MSP vs MSSP is a key distinction every business should understand when deciding how to manage IT and cyber security. While both Managed Service Providers (MSP) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSP) offer outsourced support, they focus on very different approaches, focuses and often outcomes. Choosing the right partner can determine not just your operational efficiency but also your ability to withstand modern cyber threats.
What is an MSP?
A Managed Service Provider (MSP) offers broad IT support, typically focusing on infrastructure management, device setup, software provisioning, and help desk services. MSPs are ideal for businesses that need to scale their IT operations quickly or lack in-house resources.
An MSP will often provide:
- Network monitoring and basic security patching
- Help desk and technical support
- Cloud migration and application hosting
- Device configuration and remote work support
MSPs are especially valuable to smaller organisations looking to streamline their IT management, increase uptime, and reduce the costs of building an internal team.
What is an MSSP?
A Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) focuses exclusively on cyber security. Rather than just maintaining systems, MSSPs are responsible for detecting and preventing cyber threats, ensuring compliance, and helping organisations respond to incidents.
They typically operate from a Security Operations Centre and offer services such as:
- Threat detection and response
- Vulnerability scanning and penetration testing
- Endpoint protection and identity management
- Cyber incident investigation and recovery
- Compliance support for ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials and sector-specific standards
Unlike MSPs, MSSPs are not generalists. They specialise in understanding and defending against evolving threats, using cutting-edge tools and expert teams to manage risk continuously.
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Can an MSP Act as an MSSP?
Although some MSPs offer security as part of their service mix, they rarely match the capability, expertise or tooling of a dedicated MSSP. In practice, MSPs might help maintain secure systems, but they are not structured or resourced to defend against targeted attacks, ransomware or insider threats.
In short, relying on an MSP for cybersecurity is like expecting your office cleaner to also perform alarm monitoring and emergency response. Both are essential services, but they serve different purposes.
When an MSSP Can Also Act as an MSP
While MSPs often lack the specialist expertise to provide advanced security services, some MSSPs are well positioned to deliver both. By partnering with trusted IT infrastructure providers or integrating operational IT services into their offering, a modern MSSP can provide the best of both worlds, strong IT management and robust cyber security.
This is particularly valuable for SMEs who want a single point of contact for all things IT and security, rather than managing multiple suppliers with overlapping responsibilities. A dual-capable MSSP can ensure seamless integration between network operations and security operations, which often leads to faster response times, fewer gaps in coverage, and better overall performance.
Why UK Businesses Are Turning to MSSPs
Cyber-attacks in the UK are rising in both volume and sophistication. From phishing to ransomware, SMEs and enterprises alike are seeing greater exposure. The skills shortage in cyber security also makes it hard to build internal teams capable of managing this risk.
MSSPs help close that gap. By outsourcing to a dedicated security provider, organisations benefit from:
- Immediate access to expert analysts and tools
- Always-on protection, not just during business hours
- Reduced downtime and incident recovery costs
- Compliance alignment with GDPR, ISO 27001 and more
With the average cost of a cyber-attack on a UK business reaching nearly £20,000, prevention is now a financial priority as well as a technical one.
Why Choose Amicis Group for Managed Cyber Security?
Amicis Group is a UK-based cyber security provider delivering enterprise-grade protection for organisations of all sizes. We understand the pressures UK firms face, limited internal resources, complex compliance demands, and growing exposure to cyber threats.
Our services are designed to scale with your business. Whether you require embedded support, compliance guidance, or fully managed protection through our CyberGuard service, we build security around your operational needs.
We offer:
- Security awareness training and phishing simulation
- Real-time threat monitoring and response
- Regular vulnerability scanning and expert remediation advice
- Clear, compliance-ready reporting
- Support for Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001, and sector-specific regulations
Whether you are a law firm, healthcare provider, construction business or private equity group, we deliver protection that aligns with your industry and risk profile.
Amicis Group and DigiDog Tech: A Complete IT and Security Partnership
At Amicis Group, we recognise that many businesses need both IT support and cyber defence. That’s why we work in close partnership with DigiDog Tech, an established IT provider. Through this relationship, we can offer our clients a fully integrated managed IT and security service, from help desk support and infrastructure management to continuous threat monitoring and incident response.
This combined approach enables businesses to scale their systems, support end users, and stay protected, all under one managed umbrella. Whether you need day-to-day IT assistance or are facing complex compliance challenges, Amicis Group ensures that both your systems and your data are professionally managed and defended.
Final Word: MSP vs MSSP – Make the Right Call
If your business is focused on uptime and IT productivity, an MSP might be the right partner. But if your biggest concern is cyber resilience, then an MSSP is essential.
For organisations that cannot afford the risk of downtime, data breaches or compliance failures, Amicis Group provides the right expertise, technology, and ongoing support to keep your systems safe and your business compliant.
Amicis Group helps you achieve both.
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or call us on 0333 305 5348 to support your MDR
You may be interested also be interested in our Managed IT Services page.
