Managed security service providers (MSSPs) offer specialized services to address increasingly complex and pervasive cyberthreats and provide essential protection for businesses’ digital assets. They offer a blend of advanced technology, seasoned security professionals, and proactive threat management strategies that can significantly enhance a client’s cybersecurity posture.
Choosing the right MSSP is crucial for effectively enhancing security measures for you and your customers. Our curated list of top MSSPs for 2024 is designed to help you find the ideal partner to meet your cybersecurity needs.
Here are our top picks for MSSPs in 2024:
- Check Point Services: Best MSSP overall.
- Cisco Security Services: Best for core security features.
- Cyvatar.ai: Best for client IT infrastructure integration.
- Sophos Professional Services: Best for advanced intrusion detection.
- OpenText: Best for scalability and security operations.
- Rapid7 Security Services: Best for comprehensive SIEM.
- ThreatSpike: Best for endpoint protection services.
- Capgemini Services: Best for proactive vulnerability management.
Featured Partners: Managed Service Provider (MSP) Software
Top MSSP software comparison
Before partnering with an MSSP, you should carefully consider several key features crucial to effective security management. Here’s a table comparing key features such as threat intelligence, firewall management, endpoint protection, vulnerability management, and more.
| Threat intelligence and analytics | 24/7 monitoring and incident response | Firewall management | Intrusion detection and prevention systems | Endpoint protection | Email security | Data loss prevention (DLP) | Vulnerability management | Security information and event management (SIEM) | Starting price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check Point | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Limited | Yes | Contact for quote |
| Cisco | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes | Contact for quote |
| Cyvatar.ai | Yes | Limited | Limited | Limited | Limited | Limited | Limited | Limited | Yes | Free, or $25/mo. per employee |
| Sophos | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Limited | Limited | Limited | Yes | Limited | Contact for quote |
| OpenText | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Limited | Limited | Yes | Limited | Limited | Contact for quote |
| Rapid7 | Limited | Yes | Yes | Limited | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Contact for quote |
| ThreatSpike | Yes | Yes | Limited | Limited | Yes | Limited | Yes | Limited | Yes | $7,000/yr for 250 employees |
| Capgemini | Limited | Yes | Yes | Limited | Limited | Limited | Yes | Limited | Yes | Contact for quote |
Check Point Services
Best MSSP overall
Overall rating: 4/5
- Cost: 1.75/5
- Core features: 4.75/5
- Customer support: 3.25/5
- Ease of implementation: 4.5/5
- Security operations: 5/5
- Integration and scalability: 5/5
Check Point Services is a leader when it comes to advanced threat protection. Known for its innovation, Check Point has developed a suite of security solutions backed by a team of leading analysts and research experts that not only detect but also prevent threats in real-time to give its clients a proactive approach to cybersecurity. One great example is its SandBlast solution, which offers unparalleled protection against zero-day cyberattacks and evasion-resistant malware.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Leading-edge cybersecurity technologies. | Premium pricing for comprehensive protection. |
| Comprehensive security features. | Variable response times from customer support. |
| Intuitive management and user interface. | Some features are overkill for small-scale users. |
Pricing
Check Point Services structures its pricing based on its various managed services, with details available upon inquiry.
Features
- State-of-the-art threat intelligence and analytics.
- Real-time monitoring and incident response.
- Comprehensive firewall management.
- Intrusion detection and prevention systems.
Cisco Security Services
Best for core security features
Overall rating: 4/5
- Cost: 1.5/5
- Core features: 5/5
- Customer support: 4.25/5
- Ease of implementation: 4.5/5
- Security operations: 4.5/5
- Integration and Scalability: 4.75/5
Cisco Security Services excels when it comes to a vast catalog of security products and features. This emphasizes their ability to protect customer networks with integrated security and networking solutions. Their Core Security specialization shows Cisco’s commitment to offering advanced protection capabilities, making them a go-to provider for businesses that want reliable and comprehensive network security.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Leading-edge core security features. | Higher cost relative to some competitors. |
| High scalability to match business growth. | Complexity in some advanced features. |
| Comprehensive integration capabilities. | Customization options may be overwhelming for some. |
Features
- State-of-the-art intrusion detection and prevention.
- Extensive identity and access management solutions.
- Real-time threat intelligence and analytics.
- 24/7 monitoring and incident response.
