Business leaders have to juggle every aspect of their organizations, from budgets to staffing to marketing. Adding security operations to that stack of responsibilities can create gaps that put your company at risk.
In an age of increasingly advanced threats, a managed security service provider can help safeguard your employees, assets, and bottom line. In this article, you’ll learn how a managed security service minimizes hazards, saves time, and strengthens your operations.
What Is a Managed Security Service Provider?
Managed security services providers (MSSP) are companies that oversee business security programs. They monitor and manage physical security systems, including surveillance, access control, and alarms. Most providers offer 24/7 monitoring and support from a team of dedicated security experts.
Keep in mind that physical MSSPs offer different services than managed IT security services providers, which focus on cyber threats and network security.
Key Difference Between MSSPs and Traditional MSPs
MSSPs and managed service providers (MSPs) sound similar, but they offer very different services. An MSSP focuses exclusively on your organization’s security, while a managed service provider is a broader category. They can handle any of your business’s outsourced services, including human resources, logistics, and marketing.
Some MSPs also specialize in information technology (IT) and cyber risks. In either case, security is only one component of their offerings.
Types of Managed Security Service Providers
Your industry and organizational structure determine what kind of MSSP you need. The most common types include:
- Pure-play MSSPs: These MSSPs look at security trends and risk levels to identify and manage vulnerabilities and protect your business. They’re especially effective in combination with internal teams.
- Full-service MSSPs: Full-service MSSPs are best for organizations that want comprehensive services and to eliminate their internal security staffing. Their services encompass perimeter security, guard services, access control systems, and video surveillance.
- Niche MSSPs: A niche MSSP focuses on specific security technologies or customers. Some providers specialize in security compliance for highly regulated industries, such as healthcare or finance, while others have expertise in cutting-edge security solutions.
As you explore MSSPs, remember that these categories sometimes overlap. For example, a healthcare organization could hire a niche, full-service provider.
Core Services Offered by MSSPs
Every MSSP has their own select set of offerings and features, and some are more robust than others. Generally speaking, however, they provide the same key services.
Continuous Monitoring
First and foremost, MSSPs provide security monitoring, constantly observing your access activity for system vulnerabilities, suspicious activity, or alarm signals. They use physical security devices, including access control systems, sensors, and surveillance cameras, to detect breaches. Working from a remote security operations center, their staff employ cloud-based reporting to perform ongoing vulnerability assessments, helping to stop incidents from occurring and notifying you if they do.
Threat Detection and Response
MSSPs also actively flag, mitigate, and respond to identifiable threats. If an incident unfolds, they find out instantly through features like intrusion detection. They’ll react swiftly to minimize damage, contacting emergency responders and alerting leadership and on-site staff.
Incident Response Planning
As part of their incident response services, MSSPs also lead clients through response planning and protocols to meet their specific needs. They establish procedures to follow if a security incident occurs and lay out response steps for internal employees. These plans detail which emergency services to contact, when to reach out to them, and how to achieve the fastest and most successful recovery.
Maintenance and Repair
MSSPs also take care of maintenance and repairs for your system hardware and software. If a component breaks, the provider will fix it as part of your regular monthly charge, so there are no unexpected operating costs resulting from equipment failures. This includes automatic push updates or upgrades that ensure your software remains optimized and up-to-date.
The MSSP will also provide regular, ongoing maintenance and monitor the health of your system. They will know if something breaks or isn’t performing properly and can often address the problem before you even become aware of it.
Compliance Support
For some organizations, security protocols are about more than protecting your assets and employees—they’re also a regulatory requirement. An MSSP stays up-to-date on industry standards and ensures you have the measures you need to meet them. In addition, they will help you prepare for security audits and inform you of regulatory changes. The data they collect for compliance is also useful in other areas, such as evaluating space utilization, peak usage times, and when and how often staff come into the office.
Benefits of Engaging an MSSP
Working with an MSSP requires a financial investment, but it’s almost always worthwhile. The advantages of managed physical security include:
- Constant oversight
- Faster response times
- Fewer compliance concerns
- Seamless systems with integrated hardware and software
- Reduced incidents, including break-ins and theft
- Ongoing upkeep of performance
- Predictable expenses because one monthly fee covers everything
- Lower overhead expenses for internal staffing
- Expertise from outsourced specialists
- Lower long-term operating costs
- Greater ability to focus on key responsibilities rather than security
Ultimately, having a trusted MSSP on standby stops security issues from falling through the cracks.
Challenges in Selecting an MSSP
Finding an MSSP that’s a good fit for your organization can be difficult, and some businesses struggle to balance cost and quality. Staying within your budget is important, but committing to the cheapest provider is dangerous. In the long run, a high-quality MSSP will save money by preventing theft, vandalism, property damage, and other costly criminal activity. On top of those cost-cutting measures, it also removes the cost of operating a security system with internal staff, as well as unexpected capital expense repairs.
Another obstacle is having a short-term mindset. A security solution should serve your organization long into the future. Choosing an MSSP that meets your current needs but can’t scale as your organization changes will leave you scrambling down the line.
How to Choose the Right MSSP for Your Organization
With multiple providers competing for your attention, choosing an MSSP can feel overwhelming. Use these factors to narrow the field:
- Business needs: Start with your specific vulnerabilities and how an MSSP can address them. Look for a provider that understands your organization, industry, and physical premises so you get the services you need without unnecessary extras.
- Customer support: Ask about the availability of customer support and how you’ll communicate with them. Reliable support allows you to quickly get answers and resolve problems.
- Analytics: A good MSSP will offer analysis and reporting so you fully understand the state of security in your organization. Find a provider that prioritizes transparency and openly shares data.
- Compatibility: If you already have security systems in place, ensure that the MSSP can operate and integrate them with new technologies. Replacing your existing hardware can significantly increase costs.
To understand an MSSPs strengths and weaknesses, look at their website or try a demo. In addition, read reviews and ask other businesses in your area for referrals.
The Value of MSSPs in Modern Security Strategies
Allowing an outside party to manage your workplace security program lifts a burden from your shoulders. Managed security service providers spend all their time addressing security risks, so you don’t have to worry about offering training and education for an internal team. On top of that, they can take care of every aspect of your security systems, allowing you to focus on other priorities.
Contact Kastle to learn more about managed security service options and how a tailored solution can support your business.
