What managed security service providers really do

If you’ve ever had that sinking feeling when a dodgy-looking email lands in your inbox, you’re not alone. Cyber threats have become so common that worrying about them has become a part of everyday business life. But here’s the thing, it doesn’t have to be.

That’s where managed security service providers (MSSPs) come in. But what do they actually do? And more importantly, how do you know if they’re right for your business?

Let’s cut through the nonsense and talk plainly about what managed security really looks like, and why it might be the missing piece in your IT puzzle.

What does a managed security service provider actually do?

Imagine having a team of cyber-savvy problem solvers watching over your business, 24/7. No tea breaks. No “back in 5” signs. Just always-on protection. That’s what a good MSSP offers.

Here’s what that looks like in action:

• Continuous monitoring: Watching for threats, day and night.
• Threat detection and response: Spotting dodgy activity and jumping on it fast.
• Patch management: Keeping everything up to date to block common exploits.
• Firewall and antivirus management: Not the free kind. The actually works kind.
• Security awareness training: Helping your team spot scams before it’s too late.
• Compliance support: Especially for financial, legal, or healthcare businesses.

Why does any of this matter?

Because most cyber threats don’t come crashing through the front door. They slip in quietly, via email, dodgy downloads, or someone accidentally clicking the wrong thing. MSSPs help shut those doors before trouble walks in.

• 67% of businesses experienced more cyber attacks in the past year.
• 58% lost money to payment diversion fraud—up from 34% the year before.
• 61% of leaders believe reputational damage from a cyber attack would seriously harm their business.
• Only 18% of those who paid a ransom actually recovered their data fully.

Source: Hiscox Cyber Readiness Report 2024

If you’re still relying on antivirus alone, you’re basically locking the front door and leaving the windows wide open.

What makes a good managed security service provider?

Anyone can say they “do cyber.” The real difference is in how they do it, and whether they actually care about your business. At Cloud & More, we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the “why-is-this-even-switched-on?” side of managed security.

A proper MSSP will:

• Talk to you like a human, not a firewall manual.
• Get to know your business before making recommendations.
• Flag issues before you even know they’re happening.
• Offer solutions that fit you, not whatever earns them the highest margin.
• Stick around. Because cyber security isn’t a one-and-done fix.

Is it expensive?

Here’s the awkward truth: a breach is far more expensive than protection. Recovery costs, lost data, reputational damage, it’s a mess.

Managed security doesn’t need to cost the earth, and at Cloud & More, we flex our support to match your business. We don’t believe in overloading you with tools you don’t need. We focus on making sure the things you do have are working properly and keeping your data safe.

What does it feel like to work with an MSSP?

This is where it gets personal. The best managed security service providers don’t just do the work—they make you feel secure. You know that sense of calm when someone’s already handled it? That’s the goal.

At Cloud & More, our clients often say things like:

• “I can sleep at night now.”
• “They’re always one step ahead.”
• “Even when I call after hours, I know they’ll have my back.”

That’s not by accident. We’ve built our team around people who are brilliant at what they do and easy to talk to. You should never feel like you’re bothering your IT team by asking questions, especially about something as serious as cyber security.

FAQs about managed security service providers

1. Do I still need an IT team if I have an MSSP?

Yes. MSSPs work alongside your internal team or IT provider. We fill in the cyber security gaps, not replace your existing support.

2. How do I know if I’m secure right now?

Ask your provider for a recent threat report or risk assessment. Not sure where to start? We’ll show you what to look for.

3. Can an MSSP stop every cyber attack?

No one can promise that. But a good MSSP will drastically reduce the risk and make sure you recover quickly if anything does happen.

4. What’s the difference between an MSP and MSSP?

An MSP covers general IT. An MSSP focuses purely on cyber security. At Cloud & More, we offer both, with security baked into everything.

5. Is this only for big companies?

Absolutely not. In fact, small and mid-sized businesses are more vulnerable. We tailor our support to suit your business, whatever the size.