MSP Security: Top Products & Services Guide

In this era of rapidly advancing technologies and continuously evolving cybersecurity risks, managed service providers (MSPs) and other IT providers are constantly facing the challenges of effectively protecting the sensitive data of their customers.

To stay ahead in a highly competitive market and meet ever-demanding customers’ expectations, MSPs should deploy best security practices and tools. This will help deliver a secure and frictionless customer experience.

Jump to:

• Top security tools for MSPs
• Why is cybersecurity important for MSPs and their customers?
• Types of cybersecurity tools
• How to choose the right cybersecurity software for your business

Top security tools for MSPs

To give you a better sense of options available in the market, we have compiled a list of the best cybersecurity software and tools for MSPs:

	Antivirus/ anti-spam	Email protection	Vulnerability scanning	Reporting/ analytics	Threat management	Endpoint intelligence	Mobile app
N-able RMM	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Malwarebytes	✅	❌	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅
Avanan	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌	❌
Symantec DLP	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
IBM Security QRadar	❌*	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌
Okta	❌*	❌*	❌*	✅	✅	❌*	✅
FortiGate NGFW	✅**	✅**	✅	✅	✅	✅**	✅

* integrates with third-party apps to provide these protections.

** with the integration of other Fortinet solutions (FortiGuard, FortiMail, IPS, etc.)

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N-able RMM: All-in-one remote monitoring tool for MSPs

Formerly known as Solarwinds MSP RMM, N-able RMM (Remote Monitoring Management) is a versatile cloud-based solution with centralized capabilities and features including endpoint detection & response (EDR), managed antivirus (AV), patch management, risk intelligence, web protection, data security, backup and recovery, and ticket management.

It’s a cost-effective solution, particularly designed for small and medium businesses (SMBs) to manage everything from a unified console and meet customer demands. N-able RMM also offers Android and iOS apps to manage everything on the go.

Some users have noted that N-able RMM is a bit expensive and complicated compared to its competitors. Reviewers request improvements in automation, reporting, integration, and ticket and patch management as well as macOS functionality. Also, comments mention minor bugs that need fixing.

Pricing

N-able pricing plans vary based on location, size, and special offerings. You can get a quote from the vendor according to your team’s needs.

Also Read: Best Remote Monitoring & Management (RMM) Software

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Malwarebytes for Business: Best for endpoint security

Malwarebytes is a cybersecurity company that provides cloud-based protection against ransomware and loss of confidential data to businesses of all sizes. Malwarebytes’s EDR solution provides end-to-end protection against malware, allowing MSPs to proactively monitor all devices system-wide.

The intuitive interface makes it easy for all types of users to navigate and scan their devices for threats. Additionally, Browser Guard, VPN, and ad blocker extensions provide a safe online browsing experience against malware, ads and trackers, and scams.

Though Malwarebytes is liked by most users, some complained about limited end-user functionality, updates and repairs, and customer support. Also, the remote deployment tool, administrative controls, and firewall capabilities are identified features in need of improvement.

Pricing

Malwarebytes is available in three pricing tiers:

• Malwarebytes for Teams: $49.99 per year per device
• Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection: $69.99 per year for 10 or more devices
• Malwarebytes Endpoint Detection and Response: $84.99 per year for 10 or more devices

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Avanan Email Security: Best for email security

Avanan is a cloud-based email security and collaboration solution that uses advanced AI to protect organizations from phishing, malware, ransomware, and data leaks. Its multi-layered security and one-click deployment solution directly integrates with SaaS suites and applications such as G Suite, Office 365, Slack, and more.

Avanan scans inbound and outbound emails for over 200 indicators of phishing and malicious behavior. Other advanced features include malware sandboxing, domain spoofing protection, ShadowIT visibility, data leakage protection, one-click quarantine, and an interactive dashboard.

On the downside, some users faced issues with the UI, legitimate email blocking, and occasional glitches. Though overall easy to use, the deployment of some advanced-level features can be complex with high-end cost and requires expert management.

