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Managed Security Services

This is basically a systematic approach of managing an enterprise’s security needs. This particular service may be conducted in house or outsourced to a third party service provider who is mandated with overseeing the network and information security systems.

This particular trend of managed security has emerged because computer attack patterns are radically shifting, and new threats to computer networks are also changing and growing on a daily basis. It is in view of this fact that enterprises need to obtain more reliable information security. Information risk can be transferred, avoided, mitigated, or accepted, and the organization can outsource certain managed security services, (MSS) by entering into partnerships or alliances with organizations which have the know how to manage information security services. Managed Security Services are practical solutions that can be applied to transfer information systems security responsibilities and operations of an enterprise.

Even though the enterprise is in possession of its information security risk and business risk, having a contract with MSSP enables the organization to spread out its information risk-management approaches.

Enterprises are shifting towards MSSP's in order to reduce operating costs, and also to take advantage of vendor certified information security specialists. Some of the common services provided in a MSSP context include: Network boundary protection. This entails managing the virtual private networks, intrusion detection systems and firewalls. Security monitoring which is also involved in network boundary protection and Incident management and this may include emergency response which may proceed to information systems forensic analysis. On site consulting Data archiving and restoration Anti-virus applications and content filtering Vulnerability assessment and evaluations are also used with testing services.

Benefits of engaging with a managed-security-service-Provider

Cost

It is cost effective to engage a MSSP rather than hiring an in-house full time certified information security specialist. This is so because MSSP’s are able to spread out their investments in software, hardware and certified experts over several clients which in return reduce the overall per client cost. When this is done, the organization will be able to convert its variable cost into fixed cost and hence realize tax advantages because the organization can now deduct the MSSP fee expenses from the current years earning against the depreciating internal company's assets. The company will therefore experience new cash flow improvements which arise as a result of transfer of software licenses and skilled personnel to the MSSP.

Staffing

Hiring certified in house staff is quite expensive, and the cost of hiring, training, and retaining qualified IT personnel when MSS is outsourced now becomes the responsibility of the MSSP. Also when MSS is outsourced, the enterprise can now fully focus on critical business initiatives.

Skills

In house specialists dealing with security incidents on a part time basis are not likely to be as much skilled as an expert from MSSP who is experienced dealing with several security incidents from different clients hence capable of crafting security solutions comprising of a broader capability.

Facilities

MSSP's are better equipped in handling security due to their special security operations centers that are located in different parts of the country. These particular sites are equipped with state of the art technological infrastructure and also managed by certified professionals.