MDR vs. MSSP: A CISO's Guide to Cybersecurity Operations

A Quick Reference Point for Cybersecurity Operational Services for 2025 This is Part 2 in our review of the current state of Cybersecurity Operations as of 2025.

In Part 1, we performed a high level overview and the trends currently driving the MDR market space. Here we delve into the actual service delivery optionality, and include a quick reference table as a comparison for an at a glance benchmark. In future work we will review recent changes to the vendor space.

Given the constant and rapidly evolving threat landscape, enterprises must choose the right partner for their cybersecurity operations. This guide provides a detailed comparison between Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSP)—helping you determine the best fit for your organization’s needs.

Understanding the Basics

Managed Security Service Providers (MSSP)

MSSPs offer a broad range of security services designed to monitor and manage your organization’s security posture. They typically include:

• Core Function:

  • Monitoring & Alerting: Continuous monitoring for known threats using technologies such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and SIEM (Security Information and Event Management).

• Service Scope:

  • Coverage Options: 8×5 or 24/7 monitoring.

  • Additional Services: Firewall and endpoint management, patching, co-managed SIEM, security awareness training, vulnerability scanning, and sometimes penetration testing.

• Expertise:

  • Security professionals skilled in alert triage and basic response, though generally lacking deep threat hunting and advanced incident response expertise.

• Technology & Response:

  • Primarily network and log-driven technologies.

  • Alerts are generated and escalated to your in-house team for further action; MSSPs typically do not provide active threat containment or remediation.
    

Managed Detection and Response (MDR)

MDR providers deliver an advanced, proactive approach to threat management. Key features include:

• Core Function:

  • Proactive Threat Hunting: Continuous detection, investigation, and active response to sophisticated threats.

• Service Scope:

  • Comprehensive Services: 24/7 threat monitoring, proactive threat hunting, incident response, and security consulting.

  • Environment Coverage: Expertise spans cloud, endpoint, network, and SaaS applications.

• Expertise:

  • A highly skilled team of analysts, incident responders, and threat hunters with in-depth knowledge of attacker tactics, techniques, and procedures.

• Technology & Response:

  • Advanced tools such as Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Extended Detection and Response (XDR), and AI/ML-powered platforms for enhanced threat analysis.

  • Capable of containing and mitigating threats in real time—actions may include quarantining compromised assets, changing passwords, or removing malicious files.
    

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	MSSP	MDR
Primary Focus	Monitoring and alerting	Proactive threat hunting and incident response
Threat Detection	Basic detection using known signatures	Advanced detection leveraging AI/ML, behavioral analytics, and threat intelligence
Expertise	General security monitoring and alert triage	Specialized, high-level technical security analysis and response
Response Approach	Alerts sent to the client’s team	Active threat containment, disruption, and remediation
Technology	Network and log-driven systems	Endpoint-driven with integration of advanced EDR/XDR tools
Service Delivery	Basic monitoring, vulnerability scans, and security awareness training	Focused on proactive threat management with a highly collaborative approach
Cost	Generally more cost-effective for basic needs	Higher investment with added value in rapid detection and response

How to Determine the Right Approach

When choosing between an MSSP, MDR, or a hybrid solution, consider the following factors:

• Security Maturity:

  • Less Mature Programs: May benefit from the broad coverage of an MSSP.

  • Mature Security Functions: Likely to gain more from the advanced capabilities of an MDR.

• Resource Availability:

  • Limited Security Staff: MDR can serve as an extension of your team with expert resources.

  • In-House Incident Management: An MSSP might suffice if your team can handle alerts.

• Budget Considerations:

  • Cost-Effective Needs: MSSPs are typically less expensive.

  • Value of Advanced Detection: MDR offers superior value by reducing dwell time and limiting potential damage.

• Risk Appetite & Threat Landscape:

  • Organizations exposed to sophisticated threats (e.g., nation-state actors, ransomware) benefit from MDR’s rapid detection and response capabilities.

• Compliance & Integration:

  • Ensure that your chosen provider can support necessary regulatory compliance (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS) and integrates seamlessly with your existing security tools.

• Control & Customization:

  • Customization Needs: MSSPs with co-managed SIEM services can offer greater control.

  • Turnkey Solutions: MDR providers act as an extension of your team with minimal custom configuration required.
    

Considering a Hybrid Approach

A hybrid model that leverages both MSSP and MDR services can provide the best of both worlds. For example, an MSSP can manage day-to-day monitoring and basic security functions, while an MDR service focuses on in-depth threat hunting and rapid incident response. This approach can enhance your overall security posture without overextending your budget.

Key Questions to Ask Providers

Before making a decision, consider these important questions:

• Detection & Response:

  • How do you integrate detection engineering and threat hunting in your service?

  • What are your processes for incident response and active threat containment?

• Technology Integration:

  • Which tools and platforms (e.g., EDR, XDR, AI/ML) do you utilize?

  • How will your solution integrate with our current security infrastructure?

• Service Deliverables:

  • Can you provide sample reports and deliverables?

  • What is your average response time for high-criticality incidents?

• Customization & Collaboration:

  • How flexible is your service in adapting to our specific security needs?

  • What level of collaboration do you offer with our internal security team?
    

Conclusion

Choosing between an MSSP and MDR is not a one-size-fits-all decision. Your choice should be guided by your organization’s security maturity, available resources, budget, risk profile, and compliance needs. MDR is ideal for organizations that require advanced threat detection and rapid incident response, while MSSP services can be sufficient for organizations requiring broad monitoring and basic security management. A hybrid approach might also offer a balanced solution that leverages the strengths of both models.

By carefully evaluating these factors and asking the right questions, you can select the solution that best protects your organization in today’s complex cybersecurity landscape.