Selecting the right security Managed Service Provider (MSP) is a pivotal decision for your business’s efficiency, security, and resilience. The right MSP is more than just a vendor – they’re a strategic partner that aligns with your long-term goals, offering expertise and insight to optimize your systems and processes.
In this article, we'll explore the essential criteria for selecting a security MSP that truly fits your organization's needs. From industry expertise and proactive problem-solving to scalability and global reach, we’ll dive into the questions you should ask to separate exceptional MSPs from the rest. Whether you're considering your first MSP partnership or looking to switch providers, these insights will help you make an informed decision and drive long-term value for your business.
What is a security Managed Service Provider?
Think of a security MSP as your on-demand security partner. They act as an extension of your team for managing IT systems and security, offering specialized skills, fresh perspective, and the latest insights gleaned from a cross-section of clients and industries.
A good security MSP will be able to support you with the mitigation and remediation of cybersecurity risks and resolve complex IT security issues with a long-term view, ensuring your systems stay protected as your business evolves. Through ongoing assurance, they’ll manage identity and access governance, adapt to growing security needs, and continuously update your controls framework to meet changing compliance requirements and future-proof your IT estate.
Organizations choose to utilize an MSP for a myriad of reasons. But most will find they benefit from specialist expertise that frees up their teams for strategic tasks and ensures operations run smoothly. By staying on top of compliance, security, and industry regulations, security MSPs allow organizations to focus on growth.
Key criteria for selecting a managed service partner
When searching for a security MSP, many organizations end up putting all their eggs in the ‘technical expertise’ basket. But your perfect-fit MSP will align with your business on several crucial fronts, allowing them to add value in ways you hadn’t imagined.
Ask these six questions to dig deeper and find your optimal security managed service partner:
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Do they know your industry inside and out?
Your security MSP should have a deep understanding of your sector, grasping the unique challenges and regulatory requirements you face. Look for providers with a proven track record in your industry and those who demonstrate thought leadership through reports, webinars, and case studies. At Turnkey, for example, we provide practical advice on tackling key regulatory changes like UK SOX, DORA, and the NIS framework. We’ve helped manage service clients successfully implement these requirements, leveraging tools such as SAP GRC Process Controls to automate controls and streamline processes to support compliance. Beyond enabling clients to fit these regulatory frameworks, we also develop custom reporting to demonstrate compliance progress to business leadership.
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Are they proactive or reactive?
Your security MSP should identify risks and solve problems before they disrupt your business. Look for providers with strong monitoring, system health checks, and regular risk assessments that focus on continuous improvement, not just reactive fixes. At Turnkey, we leverage our extensive audit experience to proactively identify and address potential risks across your landscape. We also offer a tailored menu of health checks suited to the specific systems you support, ensuring your environment remains secure and optimized. The key is staying proactive – we always recommend any new enhancements we think will benefit our clients, particularly around improvement notes within SAP.
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Can they scale with your business?
Your security MSP should offer flexible service models that evolve with your growing needs. They should provide scalable solutions for both specific projects and ongoing management. Regular account reviews will ensure they stay aligned with your goals and market changes. At Turnkey, we offer flexible solutions tailored to your requirements – whether that means full-time resources or on-demand expert support. Along with solutions that fit your business needs, we provide monthly reporting to show how you are tracking against your contract. We also conduct regular account reviews to ensure we stay aligned with your goals and market changes.
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Do they strive to understand your business?
A strong MSP partnership isn’t built on quick fixes. Your chosen provider should develop a deep understanding of your business goals, operations, and future direction. Before starting, ask how they plan to align their services with your strategic objectives over time. Effective service management involves more than just resolving issues – it’s about anticipating needs and providing tailored support as your business evolves. For example, we recently identified a client’s objectives for automation and improved productivity. Through regular contact we gathered the understanding that their User Access Review (UAR) process was hugely manual and open to human error. We delivered a demo of an automated, scalable UAR solution that could easily accommodate future system additions. This tailored solution has significantly improved their efficiency, particularly during annual audit activities.
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Can they support you globally and locally?
If your organization has a global presence, your MSP should combine global reach with local expertise, handling regional compliance and operational nuances. Look for providers who manage multi-regional needs effectively. At Turnkey, we leverage our skill sets across eight global offices, using a blend of both local and global resources to provide cost-efficient solutions while maintaining service excellence.
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Are they transparent about the value they deliver?
Seek an MSP that is clear about the value they provide, from enhanced efficiency and cost savings to risk reduction, and long-term strategic support. Your provider should onboard your goals at the start to identify the right scope of services and ensure that every aspect of the partnership drives measurable value. As part of Turnkey's Bedrock Managed Service, you'll have a dedicated account manager who serves as your primary point of contact. They work closely with you to align the service with your strategic goals, ensuring seamless integration and ongoing value. They’ll also keep you informed with up-to-date operational insights and monthly reports, providing complete transparency.
Finding the Right MSP for Your Business
The right security MSP isn’t just a service provider – they’re a trusted partner who streamlines operations, reduces risk, and keeps your business agile. Look for a provider that understands your industry, offers proactive solutions, and can scale with your evolving needs. By prioritizing transparency, adaptability, and long-term partnership, you’ll find an MSP that helps optimize your operations and supports your business’s long-term success.
Ready to partner with a managed service provider that checks all these boxes? Turnkey's Bedrock Managed Service combines deep industry expertise with proactive monitoring and flexible scaling options to keep your business running at peak performance. Contact us today to learn more.
