MSP vs MSSP: What’s the Difference and Which One Fits Your Business?

What is the main difference between MSP and MSSP?

A Managed Service Provider (MSP) delivers a broad range of IT services, including basic cybersecurity. A Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) focuses exclusively on cybersecurity, offering advanced threat detection, monitoring, and response. The right choice depends on your business’s security needs, industry, and risk level.

What is an MSP?

An MSP acts as an outsourced IT department. These providers manage day-to-day technology needs so your business can focus on core operations.

What services does an MSP provide?

Typical MSP services include:

• IT infrastructure management – monitoring servers, systems, and networks

• Help desk support – resolving technical issues for employees

• Network maintenance – keeping systems running efficiently

• Basic cybersecurity – firewalls, antivirus, and routine security updates

• Data backup and recovery – protecting against data loss

Industry data shows 69% of businesses rely on MSPs for primary IT support, with the global MSP market projected to reach $354.8 billion by 2026.

When should a business choose an MSP?

An MSP is a good fit if:

• Your internal IT team is small or nonexistent

• You want predictable IT costs

• Technology is important but not your main focus

• You want to reduce downtime from technical issues

What is an MSSP in cybersecurity?

An MSSP is a provider dedicated to protecting businesses from cyber threats. They offer continuous monitoring, rapid incident response, and proactive threat prevention that go beyond standard IT security.

What services does an MSSP offer?

MSSP services often include:

• 24/7 security monitoring through a Security Operations Center (SOC)

• Advanced threat detection using AI and analytics

• Incident response to contain and resolve attacks quickly

• Threat hunting to identify hidden vulnerabilities

• Vulnerability assessments and compliance support

• Forensic investigation after a breach

Research shows businesses using MSSPs experience 53% fewer security incidents compared to those relying only on MSP-level security.

When should a business choose an MSSP?

An MSSP is recommended if:

• You operate in a high-risk or regulated industry

• You handle sensitive customer or health data

• You have experienced security breaches in the past

• You require rapid detection and response to threats

How do MSP and MSSP compare?

What is MDR and how is it different from MSSP?

Managed Detection and Response (MDR) builds on MSSP services by adding continuous threat hunting and active response.

• MDR: Proactive threat hunting, fast containment, and in-depth analysis

• MSSP: Strong monitoring and prevention, may include MDR features as an upgrade

How does a white label MSP security provider work?

A white label MSP security provider is an MSSP that partners with MSPs, delivering cybersecurity services under the MSP’s brand.

• The MSP remains the client’s main contact

• The MSSP delivers behind-the-scenes security expertise

• This allows clients to receive both IT support and advanced security from a single provider

The white label model has grown by 340% in recent years as businesses look for combined IT and security services.

How to choose between MSP and MSSP

• Choose an MSP if you need general IT support with basic security
  
  

• Choose an MSSP if you need dedicated cybersecurity with rapid detection and compliance capabilities
  
  

• Consider both if you want full IT coverage and advanced security, either by hiring both providers or using an MSP with white label MSSP support

Why does the decision matter?

Your choice affects business continuity, compliance, and risk exposure. For example:

• A manufacturing company may work effectively with MSP-level security

• A healthcare provider must comply with HIPAA, making MSSP-level security essential

Where does IT By Design fit in?

IT By Design supports MSPs with the skilled engineers they need to expand services. We help MSPs:

• Build teams for IT management and cybersecurity

• Partner with white label MSSPs to extend their security offerings

• Fill service gaps without increasing internal overhead

How to get started

Identify your business risks and compliance requirements, then assess whether MSP-level or MSSP-level protection is best.

Partner with IT By Design for MSP staffing and white label security solutions that help you protect clients and grow your service portfolio.
Schedule a call today to secure the right expertise for your business.

FAQs

Q. What does MSSP stand for in cybersecurity?
A. Managed Security Service Provider – a company that delivers continuous security monitoring, detection, and response.

Q. Can an MSP provide the same security as an MSSP?
A. No. MSPs offer basic security; MSSPs specialize in advanced protection with dedicated tools and staff.

Q. Is an MSSP more expensive than an MSP?
A. Yes, but the advanced protection can prevent costly breaches.

Q. Do I need both an MSP and an MSSP?
A. Many businesses benefit from both, either separately or through a white label MSP security arrangement.

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