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Best Managed Network Security Services Shortlist

Here’s my shortlist of the best managed network security services providers:

When your team manages network security internally, you might recognize common challenges. Perhaps your staff struggles to keep up with continuously changing threats. Maybe you've had close calls with security breaches because vulnerabilities went unnoticed. It's also likely you've spent hours wrestling with complex compliance requirements or felt uncertainty about whether your current security measures are robust enough.

Managed network security services address these precise issues by proactively detecting threats, closing security gaps, simplifying compliance, and providing expert monitoring around the clock. Instead of constantly reacting to security crises, your team gains peace of mind and the ability to focus on core business tasks.

I've spent over a decade reviewing and working with network security solutions and have evaluated a variety of  managed security service providers. My goal with this guide is to share the clear, actionable insights I've gained to help you confidently choose a security partner that aligns with your team's specific needs.

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Best Managed Network Security Services Summary

This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top managed network security services selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.

Best Managed Network Security Services Reviews

Below are my detailed summaries of the best managed network security services providers that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a look at each provider’s key services, unique specialties, and pros & cons to help you find the best one for your needs.

Best for Asian markets

  • 30-day free trial + free plan available
  • From $69.51/user/month

Alibaba Cloud offers a variety of managed network security services, such as VPN Gateway, Anti-DDoS, Cloud Firewall, and Security Center. They focus on data, identity, and business security, primarily serving industries in Asia with a strong emphasis on flexibility and scalability.

Why I picked Alibaba Cloud: Alibaba Cloud is tailored for the Asian market, providing localized solutions that meet regional compliance and security standards. Their services, like Anti-DDoS and Cloud Firewall, are designed to protect against regional threats, ensuring your business stays secure. This focus on regional needs makes them a preferred choice for companies operating in Asia.

Standout Services: Alibaba Cloud's cloud firewall provides advanced protection against unauthorized access, helping your team maintain secure network boundaries. Their anti-DDoS service defends against distributed denial-of-service attacks, ensuring your business operations remain uninterrupted.

Target industries: Finance, retail, healthcare, telecommunications, and manufacturing

Specialties: Data security, identity security, business security, regional compliance, and scalability

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Extensive product range
  • Flexible pricing options
  • Strong regional support in Asia

Cons:

  • Pricing transparency issues
  • Limited support outside Asia

Best for firewall security

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Check Point offers a suite of cybersecurity services, including firewall protection, threat prevention, and security management. They serve businesses across various sectors, focusing on safeguarding network infrastructure.

Why I picked Check Point: Their next-generation firewalls provide advanced threat prevention and unified security management. The integration of AI-powered threat intelligence enhances real-time protection. This combination supports robust firewall security tailored to organizational needs.

Check Point Standout Services: Managed firewall services oversee appliance health, performance, and policy management, helping your team maintain optimal firewall operations. CloudGuard network security delivers automated threat prevention and unified security management across cloud environments, allowing your team to secure workloads effectively.

Target industries: education, federal government, financial services, healthcare, and retail

Specialties: network security, cloud security, threat prevention, security management, and endpoint protection

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Detailed logging features
  • Effective application control
  • Intuitive user interface

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve for new users
  • Performance issues with certain modules

Best for 24/7 monitoring

  • Pricing upon request

SecurityHQ provides a range of managed security services, specializing in threat detection, incident response, and vulnerability management. They cater to businesses looking for continuous monitoring and rapid response to security incidents.

Why I picked SecurityHQ: SecurityHQ excels in providing 24/7 monitoring services, ensuring that your network is constantly watched for potential threats. Their Security Operations Centers (SOCs) are staffed around the clock, offering real-time threat intelligence and incident response. This level of vigilance helps your team stay ahead of potential security breaches.

Standout Services: SecurityHQ's threat hunting service actively seeks out threats within your network, helping you identify and address issues before they escalate. Their incident response service provides expert guidance and support to manage and mitigate security incidents effectively.

Target industries: Finance, healthcare, retail, telecommunications, and government

Specialties: Threat detection, incident response, vulnerability management, threat intelligence, and managed SOC

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Strong incident response capabilities
  • Real-time threat intelligence
  • 24/7 monitoring available

Cons:

  • Higher costs for advanced services
  • Limited free trial options

Best for local support

  • Pricing upon request

Intrust IT provides managed network security services, including 24/7 monitoring, endpoint protection, and cybersecurity support. They primarily serve small to mid-sized businesses in the Greater Cincinnati area, offering tailored IT solutions.

