As the cyber landscape continues to increase in scope and complexity, those defending organizations are evolving with it. One of those the defenders evolving to meet the challenges is the Managed Security Services Provider or MSSP. MSSPs historically played a relatively straightforward function of managing and maintaining cyber security infrastructure like firewalls and IDS and IPS technologies. In this respect they were similar to, say, physical security companies that install, service, and monitor CCTV cameras,alarms and entry systems.
Today, MSSPs play a more active role, an outsourced SoC, if you will, akin to private security services that not only alert, but also intervene directly, patrolling the office parameter and sending a car in case of suspicious activity. As the cybersecurity landscape advances, MSSPs are further evolving to the equivalent of corporate security and intelligence services: investigating workplace theft and vetting job candidates, but also mapping the risks to the organization, preparing for them, and initiating proactive protection.
This evolution is a necessity in today’s hyper-connected business environment. With the rise of IoT, cloud computing, and remote work, the attack surface has expanded exponentially. MSSPs are now tasked with securing a complex, distributed network that extends far beyond the traditional office perimeter. This requires a level of expertise and resources that many businesses simply don’t have in-house, making the role of MSSPs more critical than ever. As cyber threats become more sophisticated and ubiquitous, MSSPs must evolve from reactive defenders to proactive guardians, anticipating threats before they materialize and continuously adapting their clients’ strategies to stay ahead of cybercriminals.
The shift from passive to proactive defense is crucial, as companies now expect more from their MSSPs, moving from simple detection to Managed Detection and Response (MDR)-like services. This includes not only alerting customers about potential threats, but being proactive and resilient, taking direct actions on their behalf, anticipating and mitigating crises, reducing the impact of cyber attacks when they occur, and preparing them for future threats and crises with guidance on best practices, and intelligence on the current and future threat-landscape.
Another major motive for this shift is that the MSSP market has become increasingly competitive and noisy. MSSPs who can partner with their clients, offering unique, value-added services and demonstrating tangible improvements in their clients’ security posture, will stand out from the competition and secure long-term relationships.
Cytactic understands the complexities of the evolving landscape, the need for more proactive defenses, and the opportunities that these present for MSSPs. Our platform provides a space for MSSPs and their clients to simultaneously, collaboratively build and execute dynamic, customizable incident response processes and plans. We give MSSPs the opportunity to integrate directly into their customers’ response process, making them not only more integral to the customers’ security operations, but also allowing them to be present when things go wrong, solidifying their role as trusted strategic partners.
By partnering with Cytactic, MSSPs can tap into new revenue streams that go beyond traditional security services. Our platform enables you to offer high-value, strategic services such as crisis readiness assessments, tabletop exercises, and post-incident analysis. These services not only increase your revenue per client but also position you as an indispensable partner in your clients’ overall business strategy. Moreover, by helping your clients build robust cyber resilience, you’re not just protecting their assets — you’re safeguarding their future, enhancing their competitive edge, and solidifying your position as a trusted advisor in their long-term success.
In short, we strive to empower MSSPs to elevate their role from reactive problem-solvers to proactive strategic advisors, fostering deeper, more valuable relationships with their clients.
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