MSSP vs MSP: Which Does Your SMB Need?

Congrats, your business is thriving! That is…until a ransomware attack locks down your systems, or an outdated server brings everything to a standstill. For many small and medium-sized businesses, managing IT while staying ahead of cybersecurity threats can feel like an uphill battle. That’s why, when you consider outsourcing to an IT service provider, it’s vital to understand the strengths of both MSPs and MSSPs.

Table of Contents

MSPs Explained

TL;DR: MSPs focus on keeping your IT systems running smoothly and efficiently by managing and maintaining your technology infrastructure. They may lack the expertise to handle advanced cyber threats and compliance requirements.

Managed Service Providers (MSPs) specialize in managing IT infrastructure for businesses. They use a proactive managed service model, addressing issues before they arise, in contrast to traditional break/fix IT services. While some MSPs may provide basic cybersecurity services, their expertise typically focuses on IT infrastructure.

However, they excel at equipping businesses with cutting-edge technology, providing scalability, and enabling employees to focus on their core tasks by handling IT maintenance and troubleshooting. They also make IT spending more predictable and offer cost-effective solutions by leveraging economies of scale.

Core Services

People working at futuristic neon cyberpunk open space office. Abstract background blurred with information technology overlay.

Why SMBs Are Choosing MSP Providers

Oftentimes, when you’re a small business, people wear multiple hats to keep the business running. This often looks like tech enthusiasts fixing computers or an overwhelmed IT professional putting out fires left and right. Teal’s cofounder and CRO, Gar Whaley, explains how MSPs solve this challenge.

“When you break it all down, you need a help desk person, a systems engineer, a project engineer, a CIO, and many other roles,” said Gar.

“But it’s not feasible or cost-effective to hire all those people, and no single person has all those skill sets. So, what we do is we provide the right slice of those skill sets to our clients, and that slice depends on the client’s need.”

That describes fully managed IT services. But let’s say that your business has internal IT staff, and they need something like help desk support or security expertise.

In that case, an MSP might be the perfect fit for you (and, coincidentally, one benefit of co-managed IT services).

By outsourcing your IT department to an MSP, you can benefit from the same level of support as a large company would.

In addition to benefiting from a vast array of expert support, managed IT service providers are known to drive long-term cost savings. According to CompTIA, managed services can help you reduce costs by up to 45% and increase efficiency by up to 65%.

When you combine that with the reduction of downtime, the overall impact on your business’s productivity and profitability can be substantial.

Managed IT Services Cost Guide eBook Mockup

Optimizing your IT investment starts here. Explore our MSP pricing guide to understand costs, factors, and models.  

Additionally, MSP cybersecurity services can help you gain the security tools and expertise you need to mitigate cyber risks in your organization cost-effectively. Most small businesses need that support. Here’s why:

Almost three-quarters (73%) of small businesses reported a cyberattack in 2023. And not only are attacks growing more prolific, but attackers are moving to new attack surfaces (i.e., cloud) and the attacks more complex (i.e., double extortion ransomware).

Cybersecurity Essentials for Small Businesses eBook icon

Discover 16 essential cybersecurity controls your small business needs to reduce risk and avoid costly damages associated with a cyberattack. 

Despite facing unprecedented attacks, 85% of leaders said they feel prepared to handle a cyber incident. Unfortunately, only a fraction of them are following best practices. In fact, adoption rates for cybersecurity controls range from 20-34%.

If you manage your infrastructure in-house but need support strengthening your security, partnering with an MSP can bridge that crucial gap.

Small Business Cybersecurity Cost Guide

Learn the financial impact of cyber threats on your business’s data. Plus, unlock the financial implications of in-house vs. outsourced cybersecurity. 

Expertise and Credentials to Look For

  • Microsoft Solutions Partner
  • Microsoft 365 Certified
  • CompTIA Network+
  • CompTIA Project+
  • CCNA
  • ITIL4
Cisco Certified CCNA
projectplus logo

MSSPs Explained

TL;DR: MSSPs specialize in providing advanced cybersecurity, offering 24/7 monitoring, threat response, and compliance support. Businesses with both IT and security needs may benefit from providers like Teal that offer MSP services and sophisticated cybersecurity support.

Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) specialize in delivering comprehensive cybersecurity solutions tailored to protect businesses from cyber threats. Unlike managed IT service providers, these security professionals will focus all their attention on safeguarding your sensitive data and critical systems from cyberattacks.

And with growing regulatory scrutiny from entities like the SEC, it’s no surprise businesses are seeking out MSSP services.

Core Services

  • Managed Firewall
  • VPN Management
  • Compliance Management
  • Vulnerability Scanning

Why SMBs Are Choosing MSSP Providers

With regulatory pressures from entities like the SEC ramping up, some SMBs are turning to managed security providers to stay ahead. They are experts at keeping your business compliant, handling the heavy lifting, so you can focus on growing your business.

For businesses facing complex compliance challenges, MSSPs often go beyond the basics with services like risk assessments, policy development, and even fractional vCISO support. And as a bonus, some even simplify vendor due diligence.

“Before starting this company, I worked at an organization with a small team of network engineers,” said Gar. “Despite their skills, managing firewalls and monitoring logs 24/7 wasn’t feasible – especially since we had to protect sensitive student data.”

“So, I hired an MSSP to manage firewalls, implement updates, and analyze logs. MSSP companies typically handle tasks like SIEM, managed detection and response, and some even provide endpoint threat detection.”

On the flip side, if you need solid infrastructure management and cybersecurity, working with both an MSP and an MSSP may be the way to go. If you do a bit of homework and ask the right questions, though, you might find MSPs that can provide you with the solutions you need, like Teal.