Why I picked Intrust IT: Their local presence means your team gets fast, in-person support when needed. They offer a $1 million ransomware protection guarantee, showing confidence in their security measures. Their employee-owned model fosters accountability and responsiveness, ensuring your team receives dedicated service.

Intrust IT Standout Services: Security operations center (SOC) provides 24/7 threat monitoring and incident response, helping your team detect and address security issues promptly. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions protect your devices from malware and unauthorized access, ensuring your team’s tools remain secure.

Target industries: manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, construction, and professional services

Specialties: endpoint protection, ransomware defense, security operations center monitoring, cybersecurity assessments, and compliance support

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Provides local, in-person support
  • Employee-owned, fostering dedicated service
  • Offers a $1 million ransomware protection guarantee

Cons:

  • Advanced features may come at higher package levels
  • Limited specialization in certain niche industries

Best for custom solutions

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Foresite provides managed network security services, focusing on Security Operations, Threat Intelligence, and Governance, Risk & Compliance. They cater to industries like financial services, healthcare, and government, offering tailored security solutions to meet specific client needs.

Why I picked Foresite: Foresite excels in delivering custom solutions, leveraging their advanced Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services. They offer flexible security operations, allowing your team to choose between managed and professional services, which ensures your specific security requirements are met. This adaptability is supported by their Catalyst platform, enhancing security management across diverse environments.

Standout Services: Foresite's threat intelligence service provides real-time data to help your team anticipate and mitigate potential security threats. Their endpoint security service ensures devices are protected from vulnerabilities, maintaining the integrity of your network.

Target industries: Financial services, healthcare, government, retail, and manufacturing

Specialties: Managed detection and response, threat intelligence, endpoint security, compliance assessments, and security operations

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • High customer satisfaction
  • Scalable services for cloud environments
  • Strong endpoint security

Cons:

  • Limited trial options
  • Pricing not transparent

Best for small businesses

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Sophos provides managed network security services, including 24/7 managed detection and response, incident response, and risk management solutions. They primarily serve small to medium-sized businesses, acting as an instant security operations center to monitor and eliminate threats.

Why I picked Sophos: Sophos is ideal for small businesses due to its cost-effective, fixed-fee incident response services. Their managed detection and response solutions offer continuous monitoring, which is crucial for businesses without extensive security resources. Integration with existing cybersecurity tools ensures that your team can enhance security without overhauling current systems.

Standout Services: Sophos offers managed threat response, which provides 24/7 threat hunting and remediation, helping you quickly address potential security incidents. Their risk management solutions identify vulnerabilities in your network, allowing you to take proactive measures to strengthen security.

Target industries: Small businesses, education, healthcare, retail, and financial services

Specialties: Managed detection and response, incident response, network security, risk management, and threat hunting

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Easy integration with existing tools
  • Fixed-fee incident response
  • Cost-effective for small businesses

Cons:

  • Limited free trial options
  • Potential complexity for new users

Best for vulnerability management

  • From $25/user/month (billed annually)

Rapid7 offers security solutions focusing on vulnerability management, incident detection, and response. They primarily serve businesses looking to enhance their cybersecurity posture by identifying and addressing vulnerabilities effectively.

Why I picked Rapid7: Rapid7 excels in vulnerability management with its InsightVM service, which provides continuous visibility into your network's vulnerabilities. This service helps your team prioritize risks and improve overall security. Their focus on real-time data and analytics ensures that you have the insights needed to address threats as they arise.

Standout Services: Rapid7's insightIDR service provides powerful threat detection capabilities, helping you identify and respond to incidents quickly. Their managed detection and response service offers 24/7 monitoring and expert guidance, ensuring that your security operations are always supported.

Target industries: Finance, healthcare, retail, technology, and government

Specialties: Vulnerability management, incident detection, response, threat intelligence, and security analytics

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Real-time data analytics
  • Strong focus on vulnerability management

Cons:

  • Higher cost for advanced features
  • Potential learning curve for new users

Best for threat detection

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Secureworks provides a wide array of cybersecurity services, including Managed Detection and Response (MDR), Network Security, and Endpoint Security. They primarily serve businesses seeking to enhance their threat detection and response capabilities.

