Managed Security Services vs. Managed Services: What’s the Difference and Which Do You Need?
If you’ve ever found yourself scratching your head at the difference between Managed Services and Managed Security Services, you’re not alone. Plenty of Aussie business owners lump the two together, but while they’re closely related, they serve different purposes. Understanding the difference could be the thing that saves your business from a tech meltdown or a nasty cyber breach.
Let’s Start with the Basics
Managed Services are all about keeping your IT systems running smoothly. Think of it like having a mechanic on call to make sure your car doesn’t break down – except it’s your computers, cloud systems, and network infrastructure being maintained.
Managed Security Services (often called MSS or MSSP when delivered by a provider) take a security-first approach. These services are laser-focused on protecting your business from cyber threats, data breaches, and compliance mishaps. It’s like hiring a security team to guard the doors, windows, and digital vaults of your IT environment.
What’s Included in Each?
Here’s a quick overview to help you see the difference:
| Managed Services | Managed Security Services |
|---|---|
| Device and server monitoring | 24/7 threat monitoring |
| Software updates & patching | Firewall & intrusion detection setup |
| Cloud and data management | Security audits & risk assessments |
| Helpdesk & remote support | Incident response and recovery |
| Backup management | Email and endpoint protection |
Why It Matters for Your Business
Here’s a real-world example. One of our clients, a mid-sized accounting firm in Brisbane, was happily running with a Managed Services plan. Everything worked great – until they were hit by a phishing attack that compromised sensitive client data. They assumed standard IT support would cover them, but it wasn’t enough. What they really needed was a Managed Security Service that actively monitors and responds to threats.
That experience pushed them to upgrade, and now they’ve got both Managed Services and a tailored security layer. No more sleepless nights during tax time.
Do You Need One or Both?
That depends on your business. If you’re a small team with basic tech needs, Managed Services might be enough to get started. But if you:
- Handle sensitive client or financial data
- Need to meet compliance requirements (like in healthcare or legal)
- Operate remotely or have cloud-based systems
- Want to prevent cyber threats before they happen
…then you should seriously consider Managed Security Services alongside your IT support.
For a deeper dive into what’s included in each, check out our guide on What’s Really Included in Managed IT Services.
Where They Overlap
There’s a bit of grey area (pun intended) where both services cross paths. For example, system patching helps with general performance and security. And while Managed Services providers often do basic security (like antivirus and firewalls), it’s nothing compared to the full suite of tools and real-time monitoring that MSSPs provide.
How to Choose the Right Fit
If you’re not sure where your business stands, start with a cybersecurity risk assessment. It’ll help you understand your weak points and whether a basic IT plan is enough or if specialised security is essential.
You can also explore some of our related articles:
- Understanding Managed IT Services
- Top Security Benefits of Outsourcing Your IT
- Choosing the Right Managed IT Services Provider
Wrapping It Up
You wouldn’t hire a general handyman to install a bank vault, and you shouldn’t expect basic IT services to fully protect your business from cyber threats. Managed Services keep your workplace humming, while Managed Security Services ensure no one breaks in.
At Gray Area Consulting, we help businesses across Australia find the right fit – whether that’s a solid Managed Services plan, a full-on security solution, or a bit of both. Get in touch and let’s chat about what’s best for your team.
