Are you worried you won’t get the full picture before partnering with a compliance-focused MSSP? Are you concerned about how well they handle regulations like CMMC, HIPAA, or general IT regulations?
In this article, we’ll explore tips and strategies for selecting the best Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) for your business, especially if you need a company proficient in compliance.
At Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS), we leverage our experience as both a Managed IT Service Provider (MSP) and a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) to identify and refine the top qualities that make MSSPs exceptional.
We also invited Sean Harris, ITS Senior VP for Cybersecurity, to share his insights into compliance management and how great MSSPs stand out from the crowd.
By the end of this article, you’ll have everything you need to find the best MSP for you.
1. Focus on an MSSP’s project management skills.
Before anything else, evaluate your MSSP’s project management abilities.
"It may seem like you're looking for technical skills, but actually, you want more project management skills,” Harris said.
Project management proficiency is a must for great MSPs/MSSPs. They manage hundreds to thousands of computers for multiple companies. If they lack these skills, their inefficiency will impact their performance.
“A big part of compliance is conducting a gap analysis with critical individuals in the organization—or the owner if it's a smaller organization—and then lining up all the ways you're going to bridge the gaps," Harris explained. "This is also known as building a plan of action and milestones (POA&M).”
Prioritizing project management helps build trust between you and the MSP/MSSP. It ensures the MSSP can adapt to project changes and manage risks, leading to better project outcomes.
Project management also fosters transparency, allowing for timely updates and collaborative problem-solving.
2. Get in touch with them and their clients.
Getting insights from existing and former clients provides a real-world perspective on the MSSP’s performance, revealing far more than any sales pitch.
Candid discussions with partners uncover the MSSP’s strengths and areas for improvement, offering an overview of their service capabilities and client management approach.
It also helps with assessing your compatibility and ensuring the MSSP’s services align with your goals. You’ll get real, unfiltered insight into an MSSP’s service scope, responsiveness, and customization options, setting expectations for a successful partnership.
According to Harris, the real tip is to talk with the people who will actually handle your IT and solve your problems, not just the sales team.
“You ideally have conversations with the people you're going to be working with—not just a sales team that then puts you off to some other team,” he said.
“Figure out if you get along with that individual or that team because you're going to work with them like they're an extension of your internal company."
This level of due diligence for businesses aiming to leverage technology effectively underscores the importance of personal engagement in the selection process.
3. Evaluate their technical expertise.
According to a study by Mordor Intelligence, successfully deploying managed services reduces IT costs by 25-45% and increases operational efficiency by 45-65%. Because of how large a difference it makes when done right, you can’t afford to hand over your compliance needs to someone who will get it wrong.
That’s not even touching on the sanctions and fines if you don’t follow the regulatory standards correctly.
To check an MSSP’s know-how, ask for a list of their:
- IT team certifications,
- Official partnerships,
- Training strategies, and
- Samples of successful IT projects.
4. Check their staffing capacities.
The ideal client-to-technician ratio is 70:1, although the industry average is around 200:1. Your prospective MSSP partner should be transparent about their team numbers, how many clients they already handle, and how many technicians they plan to assign to your company.
Their staff numbers clearly indicate their capacity to support and fulfill your compliance needs. If they don’t have enough staff, your problems might take longer to resolve.
If you’re looking to hire a small MSP, there are also other downsides.
"The worst thing you can do,” Harris said, “is pick an organization that – all of a sudden – isn't doing compliance services anymore or dabbled in it and decided not to continue.”
He clarified that this often happens with small MSPs.
On the other hand, MSPs with sufficient capacity can address more complex IT challenges, from routine maintenance to multi-layered cybersecurity, while maintaining high service quality.
This is especially important if your business requires high scalability and flexibility. One example is if your industry (like finance, healthcare, and education) experiences seasonal fluctuations in demand.
Choosing an MSP with scalable staffing will help you manage your IT needs and seize otherwise missed opportunities, fostering your long-term success.
RELATED: The Pros & Cons of Small and Large Managed Service Providers
Ready to find an MSSP to meet your compliance needs?
Navigating intricate regulations, ensuring technical proficiency, managing project timelines, and having adequate staffing are common hurdles you can easily overcome with the right MSSP partner.
The right MSSP turns these challenges into opportunities.
In your search, focus on finding an MSSP with strong project management capabilities, willing to establish direct communication lines with you and their other clients.
Evaluate their technical expertise meticulously and assess their staffing capacities to ensure they can handle your needs effectively.
For example, ITS has brought a wealth of experience to our clients with tailored IT solutions. Our expertise in project management, technical proficiency, and dedicated staffing ensure that your compliance strategy is responsive, reliable, and up-to-date.
Ready to elevate your compliance strategy and secure a partnership that drives success? Visit our Compliance page to learn how we can help you, or contact ITS today to discuss how we can tailor our MSSP services to meet your unique compliance needs.
But if you want more information before partnering with an MSP, check out our other free resources aimed to help you find the best MSP for you:
- 20 Questions to Ask When Choosing the Best Managed IT (MSP)
- Top Qualities of the Best Managed IT Service Providers
