MSP vs. MSSP: 3 key differences & how to choose

When it comes to managing IT and cybersecurity, businesses are often faced with a choice: handle everything in-house or outsource to a third-party provider. For many organizations, the latter option is becoming increasingly attractive, as it allows them to tap into specialized expertise and resources without the burden of building and maintaining their own teams and systems. 

But once you've decided to outsource, you're faced with another decision: should you partner with a managed service provider (MSP) or a managed security service provider (MSSP)? While both MSPs and MSSPs offer valuable services, they are not interchangeable. Each type of provider has its own focus, strengths, and limitations, and understanding these differences is important for making an informed decision. 

This piece breaks down the key distinctions between MSPs and MSSPs, explores the best use cases for each, and provides a step-by-step guide to help you choose the right provider for your business.

What is a managed service provider (MSP)?

A managed service provider (MSP) is a third-party company that manages and assumes responsibility for a wide range of day-to-day IT operations, including hardware and software management, to help businesses optimize their IT environment, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency.

MSPs typically offer a wide range of services, including:

• Network and infrastructure management: Monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting network components, servers, and storage devices.
• Help desk support: Providing technical assistance to end-users, resolving issues, and answering questions.
• Software management: Installing, updating, and managing software applications across the organization.
• Backup and disaster recovery: Implementing and maintaining data backup solutions to ensure business continuity in the event of a disaster.

By outsourcing these tasks to an MSP, businesses can focus on their core competencies while leaving the complexities of IT management to the experts. MSP providers typically work on a subscription-based model, offering their services for a predictable monthly fee.

What is a managed security service provider (MSSP)?

A managed security service provider is a specialized type of MSP that focuses primarily on cybersecurity, though they may also provide some general IT management services. MSSPs offer a range of services designed to protect their clients' networks, data, and assets from cyber threats.

Key services provided by MSSPs include:

• Security monitoring and threat detection: Managing firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), endpoint protection, and security incident and event management (SIEM) tools, enriched with threat intelligence to protect networks around the clock. This includes proactive threat hunting to identify and eliminate potential threats before they cause harm.
• Incident response: Quickly identifying and containing cybersecurity incidents, minimizing damage, and restoring normal operations.
• Vulnerability management: Regularly scanning networks and systems for malware, vulnerabilities, conducting penetration testing, and providing guidance on remediation.
• Compliance support: Helping organizations meet industry-specific security standards and regulations, such as HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or GDPR.

By partnering with an MSSP, businesses can leverage the provider's expertise and resources to better protect against the constant barrage of cybersecurity threats.

MSP vs. MSSP: 3 key differences

While both MSPs and MSSPs play useful roles in supporting businesses with their IT needs, there are several key differences between the two:

1. Core focus and expertise 

The primary difference between MSPs and MSSPs lies in their focus. MSPs concentrate on managing and optimizing overall IT operations, while MSSPs specialize in cybersecurity. As a result, the services offered by each type of provider differ. MSPs typically handle tasks such as network management, help desk support, and software updates, while MSSPs focus on threat monitoring, incident response, and vulnerability management.

2. Approach to problem-solving 

When issues arise, MSPs typically focus on resolving technical IT problems such as system failures, software glitches, or network connectivity issues to maintain smooth operations. In contrast, MSSPs specialize in real-time threat detection, rapid containment of attacks, and response measures to minimize security risks.

3. Regulatory compliance expertise

For organizations in highly regulated industries, such as healthcare or finance, compliance with security standards is a top priority. MSSPs provide comprehensive compliance program management, from risk assessments and control implementation to continuous auditing and regulatory updates. While MSPs may handle basic compliance needs like data backup requirements, they typically don't offer the deep expertise needed for ongoing regulatory adherence.

MSP vs. MSSP: Best use cases

Choosing between an MSP and an MSSP depends on your organization's specific needs and priorities. Here are some scenarios where each type of provider might be the best fit:

When an MSP is the right choice

• Your business lacks in-house IT expertise and needs help managing day-to-day technology operations.
• You want to streamline IT processes and improve overall efficiency.
• Your organization is growing rapidly and needs scalable IT support.
• You need assistance with tasks such as network management, software updates, and user support.

