What's the difference between MSPs and MSSPs?

It’s common for MSPs and MSSPs to get mixed up in the world of cybersecurity. While both positions share some commonalities, they ultimately have different functions. MSPs focus on an organization's broader information technology functions, while MSSPs concentrate on protection against cyberthreats. 

MSPs are external partners engaged primarily to deliver, optimize, and cost-effectively manage an organization’s broad information technology functions. A qualitative study of managed service provider (MSP) outsourcing in the Ghanaian banking sector showed how MSPs provide skill sets otherwise unavailable internally, offering expertise in areas such as IT infrastructure, software maintenance, and digital innovation. MSPs are often preferred due to their ability to bring technical innovation to the organization, fill gaps in both human resources and technology provisioning, and act as consultants in the deployment and continual improvement of IT facilities. 

MSSPs concentrate exclusively on protecting an organization’s digital assets and information systems against cyber threats, delivering proactive, specialized security rather than general IT support. MSSPs help organizations address cyber threats and regulatory obligations, like those found in HIPAA or the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, by providing continuous security monitoring, incident response, vulnerability management, and threat intelligence services. 

These capabilities are indispensable where compliance and the protection of sensitive data (like patient records) are concerns. A healthcare institution or hospital, for example, may turn to an MSSP for round-the-clock surveillance of its devices and systems, triaging security alerts via a Security Operations Center (SOC), and supporting regulatory compliance.

What is a Managed Service Provider (MSP)?

According to the study ‘IT Managed Service Providers -Nearly an Imperative,’ it’s necessary for networks to be consistently monitored, “Clients are demanding that law firms do a reasonable amount to secure their confidential data-and the ethical rules demand that they do that-so MSPs have become a large part of the answer to safeguarding client information.”

An MSP is leveraged as a strategic partner to manage ongoing, day-to-day operations so that the contracting organization can focus on its primary objectives. MSPs provide adaptable, high-quality services, frequently at a lower cost, by only charging for the service delivered, rather than incurring the additional costs linked with permanent employees (e.g., benefits, compensation, and training). 

The effectiveness of MSPs is deeply tied to their ability to deliver operational efficiency. MSPs help organizations avoid wasting resources while ensuring service quality is not compromised. Operational efficiency is often achieved through the MSP’s technical proficiency with digital systems and rapid problem-solving ability.  

These providers frequently act as consultants, sharing specialized knowledge, driving process improvements, and even facilitating the adoption of new technologies or digital solutions. From a healthcare perspective, the concept of managed services is closely linked to efforts to control costs, ensure quality, and standardize processes. 

In managed care and health information systems literature, managed approaches are those that coordinate and supervise service delivery to improve efficiency and comply with regulations.

What is a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP)?

MSSPs primarily focus on ensuring the continuous security posture of their clients by offering round-the-clock monitoring, management, and response services, often operating through dedicated SOCs. An IBM article on the topic notes, “Operating from high-availability security operation centers (SOCs)—meaning they can operate at a high level, continuously, without intervention—MSSPs provide ‘always on’ coverage. This coverage significantly reduces the need for enterprises to hire, train and maintain extensive in-house personnel to effectively uphold security.”

The services offered by MSSPs include network security monitoring, vulnerability assessments, firewall management, endpoint protection, antivirus and antimalware deployment, secure VPN configuration, and compliance support with regulatory requirements. 

The operational model of MSSPs involves monitoring security events and managing system updates, security device configurations, and responding rapidly to security incidents. This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of breaches, data loss, and operational disruptions caused by cyberattacks like ransomware or phishing.

Notable certifications

For MSPs, industry standards commonly referenced include CompTIA certifications (e.g., A+, Network+), Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and other vendor-specific credentials focused on systems and network administration. These certifications ensure that MSP staff have the practical expertise to maintain IT operations, troubleshooting, and provisioning across a variety of industry environments, including healthcare and finance where operational continuity is needed.

In contrast, MSSPs demand specialized cybersecurity knowledge and credentials reflecting their exclusive focus on protecting digital assets and managing threats. MSSP staff usually hold advanced certifications that validate expertise in cybersecurity methodologies, risk management, and compliance. Commonly cited certifications include Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), all of which require rigorous examination and demonstrate proficiency in threat detection, incident response, vulnerability assessment, and security architecture.

When to choose MSP, MSSP, or both

A BMC Health Services Research study on the implementation of certification procedures notes, “Risk aversion of the ASP, the need for ex post adaptation, reputation of the ASP, duration of the contract and the ability of penalties as substitutes for specifying contingencies in the contract are significant predictors of contract choice.”

There is support for selecting an MSP when the organization primarily needs comprehensive IT support. Organizations with some internal IT capabilities but lacking advanced security expertise often find MSSPs to be the ideal security partner. MSSPs can be particularly important when continuous monitoring and rapid incident response are needed due to the evolving nature of cyber threats.

Increasingly, many organizations adopt a combined approach, leveraging both MSP and MSSP services simultaneously. This integrated model merges MSPs’ broad IT operational efficiency with MSSPs’ specialized security focus. Larger enterprises or those with complex IT environments and high cyber risk often adopt such dual strategies because it allows them to maintain smooth IT operations while ensuring robust, expert cybersecurity defense. 

Collaboration enables MSPs to manage infrastructure and support services, while MSSPs provide security monitoring and threat management. The partnership ensures regulatory compliance, risk management, and business continuity are holistically addressed.

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

FAQs

What are the top cybersecurity threats to healthcare in 2025?

The leading threats include ransomware/extortion attacks, identity theft through phishing and social engineering, vulnerabilities in Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices, cloud-based attacks, and emerging dark AI attacks. These threats target patient data, disrupt hospital operations, and exploit unpatched device vulnerabilities.

Why are IoT and medical devices vulnerable to cyberattacks?

Medical devices connected to networks often use outdated software and remain unpatched for long periods. This exposes them to exploitation, allowing attackers to manipulate device functionality or use them as entry points into healthcare networks.

What makes electronic health records (EHRs) a prime target?

EHRs contain valuable and comprehensive patient information like medical history, billing, and diagnosis data. Breaches of EHRs result in high costs and severe privacy violations. Attackers can monetize these records on the dark web for identity theft and fraud.