Internet and network providers are now offering security services as well, becoming Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs). Some security companies are also offering internet access, resulting in cost savings for businesses. The responsibility for security rests with the MSSP.
Many companies that provide internet and network functions are pulling double duty these days. It is no longer sufficient to provide access; more and more, businesses require some other services along with internet and network access. Among the most requested services is security, the specialty of the MSSP.
An Internet Service Provider (ISP) will necessarily provide some security measures, such as antivirus protection software, spam blocking, firewalls, and even virtual private networks (VPNs). In this way, an ISP becomes an MSSP or Managed Security Service Provider. The idea is that the responsibility for Internet security and network access rests with the provider, not the user. Users typically have their own virus or spam protection, of course, but routinely request such basic services from the MSSP.
An interesting twist on this idea is that some companies that previously only offered security services have now started offering ISP services as well. In other words, your company may have previously used Joe’s Internet Services for Internet and network access and Jane’s Security Services for security needs. In the same way that Joe’s Internet Services, formerly just an ISP, has now become an MSSP providing security services alongside Internet access, Jane’s Security Services now offers Internet access, migrating from a security service provider in the reign of MSSP.
Businesses request security services from their ISP and MSSP to cut costs. If you don’t have to buy a copy of Norton SystemWorks for every PC in your company, you’ve potentially saved a lot of money. You might still want to buy Norton SystemWorks or a similar program to protect yourself from viruses and phishing from both sides, but in all likelihood you’ll have Internet and network access from an MSSP that already provides that security as a matter of course. In this scenario, the responsibility for keeping up with the latest security software releases and updates rests with the MSSP.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
