What is the difference between an MSP and an MSSP?

An MSPMSP: managed service provider. A company that runs IT for other companies. (managed service provider) runs IT for its clients; an MSSPMSSP: managed security service provider. A company that runs security monitoring for other companies. (managed security service provider) runs their security monitoring and response. The line has blurred: many MSPs now sell security services, and clients often expect it. The difference that matters is what you promise. An MSSP usually commits to watching alerts within defined hours, often around the clock, with response times in the contract and staff trained for it. An MSP that adds a security tool but has no one watching at night is not an MSSP, and its contract should say so. Both can use NetSenX for detection: each client is its own tenant, and the partner programme covers MSSPs and resellers.

← All 35 questions on MSPs and MSSPsAll topics