The MSS abbreviation is simple—it stands for Managed Security Services. But if you ask any two people who aren't cybersecurity professionals what that means, you're likely to get at least two different answers. So, just knowing what MSS stands for doesn’t necessarily answer the question, What is MSS?

An MSS is an outsourced, third-party-provided cybersecurity service, often provided by a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP). The MSSP works from its own facilities to keep your organization's digital infrastructure safe, including both your data and your customers' data. 

This approach can help:

• Reduce the need for additional in-office staff.

• Free up your in-house IT people to focus on other duties.

• Remove the pressure of managing security in-house.

But maybe most important to some clients is that an MSSP offers a level of expertise and around-the-clock coverage that most in-house teams, especially in smaller organizations, just can’t match, and without the time or cost of hiring and training a large team.

Maybe the better question is: What can an MSSP do for my business?

An MSSP monitors and manages the security of your organization’s networked IT assets, like platforms, applications, data, and cloud environments, all from a remote location. The exact scope of service depends on the provider’s capabilities and your organization’s specific needs.

Most MSSPs offer MSS services, including:

• 24/7 network monitoring and logging.

• Incident detection, response, and remediation.

• Firewall and intrusion prevention system (IPS) management.

• VPN setup and management.

• Antivirus and endpoint protection.

An MSSP offers constant, consistent, and “always on” data management and oversight. This includes real-time SIEM monitoring and logging at the very least. Some of the better MSSPs back that up with tools to respond to newly detected vulnerabilities, leaks, or actual attacks in milliseconds, rather than minutes, hours, or days.

This sounds a lot like an SOC

It should, because it is one. 

Any remote facility with high-enough availability and technical capacity to operate as an MSSP includes a Security Operations Center (SOC) as part of the MSS.

Managed security service benefits

On the simplest level, MSSPs offer the kind of training, experience, and specialization that only the largest (and most expensive) in-house data security teams could match. But because you're not employing a full team 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even much more modestly sized operations can make use of MSSPs for less. You have access to everything, but only pay for what you need. 

MSS example

Imagine a large power generation company in North America. They need to bring their cybersecurity up to scratch very quickly over several interlinked facilities, or else risk their NERC CIP compliance status. 

Their in-house IT people have deep knowledge of their products, services, and equipment, but have little experience with modern cybersecurity or regulatory compliance. Rather than build a large security team from scratch, they turn to a reputable MSSP to manage both their security and compliance challenges across their entire distributed network, quickly, effectively, and cost-efficiently. 

Whether you’re looking for ongoing support or immediate help, Huntress can tailor a solution to your needs and budgets. Want to see how it works? Schedule a demo to speak with one of our security experts.