MSSPs need to be more 'transparent' with customers, says boss of next-gen provider
CEO of next-gen MSSP explains why next-gen model is luring customers away from traditional providers
Traditional managed security service providers (MSSPs) are failing to adapt to shifting customer demands and risk falling behind next-generation rivals, according to Tony Velleca, CEO of Cyberproof.
US-based Cyberproof bills itself as an ‘advanced' MSSP entering the market, catering to customers who feel their needs aren't being focused on enough by large legacy providers, according to Velleca.
"We believe that a lot of the traditional MSSPs have become commoditised, are operating on a thin layer of monitoring and are trying to apply a one-size-fits-all model to their customers," Velleca said.
"Generally you will find that most customers are unhappy with the escalating pricing models, support and other bits. That is why this next generation is different.
"We offer a platform-based approach, which allows us to work with the customer on a shared basis and so we are able to invite the customer to work with us on the platform to resolve incidents - all in a transparent manner," he explained.
"We can craft a model where our team and theirs can work together as a unit and are brought together by the platform."
Velleca added that artificial intelligence also plays a part in its offering, where bots learn how the customer reacts to threats, enabling the MSSP to offload more of the lower skill set work onto the bot, which increases response time and reduces costs.
Cyberproof is completely owned by UST Global, an IT services and solutions provider which counts Microsoft, CA Technologies and Cisco among its partners.
The cybersecurity vendor counts IntSights, Cymulate and SecuPi among its own partners, and has offices in London and Madrid offering customer support.
Cyberproof itself deals direct with customers, but follows the "global footprint" of its parent company, and has offices in London and Madrid to support its customers.
Velleca believes that its larger competitors are struggling to adapt to the changing nature of cybersecurity and the new questions that are raised.
"A big challenge with a lot of the more recent attacks, particularly Equifax, was the fact that companies weren't really thinking about how they would respond to those incidents; everything from press response, to who got involved and the speed of their involvement took too long," he said.
"What would you do if all your customer records were hacked? How would you tell the public? There are legal requirements to be met, but how do you communicate that in a way to protect your brand? Those are the new types of questions coming up."
The CEO believes it is more difficult for traditional MSSPs to change from their "one-size-fits-all" business models to a more personalised experience for customers.
Hiring more data scientists to enable more AI use in services, becoming more transparent with customers and personalising the service will allow MSSPs to adapt to the changing landscape, sated Velleca.