Nearly three in four organizations (73%) reduced the impact of disruptive cyber incidents due to engaging with managed security services providers (MSSPs) and managed detection and response (MDR) providers, according to a new study.The research by Optiv, a cybersecurity solutions integrator and Top 250 MSSP, found that the same dataset revealed 14% of the study’s 426 participants saw no impact from involvement with MSSPs and MDRs.Respondents in the survey came from the financial services, manufacturing and healthcare industries, with 59% holding CISO/CSO, CIO, vice president and director level posts. Nearly half (48%) work at organizations with over 5,000 employees.The top three challenges (from a list of eight options) to their SecOps program, the following were the most frequently ranked:On satisfaction with current MSSP/MDR providers from 1 (low) to 5 (high)When asked if they would prefer to procure security consulting services from an existing MSSP/MDR provider:
A Closer Look at Optiv's Research
The research was driven by a number of factors:- As the cybersecurity talent gap widens, MSS and MDR services allow organizations to leverage outsourced solutions to advance cybersecurity maturity without increasing headcount.
- Clients can take advantage of external experts to effectively manage security resources without overloading their IT staff.
- With an evolving threat landscape, security leaders increasingly turn to MSSP/MDR solutions to tackle new concerns quickly thanks to the advanced capabilities and technologies of external providers.
- Hiring/retaining security talent (58%)
- Increasing sophistication of threat actors (57%)
- Constantly expanding attack surface (57%)
- Too many security tools that are not well integrated (33%)
- 31% rated their provider 4-5.
- 13% rated 1-2.
- 56% were satisfied (score of 3)
- Yes. 31%, because the incumbent provider might have better familiarity with the environment, which could enhance outcomes for services engagements.
- Yes. 14%, because this could help consolidate vendors.
