Understanding Managed Security Services

Key Takeaway:

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• Managed Security Services protect IT systems by monitoring, managing, and addressing security gaps effectively.
• It includes 24/7 monitoring, firewall, endpoint management, vulnerability checks, and fast incident response.
• MSS models include MSPs for IT management, MSSPs for complete security, MDRs for threat prevention, and Co-Managed IT Services for shared governance.
• These models save money by replacing costly in-house teams with skilled experts and advanced tools.

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What are Managed Security Services (MSS)?

Managed security services (MSS) offer cybersecurity solutions to businesses. MSS providers assist in monitoring and controlling security systems, devices, and Software as a Service (SaaS) applications. Companies can hand over all security duties or specific tasks to a team of specialists, either on-site or remotely.

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MSS providers offer continuous monitoring and management of tools such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and endpoint detection and response (EDR). They handle patch management and system upgrades, conduct security assessments and audits, and respond to security incidents. 

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Different service models are available, each offering various services and levels of security coverage, including Managed Service Provider (MSP), Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP), and Managed Detection and Response (MDR).

The Need for Managed Security Service

MSS providers increase organizational security by monitoring networks, identifying vulnerabilities, and managing threats. They also reduce security gaps as much as possible, lessen the attack surface, support the organization's IT and security teams, and provide 24/7 expertise for quick detection and response to threats.

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Security Coverage

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Organizations face expanding threats due to remote work, BYOD policies, and adopting cloud and hybrid systems. MSS providers improve network visibility and control by offering specialized tools and expertise to address modern IT security challenges.

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The Cost of Data Breaches

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Data breaches can result in fines, revenue losses, reputational damage, theft, and ransomware payments. The costs after an attack can total in the millions, depending on how severe the attack is and the legal issues that arise.

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MSS providers can help lessen the impact of attacks, which can lower the costs associated with data breaches or help prevent and stop threats when they occur.

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Expertise of Specialists

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MSS providers operate teams of security specialists who use advanced technology to defend against threats. Some MSS vendors have a complete security operations center (SOC) that offers support on a global scale. Organizations can use this expertise to cover the gaps created by having a limited internal security team.

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Cost of Full-time Team

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A full-time cybersecurity team in-house can be expensive, as it requires skilled staff, equipment, software, and various tools. The cost of setting up and maintaining such a team can be very high. MSS providers offer a more affordable option by providing their services for a fixed monthly fee. 

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This allows organizations to save on capital expenses, avoid paying for equipment and software over time, and redirect their internal budgets.

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Response and Investigation

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MSS vendors provide quick responses to security incidents, with teams focused on investigating and fixing threats. This approach gives organizations the time and knowledge necessary to reduce the impact of attacks and can also help prevent a threat from causing severe damage.

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Insight and Intelligence

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MSS vendors use various security data sources to understand an organization’s security status and how well it is working. Based on data analysis and industry expertise, these vendors identify weak points and prioritize security improvements.

Types of Managed Security Services

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Managed Service Providers (MSP)

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MSP vendors manage organizations' IT, including staff and infrastructure management. They handle network infrastructure, systems, applications, and security needs and offer ongoing monitoring, management, support, and maintenance.

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These vendors can provide both remote and on-site resources. Organizations can host their infrastructure and assets in multiple places, such as in-house data centers, third-party data centers, or public cloud providers.

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Managed Security Service Providers (MSSP)

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MSSP vendors offer network security monitoring and management services for an organization's entire IT environment. They provide a broader range of services than MSPs, which focus on basic security. MSSPs deliver around-the-clock network monitoring and various ongoing security services, including configuration and vulnerability management.

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Co-Managed IT Service Providers

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Co-managed IT service providers (Co-MIT) offer a service model that combines client management, internal IT teams, and MSP services. This model promotes collaboration among teams, bringing unique insights, tools, and skills.

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The organization’s IT team deeply understands the company, while the Co-MIT vendor supplies expertise and resources to address the organization’s security requirements.

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Managed Detection and Response (MDR)

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MDR vendors look for threats and notify organizations about existing and new risks. They use 24/7 monitoring supported by artificial intelligence and machine learning to spot and respond to security incidents. Unlike MSSPs, which take a reactive approach, MDR focuses on prevention. 

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While MSSP vendors can send out threat alerts, they do not investigate those threats. In contrast, MDR vendors provide investigation services as part of their offering.

How to Choose the Right Managed Security Service Provider?

Think about the specific challenges your organization is facing and the current state of its security programs.

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• If your organization has a well-established internal Security Operations Center (SOC) but needs extra support to manage new threats, then MSSPs could be a suitable choice.

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• On the other hand, if your organization lacks the resources, prefers not to run a complete internal SOC, or aims to reduce costs, then an MDR service would be a more appropriate option.

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Managed security services offer varying response levels, and it's essential to consider which level is right for your organization. A complete response that handles all aspects of security can be valuable, but it also means the service provider will need access to your organization's systems and potentially sensitive data.

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Most security service providers offer one of these levels of response:

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• A lighter response includes alerts and warnings, which are easy to implement but rely on internal teams for follow-up.

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• A deeper response includes threat hunting, IoC detection, and alert verification. This approach offers faster action and more significant resources than internal teams but may involve sharing sensitive information.

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• An end-to-end response ensures complete recovery from ongoing threats and serious incidents. It offers a thorough solution and can significantly lessen the burden on internal security teams. However, it also requires extensive access rights, which increases the risk of privacy concerns and the exposure of sensitive information.

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ioSENTRIX understands businesses' urgent challenges in improving their IT infrastructure to defend against cyber threats. This recognition highlights the need for tailored managed security service solutions. ioSENTRIX offers comprehensive managed security services to safeguard 

organizations from these cyber threats.

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To learn more about our services, contact us today!

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