You know ‘em, you love ‘em – today we’re talking about MSSPs! Yahoo!
Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) have become essential in the always-online world of 2024. MSSPs provide robust cybersecurity measures that protect businesses and other organizations from a constantly growing array of threats that could dismantle everything you’ve built in a matter of minutes.
But with so many unique and specific cyberattacks out there these days, how do MSSPs defend against them? The answer is frameworks. By creating a standardized framework around managed security, MSSPs can more effectively handle 80% of the work of keeping your network and devices secure, so they can focus their efforts on the 20% of cyberattacks that are unique and bespoke.
Furthermore, as cyber threats become more sophisticated, MSSPs rely on structured frameworks to ensure that their services are not only effective but also scalable and compliant with the latest regulations. This article explores the key frameworks that MSSPs are using in 2024, with a focus on the most relevant and widely adopted models.
Key Frameworks Used by Managed Security Services
1. NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is one of the most common frameworks in cybersecurity, widely adopted across industries and business sizes. Created by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (the government agency in charge of IT standards), the CSF offers a hyper-structured approach to managing cybersecurity risks, with significant work towards protocol throughout.
Key Features:
- Five Core Functions: The framework revolves around five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. These guide organizations in developing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.
- Enhanced Governance: The latest version, CSF 2.0, released in 2024, emphasizes governance and supply chain risk management, making it highly relevant for today’s interconnected business environments.
- Flexibility and Broad Applicability: The framework is designed to be flexible and is applicable to organizations of all sizes, including small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
2. ISO/IEC 27001 and 27002
You’ve probably heard of ISO – the International Standards Organization – before, probably in regards to your product or service. The ISO has a variety of different standardizations, and they even have one that is commonly used in cybersecurity. ISO/IEC 27001 and 27002 are internationally recognized standards for information security management. Like the other frameworks, it’s a comprehensive framework for managing sensitive company information, and ensuring its security. ISO focuses on – you guessed it – a standardization framework, looking to create a uniform framework that can work for any organization’s cybersecurity.
Key Features:
- Information Security Management System (ISMS): ISO/IEC 27001 outlines the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an ISMS. This is crucial for organizations that aim to protect their information assets systematically.
- Detailed Controls: ISO/IEC 27002 provides guidelines on implementing controls to manage information security risks, covering areas like asset management, access control, and incident management.
3. Zero Trust Security Model
With less of the corporatized structure of ISO and NIST frameworks, the Zero Trust cybersecurity model has gained significant traction as a revolutionary approach in cybersecurity. Unlike traditional security models that rely on perimeter defenses to prevent and regimented protocols to react, Zero Trust continuously verifies and enforces security policies based on identity, device health, and context.
Key Features:
- Least Privilege Access: This model ensures that users and devices are granted the minimum levels of access necessary to perform their tasks, thereby reducing the risk of insider threats and lateral movement within networks.
- Continuous Verification: Zero Trust demands continuous verification of identity and credentials, aligning security measures with the dynamic nature of modern IT infrastructures.
4. MITRE ATT&CK Framework
The MITRE ATT&CK framework – yes, that’s actually how it’s spelled – is an invaluable resource for understanding adversary tactics and techniques. While not a traditional framework compared to these other options, the MITRE ATT&CK is a comprehensive knowledge base that’s used by MSSPs to enhance their threat detection and response capabilities by giving form to the frequently-formless world of cyber threats and cybersecurity.
Key Features:
- Threat Detection: The framework maps out attacker behaviors, providing critical insights that help organizations improve their cybersecurity posture and react to threats if and when they occur.
- Evaluation and Benchmarking: Many MSSPs participate in MITRE ATT&CK evaluations to assess their tools and processes, ensuring that they can effectively respond to a wide range of cyber threats.
5. Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR)
SOAR platforms are a software solution for creating a robust cybersecurity framework. In this instance, SOAR helps with efficiency and organization – they are pieces of software that are increasingly integrated into MSSP operations to automate and streamline security processes. These platforms enhance the efficiency of security operations, allowing quicker responses to incidents and creating tighter cybersecurity in the process.
Key Benefits:
- Automation of Routine Tasks: SOAR platforms automate repetitive security tasks, freeing up resources to focus on more complex and strategic issues.
- Improved Incident Response: By centralizing information and automating processes, SOAR enhances the ability to respond to threats in a coordinated and efficient manner.
6. Industry-Specific Frameworks
It’s important to note there are more robust, more bespoke cybersecurity frameworks for organizations in fields with unique regulatory challenges where data protection is amongst the most important elements of a business or organizations’ IT. MSSPs often leverage industry-specific frameworks to address these requirements effectively. They require a specific level of expertise in this industry to make full use and to fully control.
Examples:
- HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): Used in the healthcare industry to ensure the security and privacy of protected health information (PHI).
- PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard): Critical for organizations handling credit card transactions, ensuring the secure handling of cardholder data.
Why Does Having A Cybersecurity Framework Matter?
Because without one, you’re risking A LOT.
In 2024, the role of MSSPs is more crucial than ever as they navigate the increasingly complex cybersecurity landscape. By leveraging frameworks such as NIST CSF, ISO/IEC 27001, Zero Trust, MITRE ATT&CK, and SOAR, MSSPs offer comprehensive, scalable, and compliant security solutions.
These frameworks not only protect increasingly valuable digital assets like customer data, but they also ensure smooth IT operation, more efficient workforces, and regulatory compliance. As the cybersecurity environment continues to evolve, these frameworks will remain essential in guiding MSSPs to offer effective and innovative security services – but as always, check in with us for the latest updates and changes.
Additional Reading