Managed security service providers (MSSP) serve small businesses up to enterprises and play an essential role in securing increasingly complex IT environments. For current MSSPs and those MSPs considering offering cybersecurity services, read on to learn about the top tools and vendor-offered managed security services.
While there’s plenty of competition in IT technology products, several dominant vendors offer a range of cybersecurity solutions for MSSPs and enterprise IT partners to employ in their client services.
As every client is different, MSSPs with robust technology partnerships are best positioned to address specific challenges with specific vendors or solutions. With comprehensive security vendors, MSSPs can bundle multiple tools and avoid the rabbit hole of filling smaller coverage areas. In the same vein, one of the benefits of being an MSSP is having the flexibility to partner with and offer solutions from multiple vendors – even other service providers in some cases.
In a review of the top MSSPs globally and their partnerships, a list of the most prevalent cybersecurity technology vendors emerges. This article looks at the top MSSP technology vendors and their solutions for channel partners.
Top MSSP Tools: Network Security
Network security tools from antivirus to extended detection and response (XDR) capabilities remain among the most popular choices for MSSPs. Plenty of MSSPs focus on network security like the top managed detection and response (MDR) vendors, which will be familiar choices from a couple of vendors below.
- Broadcom Symantec
- Check Point
- CrowdStrike
- Cybereason
- Fortinet
- McAfee
- Palo Alto Networks
- SentinelOne
- Sophos
- Trellix
- Trend Micro
Broadcom Symantec
Once the semiconductor division for Hewlett-Packard, Broadcom has come a long way in sixty years. The San Jose-based IT company’s acquisition of Symantec in 2019 expanded its MSP offerings to include endpoint security, zero trust security, and the secure access service edge (SASE). Symantec works with the best, including Deloitte, HCL, Infosys, IBM, TCS, and Wipro.
Learn more on Broadcom’s partner program page.
Check Point
Check Point is a network security pioneer with a hefty stack of managed security service offerings. The enterprise cybersecurity vendor’s portfolio of tools for MSSPs includes security solutions for SD-WAN, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, edge networks, managing SMB clients and telecommunication networks, and a security vulnerability assessment system (VAS).
Learn more on Check Point’s MSSP partner program page.
CrowdStrike
Falcon is an industry-recognized platform for endpoint detection and response (EDR) bundled with CrowdStrike’s expertise in threat intelligence. Through the CrowdStrike Managed Security Service Partner Program, MSSPs can offer clients coverage from one of the best in endpoint security. Interested companies can choose between three plans for MSSP use.
Learn more on CrowdStrike’s MSSP partner program page.
Read more: How to Start a Managed Detection & Response (MDR) Business
Cybereason
Cybereason is another endpoint protection specialist with a platform offering managed detection and response, extended attack surface protection, and incident management. Founded in 2012, Cybereason offers MSSP partners expert support, training, and scalable plans while firms build out extended detection and response capabilities for clients.
Learn more on Cybereason’s MSSP partner program page.
Fortinet
Started by firewall innovator Ken Xie, Fortinet continues to be one of the most recognized enterprise network security vendors over two decades later. Core coverage areas for MSSP partners include web application firewalls (WAF), SD-WAN security, security operation center (SOC) services, and Fortinet’s cloud-based security stack (e.g., FortiGate, FortiCASB).
Learn more on Fortinet’s MSSP partner program page.
Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks is one of the most prevalent cybersecurity technology partners for MSSPs, offering tools for next-generation firewalls (NGFW), endpoint protection, and cloud-based threat intelligence and security. With the enterprise company’s portfolio, MSSPs can also utilize security, orchestration, automation, response (SOAR) services, and Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS).
Learn more on Palo Alto Networks’ MSSP partner program page.
SentinelOne
In under a decade, SentinelOne has gone from startup to cybersecurity darling with the public funding, industry recognition, and endpoint security test results to prove it. SentinelOne offers clients the gamut of endpoint protection capabilities through its Singularity XDR platform, MDR, digital forensics and incident response (DFIR), and threat hunting solutions.
Learn more on SentinelOne’s partner program page.