- Effective compliance management tools.
Cyvatar.ai
Best for client IT infrastructure integration
Overall rating: 4/5
- Cost: 4.5/5
- Core features: 3.25/5
- Customer support: 3.25/5
- Ease of implementation: 3.5/5
- Security operations: 5/5
- Integration and scalability: 3.75/5
Cyvatar.ai distinguishes itself in the MSSP market with its exceptional capability to integrate seamlessly into clients’ existing IT infrastructures. Its managed security services are designed to be easy and cost-effective, providing startups and small enterprises with automated and managed cybersecurity solutions that seamlessly integrate with existing IT infrastructures. It’s also one of the few providers on this list with clear, publicly available pricing information.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Transparent pricing. | Challenges with legacy system integration. |
| Has a free plan. | Limited scalability for large enterprises. |
| Proactive customer support. | Additional costs for custom features. |
Pricing
Cyvatar.ai has four pricing plans:
- Freemium: Free for an unlimited number of employees.
- Cybersecurity Foundations: $25 per employee per month annually and $30 monthly.
- Cybersecurity Prevention: $50 per employee per month annually and $55 monthly.
- Cyber Prevent and Cloud: $75 per employee per month annually and $80 monthly.
Features
- Customizable solutions that integrate with IT infrastructures.
- Advanced threat detection and response capabilities.
- Comprehensive monitoring and incident response.
- Flexible firewall management options.
Sophos Professional Services
Best for advanced intrusion detection
Overall rating: 4/5
- Cost: 1.5/5
- Core features: 3.5/5
- Customer support: 4.5/5
- Ease of implementation: 4.75/5
- Security operations: 5/5
- Integration and scalability: 5/5
Sophos Professional Services is at the forefront of advanced intrusion detection, offering endpoint protection with EDR, XDR, and MDR capabilities. It offers fully managed threat hunting, detection, and incident response services to detect and neutralize the most sophisticated and complex threats. This empowers clients with advanced intrusion detection capabilities needed to protect their digital environments.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great intrusion detection technology. | Pricing may be a barrier for smaller businesses. |
| Vast suite of security features. | Advanced features may need cybersecurity knowledge. |
| Highly intuitive user interface. | Integration with non-Sophos products could improve. |
Pricing
Reach out to Sophos for pricing information.
Features
- Cutting-edge technology for threat detection.
- User-friendly security management tools.
- Rapid incident response capabilities.
- Scalable security solutions for business growth.
OpenText
Best for scalability and security operations
Overall rating: 3.5/5
- Cost: 1.5/5
- Core features: 3.75/5
- Customer support: 3.25/5
- Ease of implementation: 3/5
- Security operations: 5/5
- Integration and Scalability: 5/5
With a diverse roster of services, OpenText is a highly scalable MSSP that addresses complex cybersecurity challenges posed by evolving work habits, new technologies, and the increasing interconnectivity of devices. Their team of experts focuses on identifying and mitigating security risks through comprehensive programs to protect organizational systems.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly scalable service. | Limited options in advanced threat protection. |
| Comprehensive security features. | Opaque pricing. |
| Exceptional 24/7 customer support. | Integration with niche platforms can be improved. |
Pricing
OpenText’s pricing details for its security services aren’t publicly listed, meaning one has to contact OpenText directly.
Features
- Advanced threat intelligence and analytics.
- Continuous monitoring with immediate incident response.
- Customizable firewall management.
- Thorough endpoint protection.
- Proactive vulnerability management.
Rapid7 Security Services
Best for comprehensive SIEM
Overall rating: 3.5/5
- Cost: 1.5/5
- Core features: 4.25/5
- Customer support: 2.75/5
- Ease of implementation: 3/5
- Security operations: 4.5/5
- Integration and scalability: 5/5
Rapid7 Security Services is a highly scalable MSSP that delivers exhaustive Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions, centralizing log data and enhancing threat detection and response capabilities. Their SIEM tool is designed to offer better visibility into cloud services and infrastructure and ultimately make sure businesses can effectively manage and mitigate cybersecurity threats.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive SIEM solutions. | Advanced tools may have a steep learning curve. |
| Analytics-driven threat detection. | Pricing isn’t publicly available. |
| Delivers deep insights into security posture. | Customization may require additional support. |
Pricing
Contact the provider for specific Rapid7 pricing information.