Why I picked Secureworks: Secureworks excels in threat detection, offering services like Managed Detection and Response that provide 24/7 expert monitoring. Their Taegis platform includes advanced solutions such as Identity Risk Detection and Network Detection and Response, which enhance your team's ability to identify and respond to threats swiftly. This focus on threat detection helps your organization maintain robust security measures.

Standout Services: Secureworks' endpoint security service protects your devices from cyber threats, ensuring your data remains safe. Their vulnerability management service identifies and addresses potential weaknesses in your network, helping you mitigate risks before they become issues.

Target industries: Financial services, healthcare, retail, government, and manufacturing

Specialties: Managed detection and response, network security, endpoint security, identity security, and vulnerability management

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • 24/7 monitoring
  • Scalable solutions
  • Strong threat detection capabilities

Cons:

  • Complexity for smaller businesses
  • Pricing transparency issues

Best for UK businesses

  • Free trial available
  • Pricing upon request

BT offers managed network security services that support core business operations across the UK and globally. Their services cater to organizations of all sizes, providing solutions to secure networks, data, and applications.

Why I picked BT: BT provides a range of managed security services, including firewall protection, DDoS mitigation, and cloud security controls, designed to help UK businesses protect their digital assets. Their services are tailored to meet the needs of various industries, ensuring that your team can focus on business growth while BT handles security concerns. With a strong presence in the UK, BT is well-positioned to support local businesses with their security needs.

BT Standout Services: BT's managed firewall security helps protect your business by monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Their DDoS security service detects and mitigates distributed denial-of-service attacks, ensuring your network remains accessible and operational during such events.

Target industries: finance, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and public sector.

Specialties: firewall security, DDoS protection, cloud security, threat intelligence, and network segmentation.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Comprehensive security offerings
  • Tailored solutions for various industries
  • UK-based support team

Cons:

  • May be less suitable for non-UK businesses
  • Pricing information not readily available

Best for PCI compliance

  • Free trial available
  • Pricing upon request

Trustwave offers a wide range of cybersecurity services, focusing on managed detection and response, penetration testing, and digital forensics. They primarily serve industries like education, healthcare, and financial services, aiming to reduce cyber risks through their Fusion Security Operations Platform.

Why I picked Trustwave: Trustwave specializes in PCI compliance, making it a strong choice for businesses needing to meet these standards. Their services include detailed assessments and security measures tailored to ensure compliance with PCI DSS. This focus helps your team maintain compliance and protect sensitive data effectively.

Standout Services: Trustwave's co-managed SOC service allows your team to work alongside their experts, enhancing your security operations with shared insights and resources. Their email security service provides advanced threat protection, helping your business safeguard against phishing and malware attacks.

Target industries: Education, healthcare, financial services, government, and retail

Specialties: PCI compliance, managed detection and response, penetration testing, digital forensics, and email security

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • 24/7 support available
  • Strong focus on compliance
  • Wide range of services

Cons:

  • May be complex for small businesses
  • Pricing not transparent

Other Managed Network Security Services

Here are some additional managed network security services providers that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:

  1. ScienceSoft

    For IT consulting

  2. Wipro

    For global enterprises

  3. Cisco

    For network hardware

  4. IBM

    For enterprise security

  5. Verizon

    For mobile security

  6. McAfee

    For antivirus protection

  7. Symantec (Broadcom)

    For endpoint protection

  8. AT&T

    For telecom security

  9. Accenture

    For digital transformation

  10. TCS (Tata Consultancy Services)

    For global IT solutions

What Are Managed Network Security Services?

Managed network security services are outsourced solutions that protect and manage an organization's network security infrastructure. They might offer things like:

IT departments, security teams, and businesses of all sizes typically seek out managed network security services to enhance their security posture and address challenges like cyber threats and regulatory compliance. Consider the best cybersecurity software for comprehensive protection.

