Security is a big issue right now and as technology advances and breakthroughs in speed – like quantum computing – come into play, encryption services, as well as cyber-teams, become even more important. How you invest your money today will determine how well you can face tomorrow — it will determine your flexibility, your ability to adapt, and how future-proof you have your organizations. That’s why right now it’s critical you understand the difference between SOC as a Service and MSSP. The pros of each, the cons of each. Let’s open them up and get an idea of the stats in the boxing match, in that brawl known as MSSP Vs. SOC.
What is MSSP?
MSSP stands for Managed Security Services Provider. An MSSP provides a range of security services, such as firewall management, intrusion detection, and network monitoring.
This type of department is often used by large enterprises with dedicated IT staff to provide a consolidated set of security services, rather than having each IT administrator take on the full-time job of managing the company’s security infrastructure.
What is SOC as a Service?
SOC as a Service is an emerging trend. It is when outsourced companies provide key security services, offer their products, and help out in the digital framework. They offer these plus other services to various organizations.
Differences between SOC as a Service and MSSP
At first glance, they might seem the same but there is a huge difference when comparing SOC as a Service VS MSSP. One that’s at the core of how each of them approaches the concept of security.
A SOC as a Service (SaaS) is an off-premises solution that provides security for the customer’s network. In most cases, it’s a cloud-based platform, and all management is done someplace else — away from your organization and site. The customer only has to pay for the service and not for the equipment or software. For example, if a company wanted to install a firewall, they would have to buy it and hire someone to install it. With a SOC as a Service, they just need to pay for the service and nothing else.
MSSP stands for Managed Security Services Provider. It is an on-premises solution that provides security for the customer’s network. The customer pays both for the equipment and software as well as the monthly fee. They also need to train/hire administrators to manage the system — in other words, create a security department, one that’s well-vetted and stocked with up-to-date tech. An MSSP will often provide more in-depth protection than a SaaS because their employees are on-site with them at
Pros and Cons of MSSP
In the cage match of SOC VS MSSP, it all comes down to the benefits and the challenges of each one.
MSSP systems, if properly handled and with the right tech and personnel, are incredibly dynamic. They give your company a lot of breathing room when it comes to product development. This is because from the get-go, from the inception point, a security team is already looking over the framework and spotting weak points in a new product. They come into a product’s life cycle at the idea stage. They are already marking down places that need to be reinforced.
This type of protocol really helps out. Why? Because it saves money and you won’t have to deal with so many issues, that may delay a product launch, in the testing stage.
Nevertheless, unless you’re a company that isn’t constantly putting out new software – and isn’t concerned with supply-chain hacks to their firmware – MSSP is incredibly pricey. They require a huge upfront investment, not only in tech, but in staff training, and demand a robust managing team – most likely hired for their experience – to take the charge from day one.
Pros and Cons of SOC as a Service
The biggest con is the fact that it is a service — which means in many cases unless you find the right product and team — you’re being handed a template solution. Most don’t offer customizable tech or services that adapt to your industry or need.
Nevertheless, if you do manage to find the Goldilocks Ratio in SOC – one with the perfect price point, the perfect set of tools, and the perfect customizable solutions – these types of services need less investment than MSSP, require no training of personnel on your part, and are constantly updated with new-tech by the company.
MSSP or SOC?
It all comes down to the size of your company, the type of products you offer, and your budget. Small companies or companies that deal in retail or e-commerce are better off with SOC teams. The same goes for companies that offer services. Meanwhile, if you’re a huge tech company or start-up, constantly putting out new software, avant-garde updates, and vogue firmware, MSSP might be exactly what you’re looking for.