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What is Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP)?

A company that delivers ongoing security operations — monitoring, detection, response, advisory — as a service.

A Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) delivers security operations as a service: monitoring, detection, response, vulnerability management, and advisory. The category has evolved significantly: early MSSPs were mostly log monitoring and alert forwarding. Modern MSSPs — including Kapa Cyber Canada — combine that with hands-on detection and response, more closely aligned with what people now call MDR. The practical question for buyers is not "MSSP vs MDR?" but "does this provider actually investigate and respond, or just notify?"

  • Delivers security operations — monitoring, detection, response, advisory — as a service.
  • Older MSSPs forwarded alerts; modern ones (like Kapa Cyber Canada) investigate and respond.
  • The buyer's real question: does it respond, or just notify?

En français

Fournisseur de services de sécurité gérés (FSSG)

Une entreprise qui assure les opérations de sécurité courantes — surveillance, détection, intervention, conseil — sous forme de service.

Un fournisseur de services de sécurité gérés (FSSG, ou MSSP en anglais) assure les opérations de sécurité comme service : surveillance, détection, intervention, gestion des vulnérabilités et conseil. La catégorie a beaucoup évolué : les premiers FSSG se limitaient surtout à la surveillance des journaux et au transfert d'alertes. Les FSSG modernes — dont Kapa Cyber Canada — y ajoutent une détection et une intervention concrètes, plus proches de ce qu'on appelle aujourd'hui le MDR. La vraie question pour l'acheteur n'est pas « FSSG ou MDR? », mais « ce fournisseur enquête-t-il et intervient-il réellement, ou se contente-t-il de notifier? ».

Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP): frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an MSSP and an MSP?

An MSP (Managed Service Provider) runs your general IT — devices, networks, helpdesk. An MSSP focuses specifically on security: monitoring, detection, and response. Some MSPs offer basic security, but an MSSP specializes in it.

What is the difference between an MSSP and MDR?

MSSP is the category of provider; MDR is a service many MSSPs deliver. The distinction that matters is depth — whether the provider actively investigates and responds to threats or only sends you alerts.

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