Features
- In-depth SIEM solutions for enhanced security.
- Analytics-driven approach for threat detection.
- Effective response mechanisms to threats.
- Insights into business security posture.
ThreatSpike
Best for endpoint protection services
Overall rating: 3.5/5
- Cost: 4/5
- Core features: 4/5
- Customer support: 1/5
- Ease of implementation: 3.5/5
- Security operations: 3.75/5
- Integration and scalability: 1.5/5
ThreatSpike leads in endpoint protection services, offering next-generation solutions to secure devices across the enterprise. Their cloud-based cybersecurity system offers advanced features like forensics and data loss prevention (DLP). Threatspike’s focus on real-time monitoring and proactive controls gives its clients the assurance that they can safeguard their endpoints against a wide array of cyberthreats.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Flexible and transparent pricing. | Learning curve for new users. |
| Next-generation endpoint protection. | Costs can escalate fast with increased number of employees. |
| Secure devices across the enterprise. | Integration challenges with niche systems. |
Pricing
- ThreatSpike Red: $7,000 per year for up to 250 employees, $14,000 per year for up to 1,000 employees, and $21,000 per year for up to 2,000 employees.
- ThreatSpike Blue: Contact for pricing.
Features
- Advanced solutions for endpoint security.
- Real-time device monitoring and control.
- Defense against a broad spectrum of threats.
- Enterprise-wide device security assurance.
Capgemini Services
Best for proactive vulnerability management
Overall rating: 3.25/5
- Cost: 1.5/5
- Core features: 4/5
- Customer support: 1.5/5
- Ease of implementation: 3/5
- Security operations: 4.5/5
- Integration and scalability: 4.5/5
Capgemini Services stands out for its proactive approach to vulnerability management as it offers a 360-degree view into security posture. Its SIEM services combine incident detection and response, and its thorough suite of managed security services ensures businesses proactively identify and address vulnerabilities before they are exploited. Capgemini also boasts a business-focused approach, subject matter experts, and advanced technology to achieve end-to-end portfolio services.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Proactive approach to vulnerability management. | Some services may need additional customization. |
| 360-degree visibility into security posture. | Customer support has room for improvement. |
| Vast suite of managed security services. | Integration with complex IT environments may be challenging. |
Pricing
Contact the provider for their pricing information.
Features
- Proactive vulnerability management.
- Comprehensive visibility into security posture.
- Wide range of managed security services.
- Tailored solutions for business growth.
Key features of MSSPs
Any MSSP worth the name will include, at minimum, threat intelligence, anlytics, monitoring, and response, as well as firewall management, and intrusion detection for networks and endpoints.
Threat intelligence and analytics
Gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data on emerging threats is a non-negotiable for proactive defense. MSSPs with advanced threat intelligence give their users insights into potential security threats. This enables them to strengthen their defenses preemptively.
24/7 monitoring and incident response
Businesses that have their IT environments monitored 24/7 enjoy having any unusual activity detected quickly. An effective MSSP offers round-the-clock monitoring along with rapid incident response to mitigate threats before they cause significant damage.
Firewall management
Firewalls act as a barrier between secure internal networks and untrusted external ones. Comprehensive firewall management services from an MSSP make sure these critical security devices are properly configured, maintained, and updated to protect clients against intrusions.
Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS)
IDPS are effective for identifying potentially malicious activity within a network. An MSSP leveraging advanced intrusion detection and prevention gives its users a vital opportunity to identify and block security threats in real time, therefore greatly reducing the risk of a successful cyberattack.
Endpoint protection
Securing each endpoint is a must as more and more devices access corporate networks. MSSPs with robust endpoint protection services ensure all devices, from laptops to smartphones, are secured against malware, ransomware, and other cyberthreats.
How to choose the best MSSP for your business
The best MSSPs offer a blend of advanced threat intelligence, comprehensive monitoring, robust firewall management, effective IDPS, and extensive endpoint protection, among other features. All of these are key to safeguarding digital assets against evolving cyberthreats.
When selecting an MSSP, businesses should consider providers that excel in integrating their services with existing IT infrastructures, ensuring seamless protection across all platforms. For those prioritizing advanced threat protection, Check Point Services offers unparalleled defenses against sophisticated cyberthreats, thanks to its leading-edge technologies, vast product and service catalog, and comprehensive security features.
