MSP vs MSSP vs virtual CISO: who actually owns cybersecurity?

Many businesses have an IT provider, security products and compliance requirements but still cannot answer a basic question: who is accountable for each security control?

Short answer: An MSP generally manages day-to-day IT, an MSSP manages defined security operations, and a virtual CISO provides security leadership and governance. The right model may use one, two or all three—but responsibilities must be explicit.

What an MSP usually owns

Managed service providers commonly handle user support, Microsoft 365 administration, endpoints, networks, servers, backups, vendors and routine technology operations. Some MSPs also include meaningful cybersecurity capabilities.

What an MSSP usually owns

A managed security service provider typically focuses on security operations such as managed detection and response, SIEM/SOC monitoring, vulnerability management, email security or incident-response support. Scope varies significantly.

What a virtual CISO usually owns

A virtual CISO helps leadership set security direction, prioritize risk, define governance, coordinate compliance, report to executives and determine who is responsible for unresolved issues.

The gap most businesses miss

Deploying a security product does not establish that every relevant user, device or workload is covered. A practical security program also needs coverage measurement, exception tracking, remediation ownership and evidence that agreed changes were implemented.

A clearer responsibility model

  • IT operations: tickets, devices, Microsoft 365, infrastructure and vendor coordination.
  • Security operations: monitoring, investigation, endpoint response, vulnerabilities and security tooling.
  • Governance: risk decisions, policy, priorities, executive reporting and compliance oversight.
  • Control verification: coverage, exceptions, evidence and follow-up testing across all three.

How NCB Cyber is positioned

NCB Cyber can work alongside an existing MSP, provide security-focused managed IT, deliver managed cybersecurity through CyberGuard, and provide Virtual CISO and compliance support. The scope should define what NCB Cyber owns, what the client’s IT provider owns and what remains with the business.

Explore NCB Cyber services, Managed IT, CyberGuard, and Virtual CISO.

Not sure which model you need?

Start by mapping current providers and the controls each one actually owns.

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