Some users also suggested that Avanan could improve in certain areas such as moving bulk data, email querying, admin console, and phone and mobile app support.

Pricing

In addition to a 14-day free trial, Avanan offers three pricing tiers for SMBs with under 500 employees:

• Basic: $3 per user per month
• Advanced: $4 per user per month
• Complete Security: $6 per user per month

For larger enterprises, you can get a custom quote tailored to your business needs by contacting the vendor.

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Symantec DLP: Best for data security

Symantec DLP (Data Loss Prevention) provides comprehensive protection of sensitive information by scanning the data in motion at endpoints, networks, databases, laptops, and mobile devices for possible leakages. The platform continuously detects possible policy violations, blocks any malicious or risky activity in real time, and notifies you with a pop-up of blocked action.

While sharing data with third parties, it enables identity-based encryption for email attachments. Also, its content-aware detection technique finds and classifies sensitive data stored virtually in any location, so you don’t have to worry about false positives.

Symantec DLP is bundled with tons of great features, but some users faced issues with deployment, getting technical support, and a large number of false positives. Also, the product could use improvements such as a simpler UI and database management, better documentation and compliance reporting, and integration with other applications.

Pricing

No upfront pricing details are available on the website, but many users found Symantec DLP expensive compared to its competitors. Contact the vendor to get a custom quote.

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IBM Security QRadar: Best for security information and event management (SIEM)

Available as an on-premises, cloud, or SaaS solution, IBM Security QRadar SIEM is a comprehensive security intelligence platform aimed at helping organizations gain real-time visibility into their security operations from a single unified platform.

The platform correlates historical data with current trends, which helps security teams devise an effective response plan before hackers disrupt business operations. It offers advanced analytics, real-time threat detection, IT compliance management, and AI-driven monitoring. These features enable MSPs to protect their customers by containing threats and blocking potential damage. 

Users commented that the pricing model of QRadar is high and confusing at times. A few other pain points for some users include asset management, configuration and upgradation processes, and generating customized reports.

QRadar also gets heavy at times, and parsing functionality doesn’t always work. The software sometimes requires too many resources and can get bulky. Reviewers also identified the user interface, reporting, and integration with third-party apps as areas in need of improvement.

Pricing

In addition to a 14-day free trial, IBM QRadar offers licensed pricing based on events per second (EPS) and flows per second (FPS). The on-premises solution starts at $10,400 per month, while the cloud-based solution starts at $800 per month, billed annually.

Also read: Top SIEM Solutions for Today’s Small Business

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Okta: Best for identity and access management (IAM)

Okta consistently leading the charts in access management and identity as a service (IDaaS). This cloud-based solution helps businesses of all sizes securely manage apps and multicloud environments across a single identity platform.

Okta’s Workforce Identity solutions secure your employees wherever they are with solutions such as single sign-on (SSO), adaptive multi-factor authentication (MFA), universal directory, advanced gateway and server access, and lifecycle and API access management.

With Okta Directories, you can store users, credentials, and metadata about users. You’ll also be able to create administrative user authentication controls while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Users have raised concerns that security can be tedious at times, as they have to log in several times a day with verification codes. Reviewers also noted that Okta only works through a mobile app, and it’s nearly impossible to access your account if you lose your phone, forget your password, or try to access your account from any other device.

Other pain points include the high pricing, complicated initial setup, and delayed push notifications.

Pricing

Okta offers Workforce Identity and Customer Identity as its two pricing tiers and requires a minimum of $1,500 annual contract. 

• SSO starts at $2 per user per month
• MFA starts at $3 per user per month
• Universal Directory starts at $2 per user per month
• API Access Management starts at $2 per user per month
• Lifecycle Management starts at $4 per user per month
• Advanced Server Access starts at $15 per user per month

Contact the vendor for final negotiations and volume discounts.

