Service Comparisons
MSP: Primarily focuses on IT management and ensuring the smooth operation of IT infrastructure. Services include:
– Network management
– Server management
– Data backup and recovery
– Software and hardware management
– Helpdesk support
– Cloud services
MSSP: Specializes in cybersecurity and focuses on protecting a company’s digital assets. Services include:
– Threat monitoring and detection
– Incident response
– Vulnerability management
– Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
– Firewall management and intrusion prevention
– 24/7 security monitoring
MSP or MSSP
– If you are primarily concerned with general IT management —like systems uptime, backups, and cloud services—an MSP is the right choice.
– If your focus is on cybersecurity, protecting your organization from external and internal threats, complying with regulations, and needing 24/7 monitoring, then an MSSP would be a better fit.
Choosing an MSSP is ideal if you want a high level of specialized protection against cyber threats without the overhead of managing security internally.
At August eTech you don’t have to choose between an MSP and MSSP, YOU CAN HAVE BOTH!
Primary Goal
– MSP: The goal is to ensure that the company’s IT infrastructure runs smoothly and efficiently without internal resources.
– MSSP: The goal is to keep the company’s network and data safe from cyber threats, breaches, and other security risks.
Security Focus
– MSP: While MSPs may offer some basic security services (like patch management or antivirus), they don’t specialize in advanced security measures.
– MSSP: Security is the core of MSSPs’ offerings. They have specialized tools and expertise to monitor, detect, and respond to security threats in real-time.
Expertise
– MSP: Their team is often more focused on general IT support and operational efficiency, not specifically on security.
– MSSP: MSSPs have a team of experts who specialize in cybersecurity, often working around the clock to detect and mitigate threats.
Proactive vs. Reactive
– MSP: MSPs tend to be more proactive in managing IT infrastructure to avoid issues.
– MSSP: MSSPs are often proactive and reactive in nature, as they need to both prevent attacks and quickly respond when they occur.
Compliance and Regulatory Focus
– MSP: Generally, MSPs are less focused on compliance and regulatory frameworks but may assist in general IT compliance.
– MSSP: MSSPs are more focused on compliance with security-related regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and others, as these are crucial for protecting data and ensuring secure practices.
Summary:
MSP = IT management and operations (broad, general services)
MSSP = Cybersecurity and threat management (focused on protecting digital assets)
In many cases, companies may choose to work with both an MSP for overall IT support and an MSSP for specialized security services.
At August eTech you don’t have to choose between an MSP and MSSP, YOU CAN HAVE BOTH!