What does an MSSP do?

Monitors, detects, and responds to cyber threats across your IT environment.

How much does an MSSP cost?

Yes — through proactive monitoring, patching, and incident response.

Can an MSSP prevent ransomware?

Yes — through proactive monitoring, patching, and incident response.

Does an MSSP replace my IT team?

No. It enhances your existing team.

What industries use MSSPs

Finance, healthcare, retail, SaaS, manufacturing, and any business with security needs.

What Is a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP), and How Does It Work?

Cyber threats are increasing in frequency and sophistication. Most businesses lack the internal resources, expertise, or 24/7 security operations needed to protect themselves effectively.

A Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) solves this by offering end-to-end protection, monitoring, and incident response all at a predictable cost.

Why MSSPs Matter Today

Businesses today face:

Rising ransomware attacks

Lack of skilled cybersecurity professionals

Increasing compliance pressure

Remote and hybrid workforce vulnerabilities

These challenges make an MSSP a strategic security partner rather than just an outsourced service.

What Is a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP)?

An MSSP is a cybersecurity company that provides managed security services like 24/7 monitoring, threat detection, incident response, cloud security, and compliance support.

They operate a Security Operations Center (SOC) that continuously monitors your environment and responds to threats in real time.

MSSP vs MSP

MSP → General IT support
MSSP → Cybersecurity monitoring & protection

MSSP vs MDR

MDR = detection and response
MSSP = full security program + tools + compliance + SOC

How an MSSP Works — Step-by-Step

1. Initial Security Assessment & Onboarding

The MSSP evaluates your environment, identifies risks, and deploys tools like SIEM, EDR, and cloud monitoring.

2. 24/7 Monitoring & Threat Detection

Using advanced detection systems and global threat intelligence, the SOC identifies anomalies immediately.

3. Incident Response & Containment

The MSSP investigates alerts, isolates threats, and recommends or executes remediation.

4. Vulnerability Management & Patching

Continuous scanning identifies system weaknesses and helps prioritize fixes.

5. Compliance & Reporting

Reports support frameworks like ISO 27001, SOC2, HIPAA, GDPR, and more.

6. Continuous Optimization

Security rules, alerts, and policies are constantly updated to improve protection.

Core Services Provided by an MSSP

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MDR vs EDR vs XDR — Key Differences

Feature	EDR	XDR	MDR
Monitoring	No 24/7	No 24/7	24/7 SOC
Coverage	Endpoints only	Multiple layers	Entire setup
Response	Manual	Hybrid	Fully managed
Human Expertise	Required	Required	Provided
Attack Coverage	Limited	Broad	Very high
Best For	Internal SOC	Growing security teams	SMBs + Enterprises needing full protection

Which One Does Your Business Actually Need?

Choose EDR If…

You have an experienced internal SOC.
You only need endpoint protection.

Choose XDR If…

You want multi-layered visibility.
You have analysts for investigations.

Choose MDR If…

You lack in-house security staff.
You want 24/7 monitoring.
You need rapid threat detection and response.
You want protection across cloud, on-prem, network, email & identity

Why MDR Services Are Growing Fast in the US & Europe

1. Attack sophistication is increasing

Modern attacks bypass traditional tools and require real-time threat detection and response.

2. Cybersecurity talent shortage

Hiring SOC teams is expensive—MDR bridges the gap.

3. MDR delivers instant expertise

Security experts act as your dedicated team from day one.

4. Compliance requirements are rising

GDPR, ISO 27001, and SOC 2 demand continuous monitoring.

5. MDR reduces breach damage dramatically

Fast detection = less downtime, lower cost, and reduced impact.

Final Verdict — MDR Provides the Strongest Protection

EDR = Strong for endpoints

XDR = Strong for multi-layered visibility

MDR = Full-service, human-led, 24/7 cybersecurity

If your business wants proactive threat detection and expert response without building an internal SOC, MDR services are the best choice.

FAQ: Managed Detection and Response (MDR)

1. What is the main difference between MDR and EDR?

EDR focuses on protecting endpoints, while MDR provides full 24/7 monitoring, human-led response, and complete security coverage across your entire environment.

2. Why is MDR better than XDR?

XDR is a tool that correlates signals, but MDR is a fully managed service that includes expert analysts, SOC monitoring, and rapid threat response to stop attacks faster.

3. Do small businesses need MDR services?

Yes. MDR is ideal for SMBs because it eliminates the need for an internal SOC, reduces security costs, and provides enterprise-grade protection.

4. Is MDR worth it?

Absolutely. MDR significantly reduces breach impact, improves response time, and lowers overall cybersecurity risk—making it one of the highest-value security services available.

Need Guidance? We're Here to Help

Whether you’re comparing MDR, EDR, or XDR, the AS13.AI team is ready to answer your questions and walk you through the best option for your business—without any pressure.