MSP vs MSSP: What Is the Difference?
An MSP manages your IT infrastructure and support. An MSSP focuses specifically on security monitoring and response. Many UK SMEs need both capabilities — which is why providers like AMVIA combine managed IT with managed security in a single service.
Direct Answer
An MSP manages your day-to-day IT operations — helpdesk, infrastructure, devices, backups, and user support. An MSSP focuses exclusively on cybersecurity: threat monitoring, incident response, and vulnerability management. For UK SMEs, the lines are increasingly blurred. AMVIA combines both in a single service, eliminating the gaps and finger-pointing that arise when two separate providers are involved. Only 22% of UK MSPs currently perform cybersecurity-related activities.
Key Differences Between MSPs and MSSPs
Understanding the core differences helps you choose the right provider model.
MSP Focus: IT Operations
MSPs manage your IT infrastructure — servers, networks, cloud, email, devices, and user support. Their goal is keeping your technology running smoothly.
MSSP Focus: Security
MSSPs provide dedicated security monitoring, threat detection, incident response, and compliance management. They protect your business from cyber threats.
Convergence Trend
The MSP and MSSP models are converging. Forward-thinking MSPs now integrate security tools and SOC capabilities into their managed IT offering.
Cost Considerations
Using separate MSP and MSSP providers typically costs more than a single provider offering both. Integration between separate providers also creates gaps.
MSP vs MSSP: Feature Comparison
What each provider type typically delivers.
| Feature | MSP£30–£80/user/mo | MSSP£10–£30/user/mo |
|---|---|---|
| IT helpdesk and support | ||
| Infrastructure management | ||
| Backup and disaster recovery | ||
| 24/7 security monitoring | Some | |
| Incident response | Basic | |
| Vulnerability management | Some | |
| Compliance reporting | Basic | |
| Strategic IT planning |
Frequently Asked Questions
When IT operations and security are managed by different providers, incidents fall between responsibilities. The MSP may not flag a suspicious configuration change, whilst the MSSP lacks context about legitimate IT changes. This gap delays detection and response. 43% of UK businesses experienced a breach or attack (DSIT 2025), and coordination failures between separate providers are a contributing factor in how quickly those incidents escalate.
Basic security controls — patching, antivirus, backup — are within most MSPs' capabilities. However, advanced threat detection, 24/7 SOC monitoring, and incident response require specialist security skills. 85% of businesses that experienced a breach identified phishing as the attack vector (DSIT 2025), and stopping sophisticated phishing requires dedicated security tooling and expertise that goes beyond traditional MSP scope.
Typically, yes. A single provider eliminates duplicated management overhead, tool integration costs, and the coordination time required between two separate organisations. The average cost of the most disruptive breach is £3,550 (DSIT 2025), and a unified provider can respond faster because they have full visibility across both your IT infrastructure and security telemetry without needing to escalate between different teams.
Need Both IT Support and Security?
AMVIA combines managed IT and managed security in one service — no gaps, no finger-pointing between providers.
Related Questions
Managed IT Support
AMVIA's fully managed IT service for UK businesses — helpdesk, monitoring, patching, and M365 management.
How Much Does Managed Cybersecurity Cost?
Per-user pricing for managed security services — what an MSSP typically charges UK SMEs.
Cybersecurity Guide for UK SMEs
The security controls UK businesses need — and why a combined MSP/MSSP approach closes the gaps.
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