Cyber threats are now more sophisticated than ever. The result? Canadian businesses are recognizing that break/fix IT support may no longer be enough. While many organizations rely on Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to handle their infrastructure and high-level IT needs, others are turning to Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) to fill a critical gap – cybersecurity. But what’s the difference? And more importantly, what might your business be missing out on if you’re only working with an MSP?
MSP vs MSSP: Understanding the Core Difference
MSPs are focused on keeping your IT systems running smoothly. They offer services like remote monitoring, patching, network management, cloud support, and helpdesk functions. Think of your MSP as your outsourced IT department: essential, but not specialized in security.
On the other hand, Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) are cybersecurity-first by design. They deliver advanced protection through services like threat detection, incident response, vulnerability management, 24/7 monitoring, and compliance support. While MSPs might offer basic antivirus or firewall solutions, MSSPs are built from the ground up to proactively defend your business from cyber threats, not just respond to IT issues. MSSPs typically align with leading cybersecurity frameworks and compliance standards such as CyberSecure Canada, CMMC, CIS Controls, and NIST, helping organizations meet regulatory requirements and strengthen their overall security posture.
What You Might Be Missing Without an MSSP
Many Canadian SMEs operate under the assumption that their MSP covers all security needs. In reality, that gap can leave them exposed to significant risks. Here’s what businesses might be missing without an MSSP:
1. 24/7 Security Monitoring
Cyber threats don’t stick to business hours. MSSPs provide around-the-clock monitoring through Security Operations Centers (SOCs), detecting suspicious activity in real time. Without this constant oversight, threats could go unnoticed for days or even weeks.
2. Advanced Threat Detection
MSSPs use cutting-edge tools like SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) and UEBA (User and Entity Behaviour Analytics) to identify anomalies and alert your team before a breach happens. MSPs typically lack this depth of threat intelligence.
3. Rapid Incident Response
In the event of an attack, MSSPs spring into action with a coordinated incident response plan, reducing damage and downtime. Without this, businesses are left scrambling, often with irreversible consequences. While some larger organizations may operate as an in-house SOC, doing so requires significant investment and skilled personnel, technology, and around-the-clock coverage. By outsourcing to an MSSP, organizations gain immediate access to a fully staffed SOC, enterprise-grade tools, and proven response protocols – without the overhead and complexity of building it internally.
4. Regulatory Compliance Support
Canadian regulations like PIPEDA require stringent data protection. MSSPs help businesses stay compliant by managing data governance, providing audit support, and ensuring your security policies are up to date, something most MSPs aren’t equipped to handle fully.
5. Vulnerability Management and Penetration Testing
MSSPs continuously scan for vulnerabilities and often perform penetration testing, simulating real attacks to expose weaknesses before attackers do. MSPs typically don’t offer this level of proactive security, focusing instead on basic IT upkeep.
6. Access to Cybersecurity Expertise
Cybersecurity talent is in high demand and short supply. MSSPs give SMEs access to certified experts, like CISSPs, ethical hackers, and threat analysts, without the cost of building an in-house team. They also help you navigate complex security conversations with vendors, partners, clients, insurers, and boards, ensuring your business is both protected and credible.
7. Peace of Mind
Ultimately, MSSPs give business leaders the confidence that their organization is being protected by professionals who specialize in staying ahead of evolving threats. It’s not just about preventing breaches – it’s about knowing that someone has your back, armed with the expertise to respond and the insight to educate. That’s peace of mind built on both proactive defence and informed decision-making.
Practical Steps for Canadian SMEs
1. Assess Your Risk Exposure: Identify what’s at stake – customer data, financial information, and intellectual property —and evaluate your current security coverage.
2. Start a Conversation with Your MSP: Understand what security services they provide, and more importantly, what they don’t.
3. Explore MSSP Partnerships: Look for an MSSP with proven experience in your industry, offering services like SIEM, threat intelligence, incident response, and a fully staffed SOC. The right partner will have in-house CISSP-certified experts and offer CISO-level advisory services to align security with your business goals.
4. Prioritize Staff Training: MSSPs often provide cybersecurity awareness training as part of their service – a critical but frequently overlooked defence layer.
Fusion Computing’s Perspective
At Fusion Computing, we’ve seen firsthand the impact a robust cybersecurity strategy can have. While MSP services keep businesses running, MSSP services keep them protected. We help Canadian SMEs bridge the gap between IT operations and cybersecurity, offering comprehensive, layered defence solutions. If you’re wondering whether your MSP is enough, it might be time to find out what you’re missing.
Final Thoughts
In today’s threat landscape, IT support alone doesn’t cut it. A proactive cybersecurity strategy requires specialized expertise, real-time monitoring, and a deep understanding of evolving threats. MSSPs bring all of that, and more, to the table. If you’re relying solely on an MSP, your business could be one step away from a security incident that could have been prevented.
Contact Fusion Today
Reach out to learn how a Managed Security Service Provider can help safeguard your business. We will assess your needs and design a solution tailored to your requirements.
FAQs
Q. TLDR: What is the difference between an MSP and an MSSP?
A. An MSP (Managed Service Provider) handles your overall IT infrastructure, including services such as helpdesk support, server maintenance, and cloud management. An MSSP (Managed Security Service Provider), on the other hand, is laser-focused on cybersecurity. They provide 24/7 threat monitoring, incident response, and advanced tools such as SIEM and UEBA to keep your data secure.
Q. Can my MSP also handle cybersecurity?
A. Some MSPs offer basic cybersecurity services, but they often lack the depth, expertise, and tools that a true MSSP provides. If your MSP isn’t offering 24/7 monitoring, real-time incident response, and ongoing threat intelligence, you could be at risk.
Q. What size of business benefits from an MSSP?
A. It’s a misconception that MSSPs are only for large enterprises. Canadian SMEs are increasingly targeted by cyberattacks and often lack internal security resources. MSSPs provide cost-effective, enterprise-grade protection tailored to smaller business needs.