When an MSSP is the right choice

• Cybersecurity is a top concern for your business, and you need specialized expertise to protect against threats.
• Your industry is heavily regulated, and you need help meeting compliance requirements.
• You have limited in-house security resources and need 24/7 monitoring and incident response capabilities through a dedicated security operations center.
• You want to proactively identify and address vulnerabilities in your systems and networks.

MSP vs. MSSP: How to choose the best for your business

Selecting the right provider is a critical decision that can have a significant impact on your organization's IT operations and security posture. 

Here are four steps to help you choose the best service for your needs:

Step 1. Assess your IT and security needs 

Start by assessing your organization's current IT capabilities and identifying gaps. Consider factors such as the size of your IT team, their skill sets, and the complexity of your IT environment. This will help you determine whether you need the broad support of an MSP or the specialized cybersecurity expertise of an MSSP.

Step 2. Evaluate industry-specific requirements

Different industries have unique IT and security requirements. For example, healthcare organizations must comply with HIPAA regulations, while financial institutions must adhere to PCI-DSS standards. Consider your industry's specific needs and look for a provider with experience and expertise in your vertical.

Step 3. Determine your budget

MSPs and MSSPs vary in their pricing models and the services they include. Determine how much you can allocate to IT and security services, and look for a provider that offers pricing and flexible options that align with your budget.

Step 4. Verify compliance and certification

If your organization is subject to industry-specific regulations, it's essential to choose a provider that can help you meet those requirements. Look for MSPs or MSSPs with relevant certifications and experience in your industry. They should be able to provide guidance on compliance best practices and assist with audits and reporting.

Simplify IT management and cybersecurity with Rippling 

As an MSP or MSSP, you're always looking for ways to better serve your clients while streamlining your own operations. Rippling is a powerful platform that unifies IT management and cybersecurity, making it easier for you to protect your clients' data and devices while reducing overhead and complexity.

With Rippling, you can:

• Centralize client systems: Rippling's natively-built identity, device, and inventory management tools help you consolidate client software and spend, reducing the need for multiple disparate systems. 
• Automate more tasks: By unifying data and systems, Rippling enables MSPs to automate more work than any other security solution, cutting your admin work in half. This includes zero-touch installation of security tools and automatic agent updates across your clients' device fleet.
• Enforce granular security policies: Tailor authentication requirements and access controls based on granular user and device attributes like role, department, and security posture. When security threats are detected, you can instantly see which devices and employees are impacted, enabling faster response times.
• Ensure compliance: Rippling holds key industry certifications including SOC 1 Type II, SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, and ISO 27018, helping you meet your clients' compliance needs.
• Enhance threat protection: Leverage Rippling's integration with SentinelOne's AI-powered platform to autonomously detect and block emerging threats in real-time across your clients' devices.
• Streamline device management: Automatically configure, secure, and manage your clients' Apple and Windows devices from a single console with comprehensive endpoint protection.
• Simplify inventory management: Easily handle device retrieval, storage, and reassignment for your clients, with features like automatic return shipments and secure warehousing.

To learn more about how Rippling can help your MSP business better serve clients while growing revenue, visit the Rippling MSP partner program.

MSP vs. MSSP FAQs

Can an MSP transition into an MSSP? 

Yes, some MSPs may choose to expand their offerings and specialize in cybersecurity services, effectively transitioning into an MSSP. However, this requires significant investment in talent, tools, and processes to develop the necessary expertise and capabilities.

Can a company use both an MSP and an MSSP? 

Yes, organizations can leverage the services of both an MSP and an MSSP. In this scenario, the MSP would handle general IT operations, while the MSSP would focus specifically on advanced security. This approach can provide comprehensive coverage but requires careful coordination between the two providers.

What size businesses benefit most from MSPs or MSSPs? 

Businesses of all sizes can benefit from MSPs and MSSPs. Small and medium-sized businesses often find outsourcing IT and security tasks to be more cost-effective than building in-house teams. 

MSP examples for SMBs typically include providers offering bundled services covering help desk support, network management, and basic security monitoring. Large enterprises may leverage MSPs and MSSPs to augment their existing capabilities and gain access to specialized expertise.

This blog is based on information available to Rippling as of January 28, 2025.

Disclaimer: Rippling and its affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide or be relied on for tax, accounting, or legal advice. You should consult your own tax, accounting, and legal advisors before engaging in any related activities or transactions.