Also read: Incident Response Services: A Big Opportunity for MSPs and MSSPs
Sophos
UK-based Sophos offers a robust stack for MSPs, including NGFWs, enterprise mobility management (EMM), encryption, and security solutions for email, servers, and wireless networks. MSSPs can deploy Intercept X to protect endpoints with root cause analysis and signatureless anti-exploit features by specializing in endpoint security.
Learn more on Sohpos’ partner program page.
Trellix
In 2021, private equity firm Symphony Technology Group completed the purchase of McAfee Enterprise and FireEye and started 2022 by forming the newest vendor in security, Trellix. The merged company offers security solutions for cloud, networks, email, endpoints, SecOps, analytics, and data protection. Like other featured top MSSP tools, Trellix’s stack extends to advanced detection with XDR.
Learn more on Trellix’s partner program page.
Trend Micro
Launched in 1988, Trend Micro is a multinational company with a security portfolio addressing network, hybrid cloud, and user risk challenges. Utilizing machine learning (ML), Trend Micro offers cloud-based security for endpoints, data centers, and email to detect the latest malware threats. Trend Micro MSPs can also access integrations for remote monitoring and management (RMM), professional services automation (PSA), and security information and event management (SIEM) solutions.
Learn more on Trend Micro’s partner program page.
Read more: Top Tech Vendors Powering the Modern Enterprise
Top MSSP Tools: Identity and Access Management
Protecting critical network segments, infrastructure, and sensitive data in the new era of a million access points means a strategic approach to identity and access management (IAM). The below vendors specialize in the authentication standards and systems needed to safeguard privileged access.
BeyondTrust
While the brand has changed plenty since 1985, BeyondTrust has long been a remote access leader and continues to bolster its privileged access management (PAM) solutions. BeyondTrust’s MSP program includes endpoint privilege management, privileged password management, and secure remote access solutions to give MSSPs complete visibility and control over privileged client activity.
Learn more on BeyondTrust’s partner program page.
CyberArk
Founded in 1999, CyberArk is an identity management specialist with a product stack covering privileged access, workforce and customer identity, and DevSecOps. CyberArk offers three program tiers to reward successful partners like MSPs, MSSPs, solution integrators, distributors, and value-added resellers (VAR) utilizing CyberArk’s identity security technology.
Learn more on CyberArk’s partner program page.
Also read: Best Remote Desktop Software
ForgeRock
ForgeRock has a substantial product portfolio built around identity and access management, including directory services, account takeover prevention, identity governance, and intelligent access. The ForgeRock Trust Network has over 120 distributors, integrators, MSPs, and resellers partnering to offer identity proofing, behavioral biometrics, partner authentication, and risk management.
Learn more on ForgeRock’s partner program page.
Okta
Okta is the leading vendor in the IAM space with solutions for customer and workforce identities. The authentication specialist offers products like single-sign on (SSO), API access management, multi-factor authentication (MFA), hybrid gateway access, and lifecycle management. MSPs interested in partnering with Okta have incentives with financial benefits, enablement, training, and customer support.
Learn more on Okta’s partner program page.
SailPoint
SailPoint’s identity governance portfolio includes management solutions for extended access, compliance, and access lifecycles. SailPoint’s integrations with top applications make connecting identity services seamless, while MSSPs utilize AI-driven access modeling, password management, cloud access management, and PAM to protect client data.
Learn more on SailPoint’s partner program page.
Read more: Top 22 IT Channel Partners
Top MSSP Tools: Cloud Security
Cloud security is an essential part of the cybersecurity puzzle nowadays. To little surprise, the top cloud service providers (CSP) also are a big part of the cloud security pickings.
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the undisputed leader in cloud computing platforms, offering the full spectrum of IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS solutions, including Security-as-a-Service (SECaaS). The baseline product offerings for Level 1 MSSPs are impressive, with services for vulnerability scanning, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and DDoS mitigation. Other AWS security tools include MDR, WAF, compliance monitoring for PCI DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001, MITRE ATT&CK, etc.
Learn more on AWS’s MSSP partner program page.
Google Cloud
The web services giant entered cloud computing in 2008 with Google Cloud to compete with a cloud services portfolio that rivals AWS and Azure with solutions for databases, applications, infrastructure modernization, and DevOps. The bar for becoming a Google Cloud MSP partner might be high, but it comes with a handful of enablement benefits and security products like risk and compliance as code (RCC), web app and API protection (WAAP), and security analytics.
