MDR vs. MSSP Security Services: Know the Difference

A fully functional internal Security Operations Centre (SOC) is not a practical option for many enterprises. Due to the widening cybersecurity skills gap and rapid growth of the cyber threat landscape, companies frequently lack access to the security expertise and technologies necessary to safeguard them against cyber attacks.

MDR vs. MSSP: This issue could be resolved by managed security services, which allow businesses to delegate security responsibilities to a different service provider. MSSP and MDR are two of the most popular managed security services products.

What is a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP)

Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) provided the first type of managed security services. MSSP services first started as remote firewall administration, provided by an organization’s ISP (ISP). Over time, MSSPs have grown and offer a wider range of security services.

A managed security service provider can reinforce an organization’s internal security staff by providing around-the-clock monitoring, detection, triage, investigation, hunting, response, and remediation. This makes it possible for any business to react quickly to emerging crises and reduce their negative effects and financial costs for the company.

Additionally, working with an MSSP gives the organization access to specialized cybersecurity knowledge. This allows an organization to access these professionals when needed without having to maintain these skills in-house and includes everything from incident response to compliance specialists.

The MDR Difference

Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is a newer type of managed security service. It offers comprehensive security monitoring, incident response, and proactive security support.

MDR providers go beyond Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions to deliver detection and response services across networks, email, mobile, and the cloud.

This level of visibility and control enables a Managed Detection and Response provider to identify and respond to threats that would otherwise go undetected by perimeter-based defences and to secure employees working remotely.

MDR providers will perform proactive security activities such as threat hunting, incident detection, and response. For example, an MDR service provider can help to prevent future attacks or remediate intrusions that went undetected by an organization’s existing security solutions by searching for indicators of potential risks or attacks within an organization’s environment.

What are the Differences between Managed Security Service Providers and Managed Detection and Response? (MDR vs. MSSP)

MSSPs and MDRs both provide managed security services to businesses. In both cases, an organization can reap significant benefits from outsourcing some or all of its cybersecurity responsibilities, such as improved security and lower total cost of ownership (TCO). However, the services provided by MSSPs and MDR providers can vary significantly.

MSSPs are generally designed to complement an organization’s existing security team. An MSSP can help an organization combat alert overload by serving as initial triage for security data. By sifting through and curating alerts, the MSSP enables an internal security team to focus its efforts on the events that are most likely to be real threats to the business. An MSSP can also assist an organization with an incident response when needed.

An MDR provider is more likely to take the place of an organization’s internal SOC. MDR providers have comprehensive visibility into an organization’s network and the ability to respond to ongoing incidents and act proactively to identify undetected cybersecurity risks or potential threats through threat hunting.

MSSPs and MDR providers both provide organizations with outsourced security services. However, the best fit for a specific organization is determined by the organization’s specific needs.

MDR vs. MSSP | What is the right type of service for your business?

It is critical to consider the organization’s problem and the maturity of the company’s existing security programme when deciding between an MSSP and an MDR service provider. For example, suppose an organization with a relatively mature in-house SOC requires additional support to keep up with an evolving threat landscape. In that case, an MSSP is likely the best solution. On the other hand, an MDR provider may be a better fit if a company lacks the resources or desire to maintain a full-fledged in-house SOC or if it wants to save money on ongoing expert recruitment and training.

Regardless of the service offering, partnering with a managed security services provider significantly benefits an organization. Outsourced security can assist in overcoming the challenges of attracting and retaining necessary cybersecurity talent during a significant skills shortage while also providing the same or better security at a lower cost by spreading costs across the service provider’s customer base.

Rhyno Cybersecurity provides managed security services that are powered by market-leading security solutions. Check Point analysts can quickly identify, investigate, and remediate security incidents across an organization’s entire network infrastructure by leveraging cutting-edge threat intelligence and analytics tools powered by artificial intelligence (AI).