Managed security services vs. Traditional IT support

Organizations of all sizes are under constant threat from cyberattacks, ransomware, data breaches, and insider risks. According to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report 2025, the global average cost of a breach has risen to over $4.4 million, “a 9% decrease over last year—driven by faster identification and containment.” For small and mid-sized businesses, even a fraction of that financial impact could be devastating.

This reality has forced businesses to rethink their approach to IT and cybersecurity management. Two options dominate the conversation: traditional IT support and Managed Security Services (MSS). While traditional IT teams have historically handled both infrastructure and security, the rise in sophisticated cyber threats has driven demand for specialized, proactive security services delivered by Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs).

What is traditional IT support?

Traditional IT support refers to the in-house or outsourced teams that manage a company’s day-to-day technology operations. Their role typically includes:

• Helpdesk and troubleshooting: Fixing issues when employees encounter problems with devices, applications, or networks.
• System maintenance: Applying updates, patches, and ensuring systems run smoothly.
• Network management: Setting up and maintaining routers, switches, and local networks.
• User support: Handling password resets, software installations, and account management.
• Basic security tasks: Installing firewalls, antivirus software, and applying security patches.

The model is usually reactive: IT support responds to problems when they occur. While some preventive measures may be in place, the main focus is on keeping systems operational rather than continuously defending against evolving cyber threats.

Strengths of traditional IT support

Despite its limitations in today’s threat landscape, traditional IT support still offers unique advantages:

• Close knowledge of business systems: In-house IT teams or local providers often know the organization’s systems, workflows, and staff personally, which can lead to quick problem-solving for internal IT issues.
• Cost control (at least upfront): For small businesses, hiring a few IT technicians may seem more affordable than contracting a dedicated MSSP.
• Hands-on support: Traditional IT support can physically handle devices, set up hardware, and provide face-to-face troubleshooting, something MSSPs rarely do.
• Infrastructure management: IT support isn’t just about security; they also manage hardware procurement, software licensing, and employee onboarding, which MSSPs generally don’t cover.

Weaknesses of traditional IT support

However, traditional IT support are trained more on the technology itself: troubleshooting devices, helping users, and resolving certain issues. They may not necessarily be trained–or have the time to train–against modern cyber threats. Some key drawbacks include:

• Reactive approach: Waiting for problems to arise often means breaches are only discovered after damage is done.
• Limited expertise in cybersecurity: IT staff are generalists. Few have deep expertise in areas like digital forensics, zero-day threats, or compliance frameworks.
• Lack of advanced tools: Tools like SIEM platforms, endpoint detection and response (EDR), and threat intelligence feeds are expensive and often out of reach for small IT teams.
• No 24/7 monitoring: Cyberattacks don’t only occur during business hours. Without round-the-clock monitoring, organizations are vulnerable during evenings, weekends, and holidays. 
• Compliance gaps: Meeting regulatory requirements requires continuous monitoring and reporting, tasks that traditional IT often cannot manage effectively.

What are managed security services?

Managed security services (MSS) represent a specialized, proactive, and security-first approach to IT management. MSSPs provide outsourced monitoring and management of security systems and devices. Their offerings often include:

• 24/7 security monitoring (via Security Operations Centers, or SOCs).
• Threat detection and response (using advanced tools like SIEM, EDR, and SOAR).
• Vulnerability management and penetration testing.
• Compliance support for frameworks like HIPAA, PCI-DSS, GDPR, and NIST.
• Incident response planning and execution.
• Threat intelligence to stay ahead of new and emerging risks.

Unlike traditional IT support, MSSPs emphasize continuous protection rather than reactive troubleshooting. Their teams are usually staffed with cybersecurity specialists who bring expertise that smaller in-house IT teams often lack.