Gar explains, “You know, there’s an overlap between what we do and what an MSSP would do. If you were to hire us, for example, you might not need an MSSP because we’d already be handling that work.”

And we probably don’t need to tell you that a partnership with just one sophisticated provider could potentially save you a lot of money in the long run….

Expertise and Credentials to Look For

  • ISO 27001
  • CISSP
  • CISM
  • OSCP
  • HITRUST CSF
  • CompTIA A+
  • CompTIA PenTest+
  • CompTIA Trustmark+
  • SecurityScorecard
  • RPO
Offensive Security (OSCP)
ISO 27001 Certified Logo

Key Differences between Many MSPs and MSSPs

MSP Services MSSP Services
Area of focus
IT management & cybersecurity
Cybersecurity
Goals
Improve day-to-day business efficiency, productivity, and security
Stop breaches and decrease risk
Enable scaling of client operations
Ensure systems are up to date and meet compliance standards
Ensure the health and maintenance of the network and systems
Continuously monitor and protect infrastructure
Respond to system intrusions
Cybersecurity
Generally provides baseline cybersecurity service offerings (e.g., system/email monitoring, application patching, etc.). Some MSPs, like Teal, provide advanced security services
Provides comprehensive and advanced cybersecurity services (e.g., endpoint and network protection, threat detection and response, threat intelligence, threat hunting, etc.)
Operates out of a:
Network Operations Center (NOC)
Security Operations Center (SOC)
Common functions
Technical support
Antivirus, anti-malware, anti-spam
Remote work monitoring
24/7 security monitoring
End user management
Threat detection and intelligence
Help desk services
Reporting, auditing, and compliance
Cloud migration
Access and identity management
Optimizing business operations
Endpoint security management
Automation
Cybersecurity awareness training

Assessing Your SMB's Needs

When you’re looking to scale partnering with an outsourced service providers can be an excellent strategy to:

  • Maximize your budget.
  • Drive business growth.
  • Access enterprise-level expertise and tools.
  • Gain robust security, maintain compliance, and enhance customer trust.

However, the choice between a managed IT services provider and an MSSP security provider (or having both) ultimately depends on your organization’s unique needs.

Remember, there are some companies, like Teal, who offer sophisticated offerings that you can also choose from – making it easy for your business to get everything you need from one partner.

If you’re still unsure which provider you might need, use the steps and chart below.

1. Evaluate Your IT Infrastructure

Assessing your existing IT systems is critical to understanding their reliability and scalability. Identify whether your infrastructure can handle your current and future business needs, including:

  • Growth
  • Remote work
  • Technology integration

Outdated or inflexible systems may hinder productivity and leave your business vulnerable to downtime. Shortcomings here might indicate that you could benefit from managed IT services.

How to calculate downtime related to the cost of cybersecurity for small business. One of the benefits of managed it services is that it reduces IT and cybersecurity costs.

2. Determine Your Cybersecurity Requirements

Every business faces unique cybersecurity challenges based on its industry, the sensitivity of its data, and its exposure to threats. Take the time to determine the level of protection you need to protect your assets, from basic safeguards for low-risk operations to advanced defenses against sophisticated cyberattacks.

Use this cybersecurity risk assessment to get started.

Both MSPs and MSSPs may be able to support your security needs. You should note down any requirements and speak with different providers to see if they can meet your needs, including:

  • Compliance Requirements (vendor due diligence, policies, etc.)
  • Business Insurance Requirements (policies, cyber incident reporting, etc.)
  • Cyber Insurance Requirements (security awareness training, penetration testing, etc.)
  • Internal Security Requirements (remote work policies, backups, etc.)

3. Review Your Resource Availability

Evaluate your in-house resources to determine if your team has the expertise and bandwidth to manage all of their tasks effectively. If gaps exist, partnering with external providers can bring the specialized skills and scalability you need to support your business goals.

4. Consider Compliance Requirements

Compliance with industry standards and regulations – such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, or CMMC – is non-negotiable for many businesses.

Knowing which requirements your business must adhere to ensures that your IT and cybersecurity strategies align with legal obligations. This, in turn, helps you avoid penalties and builds trust with stakeholders.

Refer to the use case chart below to determine which type of service might best suit your needs.

When to Choose an MSP or MSSP: Different Use Cases*

Consider an MSP Consider an MSSP / Sophisticated MSP
I’m lacking trained IT staff and/or resources in my organization.
I have a team, but we don’t have a cybersecurity program.
I need to scale my IT systems and equipment to meet growing business demands.
My industry is vulnerable to a cybersecurity attack. Many of the top names in my line of business have had a breach.
I don’t want to go through the hassle of hiring and retaining an IT department.
I’m having a hard time finding seasoned cybersecurity professionals to hire.
I want a 24/7 help desk I can call to support me when I run into an IT issue and strategic consulting to grow my business.
I want 24/7 security monitoring that will alert me when suspicious activity has occurred on our systems.

* Every business is unique. Use this chart as a guide, not the end all be all resource.

Creating the Path to Success

Aligning your IT and security with your business objectives is essential for long-term success. When your infrastructure supports your goals and your cybersecurity measures protect your operations, your business can thrive in ways you never imagined.

Remember to take the time to thoroughly evaluate your current IT systems, identify your cybersecurity needs, and consider any compliance requirements you have. And asking providers a lot of questions will help you determine if they can meet your needs and, ultimately, help you avoid costly missteps.

Contact a business technology advisor at Teal today to discover if we’re the right partner for your organization.

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