Cybersecurity has become a critical aspect for any organization. Threats evolve rapidly, attackers automate processes, and attack surfaces expand as companies incorporate new systems and tools.
In this context, MSS (managed security services) have become established as an effective option to strengthen digital protection without requiring companies to maintain internal resources that are difficult to sustain.
Before delving into what MSS contributes and why it’s so prevalent in modern security strategies, it’s worth taking a look at a tool that perfectly complements this model: Kartos, the solution from Enthec designed for companies that need a constant and realistic visibility of your external exposure. . This tool is part of the CTEM philosophy, an approach that continuously analyzes the attack surface, identifies real risks, and enables prioritizing efforts.
At a time when most incidents are triggered by known vulnerabilities or misconfigurations, having this view is crucial for any security strategy, including those based on MSS.
What precisely are Managed Security Services (MSS)?
The MSS are outsourced services offered by specialized providers to continuously monitor, manage, and improve an organization’s security.. Although each provider may have its own catalog, the essence is the same: to provide expert knowledge, advanced tools, and constant follow-up.
An approach that frees up internal burden
Many companies don’t have dedicated cybersecurity staff, or if they do, they’re focused on day-to-day operational tasks. Internal teams are often left out overflowing for tasks such as:
- Analyze alerts that keep growing.
- Review security settings on various systems.
- Prioritize vulnerabilities that change every week.
- Keep an eye on emerging threats.
MSS allows some or all of these tasks to be delegated to specialists who work with technology, processes, and equipment dedicated exclusively to this.
Main features of MSS
Although each model is tailored to specific needs, most managed security services share a standard set of functionalities.
Continuous monitoring
It is one of the central components. MSS providers constantly monitor infrastructure, networks, and services to detect suspicious behavior, failures, or signs of intrusion.
Incident Management
When an attack attempt is detected, the provider not only generates alerts but also assists with analysis, containment, and recovery. Having processes defined and executed by professionals reduces damage, downtime, and financial losses.
Vulnerability Management
MSS typically include periodic scans, configuration reviews, and patch prioritization. However, this is where solutions like Kartos become essential, because they complement this internal view with an external X-ray that reflects what an attacker would see from the outside.
If you want to delve deeper into this topic, visit our blog→ Real-time vulnerability management: a step forward in cybersecurity.
Threat analysis and context
A Security Management System (SMS) doesn’t just review logs: it interprets what’s happening in the security world. For example, if a critical vulnerability is actively exploited, the provider helps the client assess whether their infrastructure is exposed and what measures they should take.
Periodic reports and advice
Those in charge typically receive accessible analyses that allow them to understand the evolution of risk, the level of exposure, and the impact of the measures taken. This transparency facilitates strategic decision-making.
The value of combining MSS with a CTEM approach
The traditional security model focused on protecting what was already within the perimeter. However, today that perimeter has become blurred: there are cloud services, external applications, remote access, personal devices, databases exposed in error, and a long list of constantly changing threat vectors.
This is where the CTEM and MSS complement each other naturally.
Internal visibility + external visibility
- The MSS review logs, devices, networks, and internal activity.
- Tools such as Kartos analyze what is exposed externally: domains, subdomains, leaks, unknown assets, third-party risks, and poorly published configurations.
By combining both perspectives, the company obtains a more complete and realistic map of its situation.
Prioritization based on actual risk
Many companies have hundreds or even thousands of vulnerabilities detected by their internal systems. The CTEM simplifies this landscape by highlighting what is truly urgent. If something can be exploited from the outside or appears on cybercrime forums, it moves to the top of the list.
Reduction of “noise” in MSS
A managed SOC receives thousands of alerts every week. When the provider leverages a CTEM platform, it eliminates noise and focuses on relevant threats. This results in more effective defense and faster response times.
Benefits of MSS for organizations
The Managed Security Services have become a key solution for businesses of all types. Their most valued advantages are usually:
1. Controlled and predictable costs
Hire cybersecurity specialists is complex and expensive; keeping them trained is even more so. MSSs allow access to complete teams at a known monthly or annual cost.
2. Greater security maturity without increasing staff
Especially useful for SMEs and companies that cannot (or do not want to) create an internal team.
3. Rapid incident response
Response time is critical. MSS drastically reduces the hours (or days) that an internal team would spend detecting a problem on its own.
4. Regulatory compliance
Many standards, such as the ENS or the NIS2,require continuous monitoring and risk management. An MSS service facilitates compliance with these requirements through appropriate documentation and processes.
5. Tranquility
Perhaps the least technical benefit, but the one most valued by management. Knowing that experts are monitoring the infrastructure 24/7 provides security and prevents improvised decisions.
Kartos and the MSS: a strategic combination
Companies across all sectors use Kartos to strengthen their security processes, and many integrate it directly into their MSS strategy. At Enthec, we’ve observed that this combination enables:
- Reduce actual exposure to attacks.
- Optimize response times.
- Improve coordination with internal or external security teams.
- Avoid breaches caused by unknown or misconfigured assets.
Furthermore, Kartos provides clear, practical reports that facilitate the work of both the MSS provider and the client. This alignment between internal and external capabilities is, today, one of the cornerstones of effective security.
MSS have become established because they help organizations protect themselves in an increasingly complex environment.. However, monitoring is not enough: it is necessary to understand the exposure, prioritize what really matters, and act continuously.
That’s where the combination of managed services and solutions like Kartos, based on CTEM, comes in to elevate security to a more practical, intelligent level, adapted to current reality.
If your company wants to strengthen its security strategy, improve its external visibility, and have a modern, comprehensive, and sustainable approach, we invite you to learn how Enthec can help you achieve this. Contact us.
