MSP vs MSSP: What’s the Difference and Why You Need Both

As cyber threats grow in scale and sophistication, many organisations are re-evaluating their current IT support model.

If you already work with a Managed Service Provider (MSP), you’ve likely got a solid foundation for keeping your infrastructure operational and your users supported. But when it comes to cybersecurity, that may not be enough.

That’s where a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) comes in. Unlike MSPs, which focus on general IT management, MSSPs provide deep, continuous protection against cyber threats—working alongside your MSP, not replacing them.

This guide outlines the 10 key differences between MSPs and MSSPs—and why partnering with both delivers the most resilient, secure setup for your business.

Primary Focus

MSP: General IT support, uptime, user productivity, system availability.
MSSP: Cybersecurity-first—focused on protecting data, systems, and users from evolving threats.
Why it matters: Your MSP helps keeps the lights on. Your MSSP ensures they’re not switched off by a cyber attack.

Security Expertise

MSP: Broad IT knowledge, often with some basic security tools.
MSSP: Deep, specialist knowledge in threat detection, incident response, vulnerability management, and compliance.
Key takeaway: MSSPs bring the specific skills needed to combat advanced threats.

Proactive Threat Detection

MSP: Typically responds to issues after they occur.
MSSP: Proactively monitors, detects, and investigates potential threats—24/7.
Outcome: Faster response, reduced dwell time, and increased protection.

Technology Stack

MSP: Tools focused on service delivery—RMM, ticketing, endpoint backup.
MSSP: Tools focused on defence—SIEM, EDR/XDR, threat intelligence, vulnerability scanning, security analytics.
Benefit: MSSPs deploy and manage advanced security platforms your MSP may not support.
 

Incident Response Capability

MSP: May escalate issues or re-image systems after an incident.
MSSP: Actively investigates, contains, and helps recover from security incidents.
Result: Structured response reduces impact and recovery time.
 

Compliance & Governance

MSP: May assist with basic IT policies.
MSSP: Supports security frameworks (e.g. ISO 27001, NIS2, Cyber Essentials+) and helps you evidence control maturity.
Value: Stronger regulatory posture, lower compliance risk.
 

24/7 Security Operations Centre (SOC)

MSP: Usually operates during business hours, with some extended support.
MSSP: Continuous monitoring, detection, and triage—24/7/365.
Essential: Most attacks happen outside of working hours. MSSPs are always on.
 

Risk Management Approach

MSP: Service level driven, focusing on performance and availability.
MSSP: Risk-driven—aligning controls to your business context and threat landscape.
Impact: Informed decisions based on security risk, not just IT issues.
 

User Security Awareness

MSP: May offer some general user support or training.
MSSP: Provides structured programmes for user education, phishing simulations, and behaviour change.
Why it matters: Users are a key attack vector—education is critical.
 

Collaboration, Not Competition

MSP & MSSP Together: Each brings different skills. A well-defined handoff and working relationship delivers the strongest outcomes.
Message: If you’ve already invested in an MSP, an MSSP strengthens—not disrupts—that foundation.
 
In today’s threat environment, having both is no longer a luxury—it’s essential.

Cyber attackers are faster, more targeted, and more coordinated than ever before. Working with an MSSP alongside your MSP allows you to close the gaps and stay ahead of evolving threats.

Want to explore how a cybersecurity-focused MSSP can support your business? Contact us.