What is the difference between an MSSP and an SOC?

The difference between a managed security service provider (MSSP) and a security operations center (SOC) lies in who provides the service and how security is managed. An MSSP is an external company that delivers outsourced security monitoring, threat detection, and incident response services to multiple clients. A SOC, on the other hand, is a centralized function or team, either internal or external, that continuously monitors, analyzes, and responds to security threats within an organization.

In other words, the SOC is the operational hub where cybersecurity activities happen, while the MSSP is the service provider that may run that SOC for your organization or offer related managed security solutions. Understanding this distinction helps organizations choose the right model for their size, budget, and security needs, whether it’s building an in-house SOC, partnering with an MSSP, or combining both in a hybrid approach.

What is an MSSP?

A managed security service provider (MSSP) is a third-party company that delivers outsourced monitoring and management of security systems and devices. MSSPs help organizations maintain a robust cybersecurity posture without needing to build and staff a full in-house security team. They typically provide a range of services, including:

• Network and endpoint monitoring
• Threat detection and response
• Firewall and intrusion prevention management
• Patch management and vulnerability assessments
• Incident reporting and compliance support

MSSP functions

According to IBM, MSSPs deliver a complete outsourced security solution focused on network monitoring, incident response, and protection across evolving enterprise infrastructures, including on-premises, cloud, and application environments. Common MSSP functions include:

• Antiviral services: MSSPs deploy threat-hunting and malware protection tools to prevent and mitigate viral attacks across the network.
• Endpoint protection: They secure laptops, desktops, and mobile devices to ensure consistent endpoint security throughout the organization.
• Incident response: MSSPs provide rapid response to breaches or attacks, conducting forensic analysis and remediation to minimize impact.
• Intrusion detection: They identify and mitigate internal and external threats through advanced monitoring and investigation techniques.
• Managed firewall services: MSSPs continuously monitor firewalls, analyze network traffic, and respond to potential intrusions.
• Security consulting: They advise organizations on risk management, security posture improvement, and best practices.
• Security information and event management (SIEM): MSSPs use SIEM tools to aggregate and analyze data for real-time threat detection and compliance management.
• Threat detection and prevention: They employ tools such as IDPS, MDR, and EDR to defend against malware, phishing, ransomware, and insider threats.
• VPN configuration: MSSPs set up and manage virtual private networks to secure communications and reduce the attack surface.
• Vulnerability scanning: They conduct continuous vulnerability assessments to identify and address potential weaknesses across systems and data assets.

Benefits of MSSPs

“MSSPs offer many advantages to safeguard businesses against the growing array of cyberthreats,” states IBM. Using an MSSP means:  

• Organizations can leverage advanced security tools without large upfront investments.
• Maintaining regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS) and providing reporting for audits and incidents.
• Outsourcing security allows companies to concentrate on strategic initiatives and operations.
• Reducing the need for internal security infrastructure and personnel, offering predictable subscription-based pricing.
• Employ skilled cybersecurity professionals familiar with evolving threats and technologies.
• Proactive threat monitoring and up-to-date security practices.
• Services are being tailored and scaled to meet the organization’s changing needs.
• Optimizing security tool interoperability and managing configurations to improve overall protection.
• 24/7 SOC operations for rapid detection and response to incidents, minimizing downtime and damage.

MSSP limitations

According to the study Outsourcing ICT security to MSSP: Issues and challenges for the developing world, the disadvantages of outsourcing to an MSSP include:

• Loss of ownership: Organizations may feel less in control of their cybersecurity, potentially underestimating that ultimate responsibility for protecting assets still rests with them.
• Trust issues: MSSPs have access to sensitive information, including details about security infrastructure and vulnerabilities, which could pose reputational or operational risks if mishandled.
• Contract disputes: Conflicts may arise during the contract period or if a contract is unexpectedly terminated, complicating the management of cybersecurity responsibilities.
• Legal and jurisdictional complexities: Differences in applicable laws between the client and the MSSP, especially across countries, can make legal enforcement and compliance challenging.
• Cost and complexity of legal recourse: Establishing facts or evidence for legal disputes related to outsourced MSS may require specialized skills and can be expensive.
• Over-reliance on MSSPs: Organizations might mistakenly assume that outsourcing fully transfers cybersecurity risk, similar to insurance, potentially leading to gaps in internal accountability.

Read also: How to vet an MSSP for healthcare compliance

What is an SOC?

A security operations center (SOC) is a centralized facility or function where cybersecurity professionals monitor, detect, analyze, and respond to security incidents across an organization’s digital infrastructure.