Managed Network Security Services Selection Criteria

When selecting the best managed network security services providers to include in this list, I considered common business needs and pain points that these providers address. This included things like reducing security risks and ensuring regulatory compliance. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair: 

Core Services (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each provider had to offer these basic services:

  • Network monitoring
  • Firewall management
  • Threat detection and response
  • Security audits
  • Vulnerability assessments

Additional Standout Services (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique or especially valuable services, such as:

  • Advanced threat intelligence
  • Cloud security solutions
  • Zero trust architecture
  • Incident response teams
  • Custom security training

Industry Experience (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the industry experience of each provider, I considered the following:

  • Years in the industry
  • Number of industries served
  • Case studies and success stories
  • Client portfolio diversity
  • Certifications and partnerships

Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each provider, I considered the following:

  • Speed of setup
  • Clarity of instructions
  • Availability of training resources
  • Dedicated onboarding support
  • Customization of services

Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess the level of customer support each provider offers, I considered the following:

  • Availability of 24/7 support
  • Responsiveness to inquiries
  • Knowledgeability of support staff
  • Access to self-help resources
  • Dedicated account managers

Value For Price (10% of total score)
To evaluate the pricing and potential ROI of working with each provider, I considered the following:

  • Transparency of pricing
  • Flexibility of pricing plans
  • Comparison with competitors
  • ROI potential
  • Inclusion of extras and add-ons

Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the overall satisfaction of existing customers, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • Frequency of positive feedback
  • Commonly reported issues
  • Satisfaction with service delivery
  • Loyalty and retention rates
  • Recommendations by existing clients

How to Choose a Managed Network Security Services Provider

It’s easy to get bogged down in long lists of services and complex pricing structures. To help you prioritize the things that matter most for your business, keep the following factors in mind:

FactorWhat to Consider
Business ObjectivesAlign the provider's services with your team's specific goals, such as improving threat detection or achieving regulatory compliance.
Service Scope and SLAsEnsure the provider's service scope meets your needs, and review SLAs to understand response times and service guarantees.
Support AvailabilityCheck for 24/7 support and how quickly you can reach help when issues arise. Consider the availability of dedicated account managers.
Costs and Pricing StructureLook for transparent pricing and flexible plans that fit your budget. Consider the potential ROI and any hidden fees that might affect your decision.
Communication and ReportingEvaluate how the provider reports incidents and communicates with your team. Regular updates and clear communication are crucial for effective collaboration.
ScalabilityConsider if the provider can grow with your business and adapt to increased security needs or new technologies.
IntegrationAssess how easily their services integrate with your existing systems and tools to ensure a smooth transition.
ReputationResearch customer reviews and industry reputation to gauge reliability and satisfaction among current clients.

Key Managed Network Security Services

When selecting a managed network security services provider, keep an eye out for the following key services:

  • Threat detection and response: This service identifies and mitigates potential threats, keeping your network secure from attacks.
  • Firewall management: Manages and monitors firewalls to protect your network perimeter and prevent unauthorized access.
  • Vulnerability assessments: Regularly scans your network for vulnerabilities, helping you address weaknesses before they are exploited.
  • Security information and event management (SIEM): Collects and analyzes security data to provide insights and detect anomalies.
  • Endpoint security: Protects devices within your network from malware and other threats, ensuring data integrity.
  • Intrusion detection and prevention: Monitors network traffic for suspicious activity and blocks potential threats.
  • Incident response: Offers expert guidance and support to handle security breaches effectively.
  • Threat intelligence: Provides real-time data on emerging threats to help your team stay ahead of cybercriminals.
  • Compliance management: Ensures that your organization meets industry regulations and standards for data security.
  • Security operations center (SOC): Provides 24/7 monitoring and support to maintain a strong security posture.

Additionally, reviewing the best network monitoring software can provide valuable insights into optimizing network security.

Benefits of Managed Network Security Services

Partnering with a managed network security services provider offers several benefits for your team and your business. Discover the best cybersecurity providers to find the right partner. Here are a few benefits you can look forward to:

  • Enhanced threat detection: Continuous monitoring and response services help identify and mitigate threats before they impact your business.
  • Improved compliance: Compliance management services ensure your organization meets industry regulations, reducing legal risks.
  • Cost savings: Outsourcing security operations can be more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house team with similar expertise.
  • Access to expertise: Benefit from the knowledge of experienced security professionals who provide expert guidance and support.
  • Increased focus on core business: With security concerns managed, your team can concentrate on primary business functions without distractions.
  • Scalability: Managed services can grow with your business, adapting to increased security needs as your organization expands.
  • 24/7 support: Around-the-clock monitoring and support from a security operations center ensure your network is protected at all times.

