MSSP vs MSP: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters for Your Business?
- Tom Tardy
- Feb 11
- 3 min read
Many business owners assume all IT providers are the same.
They’re not.
Understanding the difference between an MSP (Managed Service Provider) and an MSSP (Managed Security Service Provider) can determine whether your company stays productive — or becomes the next ransomware headline.
If you're a small or mid-sized business in West Virginia, this difference matters more than ever.
What Is an MSP?
An MSP (Managed Service Provider) focuses on managing and maintaining your IT infrastructure.
Typical MSP Services:
Help desk support
Network monitoring
Patch management
Hardware & software support
Cloud services (Microsoft 365, etc.)
Backup management
MSPs keep your technology running smoothly and reduce downtime. They are primarily focused on availability and efficiency.
Think of an MSP as your outsourced IT department.
What Is an MSSP?
An MSSP (Managed Security Service Provider) specializes in cybersecurity.
Typical MSSP Services:
24/7 security monitoring
Threat detection & response (MDR/XDR)
SIEM management
Firewall & intrusion prevention management
Endpoint detection & response (EDR)
Vulnerability scanning
Compliance support (HIPAA, CJIS, CMMC)
Incident response planning
An MSSP focuses on protection, threat hunting, and risk reduction.
Think of an MSSP as your outsourced security operations center (SOC).
The Core Difference
MSP | MSSP |
Focuses on IT performance | Focuses on cybersecurity |
Reactive + proactive IT support | Proactive threat detection |
Maintains systems | Protects systems |
Ensures uptime | Prevents breaches |
Fixes problems | Hunts threats |
In simple terms:
👉 MSP = Keeping systems running👉 MSSP = Keeping attackers out
Why the Difference Matters in 2025
Cyber threats have evolved.
Ransomware groups no longer just target enterprises. Small businesses, healthcare clinics, construction firms, and government vendors in West Virginia are frequent targets.
If your provider only:
Installs antivirus
Applies patches
Fixes tickets
…you likely have an MSP, not a true MSSP.
And modern threats require more than basic IT maintenance.
Do You Need an MSP, an MSSP — or Both?
For most small and mid-sized businesses, the answer is:
You need both.
But not necessarily from two different companies.
A security-first provider integrates:
IT management
Advanced cybersecurity
Compliance support
Risk planning
Under one strategy.
Warning Signs You Only Have an MSP
No 24/7 security monitoring
No formal incident response plan
No vulnerability scanning
No compliance alignment
No documented risk assessments
No security awareness training
If these are missing, your IT provider may not be covering your risk exposure.
The GingerSec Approach: Security-First Managed IT
At GingerSec, we combine:✔ Managed IT Services (MSP)✔ Managed Security Services (MSSP)✔ Proactive threat monitoring✔ Compliance alignment✔ Business continuity planning
We believe security must be built into IT — not added later.
For West Virginia businesses especially, this approach reduces:
Insurance risk
Regulatory exposure
Downtime costs
Long-term operational threats
Which Is Right for Your Business?
Ask yourself:
Do we handle sensitive data?
Are we required to meet compliance standards?
Could downtime cost us thousands per hour?
Would a breach damage our reputation?
If the answer is yes to any of those — cybersecurity can’t be optional.
Final Takeaway
An MSP keeps your business operational. An MSSP keeps your business secure.
In 2025, you shouldn’t have one without the other.
📞 Ready to See Where You Stand?
GingerSec offers a free IT & Security Risk Review for Arizona and West Virginia businesses.
👉 Get a clear picture of:
Your current risk exposure
Gaps between MSP and MSSP coverage
What it would cost to secure your environment
Schedule your review today.
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