CNWR Blog

Why Growing Companies Are Turning to Managed Security Providers

Written by Brett Chittum | Sep 24, 2025 3:00:02 PM

Take a growing tech company, let’s call them BrightLayer. Three years ago, they had 10 employees and one cloud server. Fast-forward to today, and they’ve got a global team, remote developers, and sensitive customer data flowing through multiple systems.

But there's a catch.

With scale came security gaps. The CTO is spending more time on alerts than on innovation. Tools are scattered. Compliance audits feel like walking on eggshells. Seeing this, BrightLayer turned to a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP), and things began to stabilize.

They’re not alone. More growing companies are leaning on cybersecurity services to manage complexity, stay compliant, and maintain trust. Here’s why.

Key Takeaways

  • Growing businesses often lack the resources and structure for effective cybersecurity

  • MSSPs provide 24/7 monitoring, fast incident response, and expert support

  • They simplify compliance with frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2

  • Security scales with you, no need for constant hiring or retraining

  • Strong cybersecurity boosts brand credibility and customer trust

Security Issues Plaguing Growing Companies

As companies grow, their digital footprint expands. And with that, the risks increase. Here are some of the most common cybersecurity problems growing businesses face:

1. Outdated or misconfigured tools

Almost one in three businesses relies on outdated cybersecurity tools. On the other hand, businesses that invest in firewalls or endpoint protection may often forget to update or properly configure them. Without consistent oversight, these tools quickly become liabilities.

2. Fragmented security stack

Almost 80% of organizations use 50+ cybersecurity tools. This mix of legacy tools, SaaS platforms, personal devices, and remote access solutions creates a scattered security environment. Visibility becomes murky, and gaps emerge.

3. Reactive incident response

Security breaches often get noticed after the damage is done. On average, detection takes as long as nine months! Without round-the-clock monitoring or established response protocols, teams scramble to contain threats instead of preventing them. Quite often, it’s too late.

4. Compliance burden

Growing teams often face growing scrutiny. Frameworks like SOC 2, HIPAA, and GDPR call for rigorous documentation, controls, and continuous assessments. Most companies aren't prepared for such commitments.

5. Expanding attack surface

New locations, cloud environments, integrations, and vendors mean more potential entry points. Plus, at a time when everything is connected, it’s easier to infiltrate networks. Managing this risk manually is unsustainable.

6. Talent shortage

Cybersecurity talent is expensive and hard to find. Many growing businesses simply can’t afford to hire an in-house team with deep expertise.

What Are Managed Security Service Providers?

Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) are third-party experts delivering cybersecurity services. Their offerings typically include:

  • Continuous threat monitoring and detection

  • Incident response planning and execution

  • Risk assessments and compliance support

  • Security tool management and optimization

  • Centralized reporting and analysis

Think of MSSPs as borrowed expertise to supplement your internal IT or security team.

How Managed Security Service Providers Help Growing Companies

Here’s looking at how MSSPs support growing businesses:

1. Proactive threat monitoring

MSSPs make threat detection proactive. The 24/7 monitoring by trained analysts reduces response times from months and days to mere minutes. Plus, the high-fidelity alerts keep your team focused as they neutralize threats.

2. Structured incident response

When breaches occur, MSSPs don’t improvise. They follow documented playbooks, escalate efficiently, and mitigate fast. This reduces downtime and limits damage.

3. Unified security visibility

You don’t have to log into five different tools. Instead, you get centralized dashboards displaying risks, real-time alerts, and compliance status.

4. Scalable security infrastructure

As you expand, new offices, more users, or additional platforms, your MSSP scales your controls, policies, and detection rules to keep pace with growth.

5. Compliance made simpler

Audits giving you nightmares? MSSPs guide you through frameworks like SOC 2 or ISO 27001. They help design policies, manage evidence, and generate audit-ready reports. 

Additional Benefits of Managed Security Services

MSSPs impact more than just security. Here are some additional benefits of managed security services:

  • Continuous improvement: Nearly 50% of businesses consider continuous security management a challenge. After all, cyber threats evolve daily. This is why they need MSSPs. MSSPs adapt their monitoring, detection, and response strategies to ensure you're always one step ahead.

  • Access to elite expertise: MSSPs bring top-tier cybersecurity talent to your doorstep. Their teams are trained in the latest threats, tools, and regulatory changes, offering expertise that’s otherwise out of reach. 

  • Better focus on core business: Security can be a huge distraction, especially for lean teams. With MSSPs handling the heavy lifting, your internal team can focus on what they do best. 

  • Improved brand reputation: One breach can cost more than just money. It can erode trust, which can cost around 60% of the losses arising from the breach! Working with professionals not only improves your actual defenses but also signals to partners and customers that you take security seriously.

  • Cost efficiency: Building a round-the-clock security operations center (SOC) is expensive. MSSPs let you access enterprise-grade protection at a fraction of the cost. Considering businesses lose $4.9 million due to security incidents, engaging an MSSP is money saved!

  • Managed security is now essential for safe growth

Security That Grows With You

For growing businesses, security is no longer optional; it’s foundational. But trying to manage it alone, with limited resources and expanding complexity, is a recipe for trouble.

Managed Security Service Providers offer the structure, expertise, and responsiveness that growth-stage companies need. Their cybersecurity services not only close existing gaps but also help build a proactive, scalable foundation for long-term success.

And in today’s high-stakes environment, that could be the smartest move a growing company makes.

Contact Us to know more.

FAQs

Q1. What are the benefits of managed security services for small and mid-sized companies?

MSSPs benefit small and mid-sized companies by:

  • Strengthening cybersecurity without internal hiring

  • Reducing risks

  • Quickening response times

  • Compliance support

  • Making protection scalable

Q2. Is it safe to outsource cybersecurity to an MSP?

Yes. Reputable MSPs follow strict protocols, use standard tools, and honor SLAs to keep your systems secure and compliant.

Q3. How do I know if my company needs managed cybersecurity services?

If you’re company is:

  • Experiencing rapid growth, 

  • Handling sensitive data, 

  • Facing compliance demands, or 

  • Struggling to manage your existing security setup, 

It’s time to consider an MSSP.