Learn more on Google Cloud’s partner program page.
Also read: 7 Tips for Improving MSP Operations
Microsoft Azure
Azure is arguably the most comprehensive cybersecurity vendor of the big three CSPs. Started shortly after AWS and Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure’s portfolio of security solutions includes firewalls, WAF, gateways for VPNs and applications, DDoS protection, and key management. Add on Microsoft Sentinel for cloud-native SIEM capabilities, Azure Bastion for remote access, and Microsoft Defender for cloud threat protection.
Learn more on Microsoft’s MSSP partner program page.
Netskope
Launched in 2012, Netskope has long been a recognized leader for its cloud access security broker (CASB) with additional solutions for cloud security posture management (CSPM), remote browser isolation (RBI), FWaaS, and secure web gateways (SWG). These tools fuel Netskope’s approach to the security services edge (SSE) part of SASE architectures.
Learn more on Netskope’s partner program page.
Zscaler
Zscaler is the cloud-native platform specializing in security for monitoring, secure remote access, zero trust, digital experience, and ransomware protection. Through the Summit Partner Program, partners can collaborate with Zscaler to offer clients the same cybersecurity capabilities and opportunities for digital transformation through cloud migration.
Learn more on Zscaler’s partner program page.
Read more: Dell Technologies: Changing the World through Multi-Cloud and Big Data
Top MSSP Tools: Monitoring, Modeling, and Microsegmentation
The last MSSP tools and security technology vendors featured are a Hodge podge of companies offering valuable solutions for essential tools like monitoring, zero trust network access (ZTNA), email, vulnerability management, and artificial intelligence (AI). Though these vendors may not fit as cleanly into previous sections, these capabilities can be just as critical to maintaining client security.
Darktrace
Darktrace is a UK-based vendor taking on cybersecurity challenges with the power of AI-powered autonomous detection, investigation, and response capabilities. Where traditional SIEM and EDR solutions fail, Darktrace aims to detect today’s advanced attacks, including supply chain compromise, spear-phishing, zero-day exploits, and insider threat management (ITM).
Learn more on Darktrace’s partner program page.
Datadog
Datadog is a leading provider of monitoring solutions, a critical part of the security management puzzle. Through the Datadog Partner Network (DPN) and partner portal, MSSPs can access go-to-market support, training, and sales tools while deploying Datadog’s extensive portfolio, including tools for application security monitoring, cloud SIEM, and workload security.
Learn more on Datadog’s partner program page.
Dynatrace
Dynatrace is another leader in monitoring software with a platform covering infrastructure monitoring, business analytics, microservices, and cloud automation. A popular vendor for DevOps, Dynatrace’s alliances include a DevSecOps partner program to optimize AIOps, observability, and security when developing or managing critical applications.
Learn more on Dynatrace’s partner program page.
Also read: MSPs Face Growing Cyber Threats, Governments Warn
Forescout
Launched over two decades ago, Forescout boasts a security portfolio for the modern Enterprise of Things offering asset management, risk assessments, network segmentation, and automated governance for IT, IoT, operational technology (OT), and industrial control system (ICS) security. Forescout is a leader in the budding zero trust space and offers MSPs lead delivery, deployment services, and product implementation.
Learn more on Forescout’s partner program page.
Illumio
Illumio is another top cloud security vendor with services designed for zero trust architectures and implementing microsegmentation. The Illumio MSP program offers security for endpoints, workloads, and cloud networks to give administrators visibility into advanced threats. In the era of ransomware, Illumio’s MSSP solutions center complements existing EDR, SOAR, and DFIR systems to protect critical assets with segmentation.
Learn more on Illunio’s partner program page.
LogRhythm
LogRhythm is a top cybersecurity company offering core security services like SIEM, SOAR, and user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA). The Boulder, Colorado-based vendor boasts a next-generation SIEM available to MSPs, authorized service partners, and systems integrators. LogRhythm’s stack includes network detection and response (NDR) built with ML-powered threat detection.
Learn more on LogRhythym’s partner program page.
