing information is available upon request.
OneNeck IT Solutions
OneNeck IT Solutions offers a variety of managed services that include managed security. Its staple of managed security services includes managed firewall, intrusion detection and prevention, managed web filtering, and more. OneNeck also provides professional IT consulting and advisory services to help organizations with their overall IT strategy.
The company has over 25 years of experience in Managed Services, IT Security Solutions, Cloud and Hosting Solutions, IT Hardware Sales, ERP Application Management, Professional Services, and Data Center Solutions.
Key Services
- Managed Detection and Response: OneNeck has partnered with Alert Logic, one of the leading managed security platforms globally, to provide Managed Detection and Response capabilities to overworked IT teams that need to safeguard their organizations against cyber attacks. The firm combines a unique blend of Alert Logic’s best-selling SaaS security solution with continuous threat research and analysis from its staff of security professionals.
- Endpoint protection: The company helps customers implement an endpoint protection solution that is tailored to organizational needs. The security experts work with you to understand your unique business requirements and then deploy the appropriate technology to protect your endpoint devices.
- Data encryption: OneNeck’s Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) is a security feature that helps protect your data at rest. It encrypts your data files, making it difficult for unauthorized users to access them. TDE can help you meet compliance requirements and protect your data from theft or accidental loss.
- Intrusion Detection and Protection: OneNeck’s Intrusion Detection and Prevention service help you protect your network from attacks. The service monitors your network for signs of malicious activity and blocks traffic deemed to be suspicious.
- Backup and Disaster Recovery: OneNeck’s Backup and Disaster Recovery service helps you protect your data from loss or corruption. The service provides off-site storage of your data, so you can restore it if it is lost or damaged. The service also includes a managed backup solution that automates backing up your data.
- Firewall: OneNeck IT Solutions provides industry-leading managed next-gen virtual firewalls (NGFWv) solutions that help organizations keep their data and systems safe while maintaining compliance with government and industry regulations. The team utilizes the latest firewall technology to constantly monitor for threats and stop attacks before they can cause damage. The managed NGFWv solutions are also highly customizable, allowing organizations to tailor their security policies to meet their specific needs.
Strengths
- A wide range of managed services.
- Strong reputation for innovation in the cyber security space.
- Partnership with Alert Logic.
- Good pre-sales engagement and planning.
- A comprehensive resource library includes blogs, whitepapers, case studies, ebooks, infographics, webinars, videos, and whitepapers.
- Round-the-clock support.
Pricing
Pricing information is available upon request.
What is a Managed Security Service Provider?
Managed security service providers (MSSPs) are a type of IT outsourcing that takes on various IT security-related responsibilities and reduces internal staffing requirements for clients. Managed security services (MSS) can include any number of cybersecurity services depending on a provider’s abilities and the client’s unique requests.
MSSPs, in general, help to monitor IT compliance and network security 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When required updates are deployed, and incidents are handled, MSSPs can alleviate the pressure on in-house IT departments. With the assistance of a competent provider, businesses can reduce the burden on their internal IT teams.
A growing number of businesses are outsourcing IT services, including security, to a managed service provider. According to an analysis by Mordor Intelligence, the Global Managed Service Provider (MSP) industry was worth USD 161.37 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to reach USD 311.32 billion by 2027 with a CAGR of 12.44% over the period.
Organizations typically hire consultants to assess security requirements and decide whether key activities would benefit from onboarding an MSSP.
Why Use a Managed Security Service Provider?
There are many reasons why you should consider using an MSSP. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- Lack of time or resources: One of the most common reasons businesses use managed security services is that they lack time to manage their cybersecurity program effectively. When you outsource your IT security to an MSSP, you can free up your internal team to focus on other priorities.
- Focus on your core business: Another common reason companies use managed security services is to allow them to focus on their core business instead of IT security. By outsourcing your IT security, you can ensure that your cybersecurity program is in good hands while focusing on running your business.
- You need around-the-clock monitoring and protection from cyber threats: Cyber threats don’t take a break, nor does a managed security service provider. MSSPs provide around-the-clock monitoring and protection from cyber threats, so you can rest assured that your business is protected.
- Improve your company’s compliance posture: Many businesses use managed security services to improve their company’s compliance posture. By outsourcing your IT security, you can ensure that your cybersecurity program is up to date with the latest compliance requirements.
- Access to unique expertise and tools: Managed security service providers have access to special knowledge and tools that you may not have access to in-house. This can help you improve your cybersecurity program and better protect your business.
- Scalability: Managed security services are scalable, so you can increase or decrease the level of service you receive based on your needs. This allows you to tailor your managed security services to meet the specific needs of your business.
How to Evaluate a Managed Security Service Provider?
Despite the maturity of the MSSP market, providers and clients don’t always have successful engagements. The problem comes down to poor shortlisting, unrealistic service expectations, and a lack of transparency around pricing models. Here are some factors you should consider when evaluating managed security service providers:
- Response to Your Request for Proposal (RFP): The best way to make sure the provider understands your business and its specific needs is to outline your requirements in an RFP. Check how they respond to your RFP and whether they have responded to your specific requirements.
- Experience and reputation: Ask for references from other clients who have used the managed security services of the provider. In addition, check out reviews such as this one and other reputable sites.
- Technical capabilities: Ensure the managed security service provider has the technical capabilities to meet your specific needs. This includes the tools, processes, and people required to deliver the services you need.
- Solution Design: The managed security service provider should be able to provide a detailed solution design that meets your specific requirements. This solution design should be backed up by experience and references.
- Service Level Agreement (SLA): The Service Level Agreement (SLA) is the next thing to think about. This document sets forth the expectations and responsibilities of both parties. It also outlines the nature of the service and how it is delivered, payment and billing terms, uptime guarantee, and what happens in the case of a service outage or contract dissolution.
- Backups, Business Continuity, and Disaster Recovery Plans: Ensure the managed security service provider has a robust backup, business continuity, and disaster recovery plan. You should test this plan regularly to ensure it works as expected.
- Support Response Time: For all intents and purposes, an MSSP is an extension of your IT department. As such, the provider should have a fast and responsive support team. In addition, they should have an omnichannel support system that includes phone, email, and chat.
Pricing Policies: Some MSSPs have notoriously convoluted pricing models. Before signing a contract, understand the managed security service provider’s pricing policies. In addition, never base your decision solely on price but rather on the value you get for the price you pay.
Conclusion: Choosing a Managed Security Services Provider
We have provided you with tips on evaluating a managed security service provider. But, we would be remiss if we failed to mention a few critical errors you should avoid.
Many enterprises make the mistake of basing their choice on price alone. This is a huge mistake. You should always consider the value you are getting for the price you are paying.
Another common mistake is ceding all control and responsibility to your MSSP. Remember, you are ultimately responsible for the security of your data and systems. Therefore, while it makes sense to cede day-to-day security operations, you remain responsible for your security strategy.
You should also avoid signing long-term contracts without first doing a trial run.
Finally, make sure you understand what services are included in your managed security service agreement. Otherwise, you could be in for some nasty surprises down the road.
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