Cybersecurity · Comparison
MSP vs MSSP: What Does My Business Need?
The difference between an MSP and an MSSP is focus. A managed service provider (MSP) runs your everyday IT: support, devices, Microsoft 365, backups, and the network. A managed security services provider (MSSP) focuses only on security, such as watching for threats and responding to alerts. Most small businesses without their own IT staff need an MSP that includes strong security, so one team is accountable for both. A dedicated MSSP makes more sense when you already have IT people and need security operations on top.
By SupportMax · Updated October 13, 2026
In one sentence each
1
MSP: runs and supports your everyday IT
2
MSSP: watches for and responds to security threats
3
Many small businesses need both, from one team
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Key differences
The key differences between an MSP and an MSSP
Both are outside teams you pay monthly. What they focus on is different.
01
Focus
An MSP keeps your technology working. An MSSP focuses only on protecting it.
02
Who they help
An MSP helps your staff with everyday problems. An MSSP usually works with your IT person or IT provider.
03
What they watch
An MSP watches devices, updates, and backups. An MSSP watches for signs of attack and suspicious activity.
04
Who fixes things
An MSP fixes problems directly. An MSSP may alert you and expect your IT team to make the changes.
Which do you need?
Which does your business need?
Start with who runs your IT today.
See What's Putting You at RiskNo IT staff of your own
Choose an MSP that includes security. One team handles support and protection, so nothing falls between two providers.
One IT person in house
An MSP can support them in a co-managed setup, or an MSSP can add the security monitoring they don't have time for.
Larger or highly regulated
If you have an IT team and strict security requirements, a dedicated MSSP alongside that team may be the right fit.
What each covers
What an MSP, an MSSP, and one provider for both cover
Compare what you would actually get day to day.
MSP
Managed service provider
Help desk and onsite support
Devices, updates, and patches
Microsoft 365 and the network
Backups and vendor coordination
MSSP
Managed security services provider
Security monitoring and alerts
Threat detection and response
Vulnerability scanning
Security reporting
Both from one team
Managed IT with security built in
Everyday support and security together
One team accountable for both
No gaps between two providers
One plan for IT and security
NIST's Cybersecurity Framework is a useful checklist for what any provider should help you cover: governing, identifying, protecting, detecting, responding, and recovering. CISA's risk considerations for managed service provider customers lists questions to ask any MSP or MSSP about how they protect your systems.
Watch for gaps
The gap between two providers
If you hire an MSP and an MSSP separately, decide in writing who does what. Who acts on a security alert at 2 a.m.? Who installs the fix? Who restores from backup? When responsibilities aren't clear, an alert can sit while each provider assumes the other is handling it. Whichever model you choose, ask the questions in our guide to choosing an IT company in Los Angeles.
Cybersecurity assessment →Where SupportMax fits
Managed IT with security built in
01
Support
A help desk for your team, onsite help on the Westside of Los Angeles when needed, and device updates.
02
Protect
Security software, email filtering, multi-factor authentication, and firewall management.
03
Watch
Security monitoring, including 24/7 threat monitoring, plus dark web monitoring for exposed company passwords.
04
Recover
Managed backups with restore testing, and help containing and recovering from a security incident.
From our clients
We didn't understand the difference between MSP and MSSP.
“The terms were confusing, and we weren't sure which model fit our needs. SupportMax explained the difference clearly.”
Fiona Lindencroft - Owner, Financial Services
They helped us pick the right model.
“SupportMax explained how MSP and MSSP differ and helped us figure out which made sense for our situation.”
Nadia Yarrowvale - IT Manager, Insurance
We're confident in the model we chose.
“We're not overbuying or underbuying. SupportMax helped us choose the right fit for our business.”
Rowan Ivorywell - CISO, Professional Services
Working with SupportMax
One accountable team, clear next steps
Not sure what you have today?
Start with a free Technology Clarity Assessment. We look at how your IT and security are set up and tell you what's putting you at risk, in plain English. Questions first? Call 310.331.8119, Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Pacific.
Questions
MSP vs MSSP: common questions
Have a question that isn't here? Call 310.331.8119 or schedule a free consultation.
Is SupportMax an MSP or an MSSP?
SupportMax is a managed IT provider with cybersecurity built into the service. We handle everyday IT and security as one team. See our cybersecurity services for what is included.
Can an MSP handle security?
Many do, but the depth varies. Ask exactly which security services are included, who watches for threats, and what happens after hours.
Do small businesses need an MSSP?
Most businesses without their own IT staff are better served by one provider that covers IT and security. An MSSP fits best when you already have IT people who need security operations added.
Is an MSSP the same as MDR?
Not exactly. MDR (managed detection and response) is one service an MSSP or an MSP may offer. See MDR vs SIEM vs XDR.
Which costs more?
It depends on what is included. Paying an MSP and an MSSP separately means two contracts to manage. See how much IT support costs for a small business.
How do we know what we need?
Start with a free Technology Clarity Assessment, or a paid cybersecurity assessment for a deeper look at your security.
MSP or MSSP: still not sure?
Start with a free Technology Clarity Assessment to see what's putting you at risk, or call 310.331.8119, Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Pacific. See managed IT services from SupportMax.
Prefer to call? 310.331.8119 · Mon–Fri, 9–6