A provider like Sophos offers advanced intrusion detection capabilities to give businesses the tools to proactively identify and mitigate threats. Meanwhile, Rapid7 shines with its comprehensive SIEM solutions. Ultimately, the best MSSP for your business will depend on the security needs that you highlight, the requirements of your industry, and the scale of your operations.
How we evaluated MSSPs
An MSSP’s core offerings determine the scope of its use cases, therefore we gave core features the greatest weight. This was followed by cost, as users often want to have an estimate of what they’re expected to pay without having to book meetings or set up consultations.
We deemed ease of implementation and security operations to be equally as important, as the ideal tool both excels at security operations and is easy to implement. These were then followed by integration and scalability and customer support.
Core features (25%)
We assessed the essential security services offered by MSSPs, such as threat intelligence, incident response, firewall management, endpoint protection, and more.
- Criterion winner: Cisco Security Services
Cost (20%)
We then examined the affordability and transparency of each MSSP’s pricing model, including the availability of free trials/demos, the flexibility of pricing plans, and any hidden or additional costs. Most of the providers’ pricing was opaque, apart from Cyvatar and ThreatSpike.
- Criterion winner: Cyvatar.ai
Security operations (20%)
The effectiveness of an MSSP’s security operations, including the expertise of its security team and the availability of a 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC), was a key focus.
- Criterion winners: Check Point, Cyvatar.ai, Sophos, and OpenText
Ease of implementation (20%)
We looked at the simplicity and speed with which businesses can deploy and utilize an MSSP’s services. Providers that offer user-friendly, easily integrated solutions with extensive resources for implementation received higher scores.
- Criterion winner: Sophos Professional Services
Integration and scalability (10%)
The ability of an MSSP to seamlessly integrate with existing IT infrastructures and scale its services according to business needs is crucial. We assessed system integration capabilities, API extensibility, multi-platform support, and interoperability with other IT and security tools.
- Criterion winners: Check Point, Sophos, OpenText, and Rapid7
Customer support (5%)
We evaluated the availability and quality of support channels, responsiveness, and customer satisfaction ratings and highlighted the providers with exceptional support services.
- Criterion winner: Sophos Professional Services
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a managed security service provider (MSSP)?
An MSSP is an organization that provides outsourced monitoring and management of security devices and systems. MSSPs offer a range of services such as managed firewall, intrusion detection, virtual private network, vulnerability scanning, and antivirus services.
Like managed service providers (MSPs), these providers enable businesses to outsource their IT security needs, focusing particularly on robust security solutions and practices. MSSPs ensure expert protection against cyberthreats for businesses without the means or desire to fund and build extensive in-house resources.
How do MSSPs protect against cyberthreats?
MSSPs protect against cyberthreats by offering strong, granular security services that include round-the-clock monitoring and management of security systems, threat intelligence, incident response, and more.
They use advanced technologies and methodologies to detect, analyze, and respond to potential security threats, ensuring businesses are safeguarded against a wide array of cyber risks. MSSPs also provide regular security assessments and updates to keep defenses strong against evolving threats.
What are the benefits of using an MSSP?
The benefits of using an MSSP include 24/7 threat detection, access to specialized skill sets, rapid incident response, and cost savings.
MSSPs offer an expanded security team that works around the clock to monitor and protect against cyberthreats, providing businesses with peace of mind and allowing them to focus on their core operations.
Additionally, MSSPs bring in-depth knowledge and expertise in cybersecurity, ensuring that businesses benefit from best-in-class intelligence and state-of-the-art security practices.
Bottom line: Choosing an MSSP to partner with
If you don’t have your own internal IT security team, finding the right MSSP provider is a necessity, as security is make-or-break for any business today. We’ve explored how each provider approaches key criteria to help you understand what to prioritize as you seek your ideal MSSP.
Ultimately, the ideal provider for you will be determined by your use case and the features associated with it. Reach out to sales teams at any provider you’re interested in partnering with. Most will be happy to discuss in depth the services they offer and whether they’re a good fit for your use case.
For a deeper dive into the most progressive IT solutions providers in the industry, browse our HSP250 list, handpicked by our channel experts. And be sure to tune in to our Partner POV podcast and video series for exclusive interviews, top trends, and unfiltered opinions in the IT channel.