Strengths of managed security services

MSSPs fill in the gaps of traditional IT support by bringing security-first expertise and technology to the table. Partnering with an MSSP brings organizations a wide range of benefits that go beyond what traditional IT teams can deliver. According to IBM, the following advantages make MSSPs a compelling choice for modern businesses:

• Access to advanced technologies: MSSPs invest in cutting-edge security tools such as next-generation firewalls, SIEM platforms, endpoint detection and response (EDR), and threat intelligence feeds. Businesses gain access to these sophisticated technologies without needing to make large upfront investments, ensuring enterprise-grade protection at a fraction of the cost.
• Compliance assistance: With industries facing stringent regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS, MSSPs can help ensure compliance. They assist organizations with ongoing monitoring, log collection, and audit-ready reporting, making it easier to demonstrate adherence during regulatory reviews or after incidents.
• Core business focus: Cybersecurity management is resource-intensive. By outsourcing these functions to an MSSP, organizations can redirect internal teams toward innovation and business growth, rather than constantly firefighting security issues. This shift improves overall productivity and supports long-term strategic initiatives.
• Cost efficiency: Building a full-fledged, in-house security program requires significant investment in both infrastructure and talent. MSSPs provide an economical alternative by offering subscription-based pricing, shared security resources, and multitenant solutions. This allows businesses to enjoy enterprise-level protection while keeping costs predictable and manageable.
• Specialized expertise: MSSPs employ seasoned cybersecurity professionals who are trained to handle evolving threats and vulnerabilities. Their depth of knowledge in digital forensics, incident response, and threat intelligence ensures organizations receive expert guidance and rapid protection that few internal IT teams can match.
• Peace of mind: With MSSPs continuously monitoring security trends and adapting defenses to counter new attack vectors, organizations gain confidence that their digital assets are protected by experts. This proactive stance provides leadership teams with the assurance that risk is being actively managed.
• Scalability: MSSPs are designed to grow with their clients. Whether supporting a small business or a large enterprise, they can scale services up or down depending on changing requirements, offering the right level of protection without over-investment.
• Solution configuration and management: Many organizations juggle dozens of security tools that may not integrate effectively. MSSPs streamline this complexity by selecting, configuring, and managing the most appropriate technologies. This optimization ensures security programs are both efficient and effective.
• Always-on monitoring and rapid response: MSSPs operate 24/7 Security Operations Centers (SOCs), delivering continuous monitoring and incident response. This constant vigilance minimizes downtime and damage by detecting and containing threats before they escalate.

Weaknesses of managed security services

Despite their advantages, MSSPs are not without challenges:

• Higher costs: MSSPs can be more expensive than traditional IT, especially for small organizations. According to Market growth reports, “Despite the benefits, the high cost of MSSP services poses a significant restraint to market growth. In 2023, the average annual cost of MSSP services for mid-sized enterprises ranged from 100,000 to 500,000 USD, depending on the scope and complexity of services. This financial barrier is particularly challenging for SMEs, which often operate with limited budgets. As a result, only 45% of SMEs utilized MSSP services in 2023, compared to 70% of large enterprises.” However, costs must be weighed against the potential financial impact of a breach.
• Less focus on general IT issues: MSSPs concentrate on security. They usually don’t handle hardware procurement, desktop support, or internal troubleshooting. According to PW Consulting, companies that outsource more than 70% of their security operations “show 58% slower in-house threat hunting skill development.”
• Vendor dependency: Outsourcing security creates reliance on a third-party vendor. Poor vendor selection or a lack of clear Service Level Agreements (SLAs) can create risks.
• Integration challenges: MSSPs must integrate their monitoring tools with existing infrastructure, which can be complex in older or fragmented IT environments.

See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide (2025 Update)

FAQS

What is the main difference between Managed Security Services (MSS) and traditional IT support?

Traditional IT support focuses on maintaining systems, troubleshooting issues, and managing hardware and networks, typically in a reactive manner.

Managed Security Services (MSS), on the other hand, specialize in proactive cybersecurity monitoring, threat detection, and regulatory compliance, often through a 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC).

Can organizations use both MSS and traditional IT support together?

Yes. Many organizations adopt a hybrid model: traditional IT handles system maintenance, user support, and hardware, while MSSPs focus on continuous security monitoring and incident response.

This approach offers the best of both worlds: operational stability and advanced cyber defense.

What industries benefit most from MSSPs?

MSSPs are especially beneficial for healthcare, finance, insurance, and government sectors, where data protection and regulatory compliance are crucial.

For instance, healthcare organizations rely on MSSPs to ensure HIPAA compliance and secure patient data against ransomware and phishing attacks.