Managed Security Services (MSS) are services for managing and ensuring the IT security of companies or organizations. Providers of these services are the Managed Security Service Providers (MSSP). Depending on the provider, the services can have different scopes.
Contents
What is a Managed Security Service (MSS)?
The abbreviation MSS stands for Managed Security Services and refers to services related to the security of IT systems and networks. Providers of these services call themselves MSSP (Managed Security Service Provider). Thanks to MSS and MSSP, it is possible to outsource the IT security of a company or organization to a certain extent and transfer it to an external company.
Managed Security Services are designed to identify and eliminate security gaps, monitor networks, and IT systems, and actively combat attacks. Other MSS services include spam detection and prevention, security and penetration testing, security consulting, firewall management, and intrusion detection or prevention systems (IDS and IPS).
The goals of commissioning a Managed Security Service Provider are to reduce costs by saving the company’s own time and personnel expenses and to concentrate on the actual core business. MSSPs typically take a systematic approach to auditing, compliance, and management of security-related issues, and contribute to higher security standards through their specialized knowledge in the security field.
The different services offered by Managed Security Services
Depending on the existing IT infrastructure and the managed security service provider commissioned, the security services include various services. Typical services in this area are:
- Management of firewalls
- Management of intrusion detection and intrusion prevention systems (IDS and IPS)
- E-mail and web security
- Monitoring of IT and network security
- Detection and elimination of vulnerabilities
- Defense against hacker attacks
- Security and penetration tests of the various systems
- Virus protection and updating of anti-virus software
- Spam blocking
- Provision and management of virtual private networks (VPN)
- Implementation of system updates and the application of patches
- Consulting on all issues related to IT security
- Development and establishment of security processes and security policies
- Provision of security hardware
- IT security training for personnel
- Compliance monitoring
- Operation of a SOC (Security Operations Center)
Advantages of using Managed Security Services
Outsourcing IT security to a managed security service provider can bring numerous benefits to the enterprise. Costs can be minimized and security optimized at the same time. The company can use its resources for the actual core business and rely on the security expertise of an experienced service provider.
Through the permanent monitoring of security, problems in this area do not go undetected and proactive countermeasures are possible. The MSSP’s specialists have a great deal of expertise in the security field and are up to date with the latest knowledge.
Since Managed Security Service Providers usually offer their services in different performance class packages, the costs for IT security become transparent and plannable. As part of available all-round carefree packages, providers can also provide all the hardware needed for management and security compliance. Own investments in this area are then no longer necessary.
The services of the MSSP can be provided flexibly, either remotely or directly on-site, depending on requirements. If special compliance rules have to be observed, such as in the healthcare or financial sectors, MSSPs are available that offer precisely these services as complete packages.
Information Security Asia is the go-to website for the latest cybersecurity and tech news in various sectors. Our expert writers provide insights and analysis that you can trust, so you can stay ahead of the curve and protect your business. Whether you are a small business, an enterprise or even a government agency, we have the latest updates and advice for all aspects of cybersecurity.
