As cyber threats evolve, organisations increasingly rely on Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance. While many companies use both Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and MSSPs, understanding the distinctions between these services can help you identify the right security solution for your Google Workspace environment.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
- ▪️ What MSSPs are and what they offer
- ▪️ Types of MSSPs and their roles in cybersecurity
- ▪️ Differences between MSPs and MSSPs
- ▪️ How GAT Labs enhances Google Workspace security alongside MSSPs
What Is a Managed Security Service Provider?
A Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) is a third-party organisation specialising in cybersecurity, providing ongoing monitoring, threat detection, and response services. MSSPs help organisations maintain robust security without relying solely on in-house resources.
Key Services Offered by Security Providers:
- ▪️ Continuous Monitoring: 24/7 network surveillance to identify potential threats in real-time.
- ▪️ Incident Response: Structured, immediate responses to security breaches.
- ▪️ Threat Intelligence: Access to the latest intelligence on evolving cyber threats.
- ▪️ Compliance Support: Assistance with industry regulations and data protection.
Types of MSSPs
Managed Security Service Providers offer a range of expertise and services tailored to specific security needs:
- Network Security: Secure network infrastructure with firewalls, intrusion detection, and VPNs to defend against external threats.
- Endpoint Security: Protect endpoints (desktops, laptops, mobile devices) to prevent malware and unauthorised access.
- Cloud Security: Specialise in securing cloud applications and data, focusing on data access and storage protection.
- Identity and Access Management (IAM): Manage user identities with tools like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access to ensure authorised access only.
🚀Further Reading: 2FA vs. MFA: The Differences Google Admins Need to Know
What Are MSSPs Used For?
MSSPs deliver essential services that help organisations monitor, manage, and secure IT infrastructure. By outsourcing these tasks, IT teams can focus on core projects while benefiting from MSSP-led security expertise.
Key services include:
- ▪️ Managed Firewall: Monitoring and management to detect and respond to unusual network activity in real-time.
- ▪️ Intrusion Detection and Prevention: Continuous monitoring to protect devices and systems from unauthorised access.
- ▪️ VPN Management: Configuring secure VPNs to minimise attack surfaces and control access.
- ▪️ Vulnerability Scanning: Regular scans to identify and address network weaknesses.
- ▪️ Antiviral Services: Implementing antivirus solutions to protect against evolving malware threats.
🚀Further Reading: Cloud Security Threats: What Google Admins Need to Know. Explore the latest cloud security threats and learn practical ways to protect Google Workspace.
MSSPs vs. MSPs: Key Differences
While both MSSPs and MSPs offer managed services, their focus areas differ:
In essence, MSSPs deliver dedicated security, whereas MSPs handle broader IT management tasks.
How GAT Labs Works Alongside Security Providers to Strengthen Google Workspace Security
While MSSPs offer broad, continuous protection across IT environments, GAT Labs empowers Google Admins with tools that enhance MSSP efforts through Workspace-specific management, auditing, and compliance. By providing precise controls and visibility within Google Workspace and Chrome, GAT Labs complements MSSP services for a holistic approach to security.
Key Ways GAT Labs Enhances MSSP Services for Google Workspace
- ▪️ GAT+ for Enhanced Auditing and Reporting
Security providers offer high-level monitoring, while GAT+ adds deep visibility directly within Google Workspace. Auditing data access, tracking user actions, and generating real-time alerts give Google Admins actionable insights, enabling proactive threat management in collaboration with external security services.
- ▪️ GAT Flow and GAT Unlock for Controlled User Access and Compliance
While MSSPs manage network security, GAT Flow and GAT Unlock extend this control to individual users. Automated onboarding/offboarding and permission updates ensure access aligns with MSSP-set security standards. GAT Unlock also enables secure, delegated access to files with Security Officer approval, reinforcing data governance alongside MSSP initiatives.
- ▪️ GAT Shield for Chrome-Specific Monitoring and Real-Time Actions
MSSPs oversee network security, but GAT Shield focuses on user activity in Chrome, ensuring secure browsing. It tracks behaviour like downloads and extensions, allowing Admins to block downloads or close pages in real time if sensitive data is detected, a valuable layer for remote teams and Chromebook users.
- ▪️ GAT Shield Enterprise (upcoming) for Advanced Identity Verification and Remote Monitoring
Expanding on identity verification protocols, GAT Shield Enterprise will add tools like ActiveID and remote browser monitoring, reinforcing MSSP-driven security strategies at a granular level.
- ▪️ GAT HR (upcoming) for Role Management and Data Accuracy
While MSSPs secure data, GAT HR keeps data accurate by enabling HR teams to update roles and permissions without IT involvement. This alignment ensures the right people have access, supporting MSSP efforts to maintain a secure environment.
💡Learn More: Auditing Your Google Workspace. Discover best practices for auditing Google Workspace to maintain security and compliance across your organisation.
Choosing the Right Security Solutions for Google Workspace
For organisations committed to strong Google Workspace security, combining MSSP services with GAT Labs’ robust auditing and management tools provides a comprehensive solution. GAT Labs complements MSSP oversight, offering Google Admins real-time controls and insights for an in-depth security approach.
Interested in learning more? Book a demo to see how GAT Labs can support your cybersecurity strategy.
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