Also read: Top Identity & Access Management (IAM) Software for SMBs

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Fortinet’s FortiGate NGFW: Best for unified threat management (UTM)

FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) is one of the several solutions offered by Fortinet to offer advanced level protection to enterprises of all sizes. FortiGate NGFW adds web filtering, SSL inspection, unknown threat detection, application visibility, and IPS to a traditional firewall to deliver a superior multi-function performance to MSPs. 

With anti-malware and data leak prevention capabilities, FortiGate scans the incoming and outgoing network traffic for any suspicious activity and stops it in its tracks with FortiGate IPS.

On the downside, many users complained about the complexity of the command-line interface (CLI), lack of features in the GUI (graphical user interface), and a lack of technical documentation or training videos. WAN load balancer, customization, and troubleshooting features also need improvement.

Pricing

FortiGate NGFW is available in many different models ranging from entry-level hardware appliances to ultra-high-end appliances to meet different business requirements. No upfront pricing details are available on the website. Contact the vendor to get a custom quote based on your needs.

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Types of cybersecurity tools

There are many types of cybersecurity prevention and solutions that should be a part of an effective security strategy for your business.

Remote monitoring management

RMM software is a tool designed to help managed IT service providers proactively monitor their networks, devices, computers, and endpoints remotely from a unified platform. Such solutions help reduce costs, increase uptime, improve network stability, and increase the productivity of small and medium MSPs.

Endpoint security

An endpoint is any computing device, such as a PC, laptop, tablet, phone, or server, that physically connects to a network. If any device is infected, the whole network is compromised, so endpoint security is crucial for all businesses.

Different kinds of endpoint protection software include antivirus software, endpoint management software, and EDR software. Such solutions help businesses accomplish the following goals: 

• Secure remote network access
• Data breach prevention
• Real-time vulnerability scanning
• Simplified IT management.

Email security

Email is a critical part of any business’s internal and external communications. However, email messages often contain sensitive information and are prone to phishing attacks. 

It’s important to deploy the best email security solutions to protect your organization against cyberattacks. Email security features include spam filters, antivirus protection, secure gateway, email encryption, and MFA.

Data loss prevention (DLP)

With a shift from on-premises to cloud-based services in recent years, businesses are now more vulnerable than ever with the risk of data loss on the rise. Data loss prevention (DLP) is a set of tools, policies, and processes used to ensure confidential information of your organization is not lost or accessed by unauthorized individuals.

DLP software analyzes the data passing through the proxy or network and blocks any suspicious content while complying with data regulatory policies and auditing requirements.

Security information and event management (SIEM)

Security information and event management (SIEM) helps MSPs combine security information management (SIM) and security event management (SEM) to provide real-time visibility into the organization’s data, detect any vulnerabilities, and mitigate threats using advanced AI.

The core features of any SIEM include log management, event correlation and analytics, incident reporting, compliance auditing and reporting, and security alerts. 

Identity and access management (IAM)

Identity and access management (IAM) helps IT administrators control user access to applications, databases, and other corporate assets to increase security. Such software restricts access based on specific IP addresses by setting permissions using SSO and MFA solutions. IAM deploys a zero-trust model of maintaining strict controls and always verifying users and devices. 

Unified threat management (UTM)

Unified threat management (UTM) combines multiple security features and services including antivirus, anti-spam, firewall, content and web filtering, VPN functionality, and more into a single platform to protect users on a network.

MSPs can deploy UTM on their network, either as an on-premises solution or as a cloud service. Some UTM tools also provide software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) capabilities that enable secure connectivity across multiple locations.

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How to choose the right cybersecurity software for your business

When it comes to choosing the right cybersecurity tools, managed service providers need to invest in a comprehensive and cost-effective solution that covers all potential threats and protects their customers.

MSPs should consider the specific needs of their customers, such as whether a business is facing the challenge of managing secure remote monitoring or looking for email or data security solutions to protect their employees against threats and prevent data loss. 

Read next: Managed Service Providers (MSPs) for Small Businesses