Unlike MSSPs, which are external service providers, a SOC can be in-house (managed by your organization) or outsourced (operated by an MSSP or managed detection and response (MDR) provider).

The SOC serves as the center of cybersecurity operations; it’s where all the organization’s security data converges for real-time analysis.

Functions of an SOC

According to IBM, the functions of an SOC can be divided into three main categories: preparation and prevention, monitoring and response, and recovery and compliance.

• Preparation and prevention: The SOC maintains an up-to-date inventory of all digital assets, applies patches and security updates, tests systems for vulnerabilities, and develops incident response plans. These proactive steps ensure that defenses are ready before threats emerge.
• Monitoring and response: Operating 24/7, the SOC continuously monitors the organization’s IT infrastructure using tools like SIEM and XDR to detect suspicious activity. When incidents occur, the team isolates compromised systems, removes threats, and mitigates damage through rapid response actions.
• Recovery and compliance: After containment, the SOC restores affected systems, investigates root causes, and strengthens defenses to prevent recurrence. It also ensures compliance with data protection regulations such as HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI DSS, and reports incidents as required.

Benefits of SOCs

• Safeguarding critical systems, sensitive data, and intellectual property through proactive monitoring and rapid response.
• Reducing the impact of security incidents, SOCs help maintain uninterrupted operations, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
• Supporting the adherence to cybersecurity regulations and standards while maintaining detailed incident records.
• Proactive threat detection and response, reducing the financial and reputational costs of data breaches, often at a lower investment than in-house staffing.
• Demonstrating robust cybersecurity operations builds confidence among clients and stakeholders.
• Containing threats quickly, reducing downtime and financial loss.
• Continuous analysis of security events helps identify and mitigate vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
• 24/7 monitoring for early identification of threats, minimizing potential damage, and data breaches.

SOC limitations

Based on the study, Matched and mismatched SOCs: A qualitative study on security operations center issues, the following disadvantages of Security Operations Centers (SOCs) were identified:

• Resource constraints: SOCs often face limitations in staffing and budget, leading to challenges in effectively managing security operations.
• High turnover rates: The demanding nature of SOC work contributes to burnout and high turnover among analysts, impacting continuity and expertise.
• Alert fatigue: Analysts are overwhelmed by a high volume of alerts, making it difficult to prioritize and respond to genuine threats promptly.
• Skill gaps: There is a shortage of skilled professionals with the necessary expertise to handle complex security incidents.
• Integration challenges: Difficulty in integrating various security tools and platforms can hinder the SOC's ability to respond effectively to threats.
• Communication barriers: Ineffective communication within the SOC and with other departments can delay incident response and resolution.
• Changing threat environment: The constantly changing nature of cyber threats requires continuous adaptation and learning, which can strain SOC resources.

How MSSPs work with SOCs

Let’s imagine a real-world example:

A medium-sized healthcare company processes sensitive patient data and must comply with HIPAA regulations. MediCore doesn’t have the budget or staff to run a full internal SOC, so it partners with an MSSP that operates a 24/7 SOC.

Here’s how it works:

• The MSSP’s SOC continuously monitors MediCore’s network using SIEM tools.
• When a suspicious login attempt occurs at 2 a.m., the SOC analysts investigate the alert, determine it’s a potential brute-force attack, and block the IP address.
• The MSSP then generates a report summarizing the incident and recommends steps for stronger authentication controls.

In this scenario, the healthcare company benefits from SOC-level monitoring without the high overhead of building one in-house, all enabled by the MSSP’s managed services.

Role of Paubox in managed security

While MSSPs and SOCs safeguard infrastructure, communication channels like email remain a common attack vector. Phishing and social engineering continue to exploit human error to bypass even the most sophisticated security systems.

Solutions like Paubox Email Suite enhance both MSSP and SOC strategies by delivering:

• HIPAA compliant encryption by default
• Inbound threat detection
• Data loss prevention (DLP)
• Behavioral analytics for anomaly detection

For MSSPs serving healthcare and other regulated clients, Paubox offers a seamless way to integrate email security into their broader monitoring ecosystem, protecting sensitive data and maintaining compliance without adding friction for end users.

Read also:

• Features of Paubox Email Suite
• HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide (2025 Update)

FAQS

Can an organization have both an MSSP and an internal SOC?

Yes. Some organizations maintain an internal SOC while partnering with an MSSP for additional monitoring, expertise, or coverage. This hybrid approach can enhance security capabilities without fully outsourcing operations.

What is alert fatigue in a SOC?

Alert fatigue occurs when SOC analysts are overwhelmed by a high volume of alerts, many of which are false positives, making it harder to identify genuine threats promptly.