Costs and Pricing Structures of Managed Network Security Services

Managed network security services typically come at a custom price to accommodate various business needs, sizes, and circumstances. Providers generally work within one of the following pricing structures:

  • Subscription-based: Clients pay a recurring fee for ongoing services, often monthly or annually.
  • Project-based: Pricing is determined by the scope and duration of a specific project.
  • Scope of work (SOW): Costs are based on detailed deliverables and tasks outlined in a contract.
  • Tiered pricing: Different levels of service are offered at varying price points to meet diverse needs.
  • Pay-as-you-go: Clients are charged based on the actual usage of services, providing flexibility and scalability.

Key Factors That Influence Managed Network Security Services Pricing

Beyond the specific pricing model, here are some additional factors that can influence the cost of managed network security services:

  • Level of customization: Tailoring services to fit unique business requirements can increase costs due to additional resources and time.
  • Compliance requirements: Meeting specific industry regulations may require specialized services and expertise, affecting overall pricing.
  • Number of users: More users typically lead to higher costs, as additional resources and support are needed to manage larger networks.
  • Service complexity: The complexity of the security services needed, such as advanced threat detection or incident response, can impact pricing.
  • Geographic coverage: Providing services across multiple locations or countries can increase costs due to logistical and regulatory considerations.

Being aware of these factors before you start seeking out custom quotes from providers helps you get a sense of what to expect, and compare and contrast quotes more effectively.

Managed Network Security Services: FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about managed network security services:

How do managed network security services work?

Managed network security services work by outsourcing your security needs to a third-party provider. They monitor your network, detect threats, and respond to incidents on your behalf. This allows your team to focus on core business activities while ensuring your network remains secure. Providers use advanced tools and techniques to keep your data safe and compliant with industry standards.

What should I look for in a managed network security provider?

When choosing a provider, consider their experience, range of services, and customer support. Ensure they offer services that align with your business needs, such as threat detection and compliance management. Check their reputation and reviews to see how they handle real-world security challenges. It’s also important to evaluate their pricing structure and ensure it fits your budget.

Can managed network security services help with compliance?

Yes, many providers offer compliance management services to help you meet industry regulations. They can assist with audits, reporting, and ensuring your security measures align with legal requirements. By partnering with a provider, you can reduce the risk of non-compliance and avoid potential fines. It’s a proactive way to ensure your business stays on the right side of the law.

How do I know if my business needs managed network security services?

If your business lacks the resources or expertise to handle security in-house, managed services can be a smart choice. They provide 24/7 monitoring and advanced threat detection that may be difficult to maintain internally. Consider your current security challenges and whether a provider could help address them more effectively. It’s an investment in protecting your data and reputation.

What is the difference between managed and in-house network security?

Managed network security involves outsourcing to a third-party provider, while in-house means your own team handles it. Managed services often provide access to specialized expertise and tools that might be costly to develop internally. They offer scalability and flexibility, allowing your business to adapt to changing security needs. In-house security may provide more direct control but can be resource-intensive.

How quickly can managed network security services be set up?

The setup time can vary depending on your network’s complexity and the provider’s processes. Generally, providers aim to onboard clients quickly and efficiently. They will assess your current security posture and implement solutions tailored to your needs. Communication with the provider is key to ensuring a smooth transition and understanding the timeline involved.

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Paulo Gardini Miguel
By Paulo Gardini Miguel

Paulo is the Director of Technology at the rapidly growing media tech company BWZ. Prior to that, he worked as a Software Engineering Manager and then Head Of Technology at Navegg, Latin America’s largest data marketplace, and as Full Stack Engineer at MapLink, which provides geolocation APIs as a service. Paulo draws insight from years of experience serving as an infrastructure architect, team leader, and product developer in rapidly scaling web environments. He’s driven to share his expertise with other technology leaders to help them build great teams, improve performance, optimize resources, and create foundations for scalability.