Nowadays, companies must not only focus on growth but also on protecting what sustains them: their information, systems, and customer trust. At TecnetOne, we understand that one of today’s biggest challenges is deciding how to maintain that security: by building an internal SOC or relying on an MSSP (Managed Security Service Provider).
Both alternatives aim for the same goal—preventing cyberattacks, protecting your most valuable assets, and ensuring business continuity—but each offers distinct advantages and challenges.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand the difference between an internal SOC and an MSSP, their benefits and limitations, and how to choose the cybersecurity model that best fits your company’s reality.
A Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) is an external provider that delivers managed security services to organizations. In other words, the company hires the MSSP to monitor, detect, and respond to threats, manage vulnerabilities, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide continuous support.
The MSSP operates from its own infrastructure or in partnership with the client company, delivering 24/7 services to multiple clients.
It has experience across various industries and environments, allowing it to apply best practices, shared threat intelligence, and economies of scale.
Its model is usually subscription-based (monthly or yearly), rather than requiring large capital investments from the client.
Access to specialized talent: MSSPs consolidate expertise from serving multiple clients and have handled many threat scenarios.
Fast implementation: Many managed security functions can be up and running in weeks or a few months.
Scalability: As the company grows or its needs evolve, the MSSP can adjust services without requiring a full internal rebuild.
More predictable costs: The pay-as-you-go model avoids major upfront investments.
Less direct control: Outsourcing means the company gives up some visibility, processes, or service customization.
Third-party dependency: If the provider fails to meet SLAs (Service Level Agreements) or adapt to your business, it can create risk.
Limited client-specific knowledge: This can lead to more false positives or slower initial analysis.
An internal Security Operations Center (SOC) is an in-house team composed of analysts, engineers, and defined processes responsible for monitoring, detecting, investigating, and responding to security incidents within the organization.
Fully integrated into the organization: SOC team members are familiar with the systems, infrastructure, processes, and business culture.
Utilizes tools like Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), EDR/XDR, threat hunting, threat intelligence, etc.
Offers more direct control over sensitive data, internal policies, and response times.
Higher control and customization: The company sets its own policies, parameters, and workflows.
Deep organizational integration: Being embedded in the company, the internal SOC can more easily align with business goals.
Full visibility: Greater insight into infrastructure, critical data, and internal processes.
High initial and ongoing costs: Building a SOC involves hiring specialized personnel, acquiring and maintaining tools, training, and maintaining 24/7 operations.
Talent shortage: Finding and retaining security analysts, incident responders, and engineers is a challenge in many markets.
Limited scalability: Expanding or adapting the SOC to address new threats or a larger scale may require further investment and operational complexity.
Read more: Implementing a SOC in Your Company: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide
| Criteria | Internal SOC | MSSP |
|---|---|---|
| Control / Customization | High (direct control) | Limited (standardized service) |
| Initial Costs | Very high | Moderate |
| Implementation Time | Long | Short |
| Scalability | Requires additional investment | High, more flexible |
| Talent and Expertise Available | Depends on internal hiring | Immediate access to external expertise |
| Internal Visibility & Alignment | High | Depends on the provider |
| Operational Risks | Risk of staff burnout, rising costs | Risk of lower customization, provider dependency |
This table summarizes insights shared by experts on both options. For instance, one analysis notes that building a SOC “gives full control” but “requires high investment and staffing,” while an MSSP “offers continuous monitoring at more predictable costs” but may lack deep, organization-specific knowledge.
To help you decide between an internal SOC and an MSSP, consider the following key aspects:
Company Size, Maturity, and Budget: If your organization is large, with a substantial budget, critical operations, or complex infrastructure, it may make sense to maintain an internal SOC.
On the other hand, if you're a mid-sized or growing company with limited resources for developing a security team and tools, an MSSP may be a more viable solution.
Risk Level and Regulatory Compliance: Highly regulated sectors (finance, healthcare, government) may require in-house staff with deep business knowledge, favoring an internal SOC.
However, an MSSP with experience across various industries can offer certifications and regulatory compliance more quickly.
Speed of Deployment and Scalability: If you need a fast solution with 24/7 protection right away, the MSSP has the advantage. If you can plan long-term and build gradually, an internal SOC is feasible.
Control and Business Alignment: If cybersecurity is strategic and a central part of your business operations, an internal SOC may integrate better. If operational efficiency is the priority, outsourcing can have its advantages.
Available Human Resources: Recruiting and retaining SOC analysts is challenging—many organizations underestimate turnover, 24/7 shifts, and burnout. If you'd rather avoid that risk, outsourcing may be operationally safer.
Hybrid Model: It's not always black and white. Some organizations choose a hybrid approach: running an internal SOC while relying on an MSSP for specific services (vulnerability scans, 24/7 monitoring, threat intelligence). This combination can provide the best of both worlds.
If you're considering hiring an MSSP and want to make the best decision, we recommend reading our guide on how to choose a SOC. It will help you better understand the differences, advantages, and key points before taking the next step.
Large enterprises with critical operations, sensitive data, and complex compliance: Should strongly consider an internal SOC—if they have the investment capacity and talent.
Mid-sized or growing companies unable to afford a full SOC: Outsourcing via an MSSP is likely the most efficient option.
Small businesses or startups needing managed security quickly: An MSSP is almost the default option.
Companies in transition or rapid growth: Consider a hybrid model to gain speed now and evolve toward an internal SOC as maturity increases.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Choosing between an internal SOC and an MSSP depends on factors such as company size, budget, maturity, regulations, risks, and business goals.
If total control and cultural integration of cybersecurity are key—and you can make the necessary investment—an internal SOC is a viable option.
On the other hand, if your priority is speed, scalability, access to talent, and predictable costs, an MSSP may be the better choice.
In many cases, a hybrid strategy can combine the best of both worlds.
The key is to ensure your cybersecurity strategy aligns with your business objectives, proactively manages threats, and evolves as your risks and organization grow.