Read more: How to Boost MSP and MSSP Margins
Mimecast
Email security specialist Mimecast offers two decades of experience securing web gateways with protection against malicious URLs, attachments, and impersonation attempts. With the prevalence of Microsoft infrastructure, Mimecast is a top choice for securing clients using Microsoft Exchange and Office 365. Mimecast’s other solutions include data loss prevention (DLP), email incident response, threat intelligence, and AI-based CyberGraph.
Learn more on Mimecast’s partner program page.
Nozomi Networks
Nozomi Networks is a newer name for cybersecurity but its stack of industrial security solutions for OT, ICS, and IoT challenges are increasingly valuable. Nozomi’s portfolio covers zero trust security, the MITRE ATT&CK framework, remote access monitoring, and OT cybersecurity incident response. Already working with some of the biggest managed service providers, the Nozomi MSSP Elite Program includes revenue targets, training, and certifications.
Learn more on Nozomi’s MSSP partner program page.
Proofpoint
Proofpoint is another notable email security vendor with a portfolio extending to cloud security, security awareness training, compliance, and advanced threat protection. Proofpoint’s Premium Cybersecurity Services covers DMARC authentication for fraud defense, information protection like DLP and ITM, and insights into threats with tailored and contextual threat analysis.
Learn more on Proofpoint’s partner program page.
Tenable
Maryland-based Tenable is a leader in vulnerability scanning and risk assessments, offering MSSPs visibility into gaps across enterprise IT environments’ complex, hybrid attack surfaces. MSSPs can deploy Tenable by cloud or on-premises and manage client software from a central partner portal. Tenable’s other specialties include external benchmarking, vulnerability prioritization, and exposure intelligence.
Learn more on Tenable’s MSSP partner program page.
Also read: What’s Next for MSPs? Channel Pros Give Their Views.
Honorable Mention MSSP Tools and Cybersecurity Vendors
| Acronis | Akamai | Alert Logic |
| Barracuda | Bitdefender | Cisco |
| Citrix | Datto | Dell |
| Dragos | ESET | Exabeam |
| Extreme Networks | F5 Networks | Forcepoint |
| HPE | Huawei | Imperva |
| Juniper Networks | Kaspersky | Lookout |
| Mandiant | OneTrust | Ping Identity |
| Quest Software | Radware | Red Hat |
| ServiceNow | Splunk | SolarWinds |
| SonicWall | Tanium | Thycotic |
| Veeam | VMware | WatchGuard |
Read more: How to Choose an IT Managed Service Provider
What is an MSSP?
Managed security service providers, or MSSPs, are the companies and teams delivering managed IT services for organizations in place of in-house personnel or infrastructure devoted to cybersecurity. While organizations would struggle to outsource all cybersecurity processes, a range of MSSPs come close with a comprehensive portfolio of security solutions for clients.
Unlike traditional managed service providers, which offer a range of IT environment needs, including help desk, professional services automation (PSA), partner relationship management (PRM), and cloud migration – pure MSSPs are strictly concerned with the posture of cybersecurity clients. While some MSPs can become bloated with client offerings, MSSPs specializing in security services can focus on what they do best.
Also read: Five Reasons Why Your MSP Should NOT Become an MSSP
What are MSSP Tools?
MSSP tools are the spectrum of products and solutions for managed security service providers when serving client cybersecurity needs. The scope of tools used by MSSPs includes:
- Antivirus and advanced threat protection
- Application security, penetration testing, and breach and attack simulation (BAS)
- Backup and disaster recovery
- Digital forensics and incident response (DFIR)
- Edge and Internet of Things (IoT) security
- Email and cloud gateway security
- Endpoint protection and security, including MDR and XDR
- Identity and access management (IAM), including password management
- Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS)
- Infrastructure, network, and application monitoring
- Next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) and FWaaS
- Operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems (ICS) security
- Security information and event management (SIEM)
- Threat intelligence and malware analysis through sandboxing
- Vulnerability detection and patch management
How to Choose an MSSP Tool
MSSPs come in all shapes, sizes, and focuses, which means the right MSSP tool is genuinely in the eye of the beholder. MDR firms will naturally be inclined to procure or upgrade remote access, network security, threat intelligence, and SOC capabilities. Similarly, a range of MSSPs can benefit from the above tools for serving existing or new client challenges.
Read more: Top Opportunities for MSSPs to Grow Their Business
