MSPs vs. MSSPs: Navigating the Differences Between IT and Security Providers

Updated: August 2026

As businesses grow and evolve, their needs for IT and security services also change. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) are two distinct types of providers that cater to these needs. While they may appear similar on the surface, their roles and areas of expertise are fundamentally different. Here’s a breakdown of what sets MSPs and MSSPs apart, helping you make an informed choice for your organization.

A Common Scenario: Outsourcing IT and Security Needs

Companies often turn to external providers for IT and security services, especially in their early growth stages or during periods of rapid expansion. For smaller organizations, MSPs are a natural fit, handling essential IT operations such as network management, system support, and infrastructure maintenance.

As companies grow larger and their operations become more complex, their focus on security intensifies. Larger organizations often retain their internal IT teams while turning to MSSPs for specialized cybersecurity expertise. This shift reflects the increasing importance of dedicated threat management and compliance as businesses scale.

Profitability and Market Statistics

The difference between MSPs and MSSPs is not just about services but also their financial structure.

• MSPs: Gross profit margins typically range between 20% and 30%, reflecting their focus on IT operations that are crucial but often commoditized.
• MSSPs: With a focus on high-stakes cybersecurity, MSSPs enjoy higher gross profit margins, usually between 30% and 40%. For a deeper look at what managed security service providers actually deliver, see our full breakdown.

In terms of presence, the numbers show a significant divide:

• MSPs: There are approximately 40,000 MSPs in the United States, serving primarily smaller businesses.
• MSSPs: The market is more niche, with around 3,500 MSSPs, reflecting the specialized nature of their services and their focus on larger clients.

Service Offerings: IT vs. Security

MSPs and MSSPs focus on entirely different aspects of business operations:

MSPs: Their services are centered around IT management, including:

• Network monitoring and maintenance
• Help desk and end-user support
• Hardware and software management
• Backup and recovery for IT systems
• MSPs are ideal for businesses needing day-to-day IT support without the need to build and maintain an internal IT team.

MSSPs: Their expertise lies in cybersecurity, offering services such as:

• Threat detection and response
• Endpoint and network security
• Compliance and risk management
• 24/7 security operations center (SOC) support
• MSSPs cater to organizations prioritizing robust security solutions, often working alongside internal IT teams. For example, Black Rabbit built an MSSP stack without the vendor tax using open-source tools.

Customer Size and Focus

Another key distinction is the typical size of the companies these providers serve:

• MSPs: They generally work with smaller businesses, typically those with 10 to 100 employees, offering scalable IT solutions that fit modest budgets and simpler operations.
• MSSPs: Their services are tailored for larger companies, often with 100 or more employees, where cybersecurity demands are higher due to the scale and complexity of operations.

Conclusion

MSPs and MSSPs are both essential players in today’s technology landscape, but their focus and expertise cater to very different needs. MSPs are perfect for businesses seeking reliable IT management, while MSSPs provide advanced security solutions for organizations facing growing cybersecurity challenges.

Understanding these distinctions will help your company choose the right partner to enhance operations, reduce risks, and position for long-term success. Whether your priority is IT efficiency or cybersecurity, aligning with the appropriate service provider is a decision that can make all the difference. And with AI agents reshaping IT operations, both MSPs and MSSPs are evolving fast.