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Q: What is the difference between an MSSP and an MDR provider?

An MSSP (Managed Security Service Provider) typically offers broad outsourced security operations including SIEM monitoring, firewall management, and compliance support. An MDR (Managed Detection and Response) provider specializes in 24/7 threat detection and active incident response, often with their own technology stack. MDR is more focused on detecting and stopping attacks; MSSPs offer wider but sometimes shallower coverage.

Q: When should I hire a vCISO instead of a full-time CISO?

A virtual CISO (vCISO) is ideal for organizations that need senior security leadership but cannot justify a full-time hire. Common scenarios: companies under 500 employees, organizations preparing for SOC 2 or ISO 27001, businesses scaling rapidly, and teams needing board-level security reporting. A full-time CISO typically makes sense at 500+ employees or in highly regulated industries.

Q: How much does a penetration test cost?

Penetration testing costs vary widely based on scope. Web application pen tests typically range from $5,000 to $25,000. Network pen tests range from $10,000 to $50,000+. Red team engagements can exceed $100,000. Pricing depends on attack surface size, depth (black box, gray box, white box), and reporting requirements. Always request scoped quotes from at least 3 providers.

Q: How do I choose the right cybersecurity service provider?

Evaluate on five criteria: (1) Specialization match — MSSP, MDR, pentest, vCISO, IR, or compliance; (2) Certifications — SOC 2, ISO 27001, CREST, OSCP for individual testers; (3) Industry experience — healthcare, fintech, SaaS, government; (4) Geographic and language coverage; (5) Pricing model — retainer, project-based, or per-incident. Always check client references and request sample reports.

Q: Which cybersecurity service providers are best for SaaS startups in 2026?

SaaS startups typically need a vCISO for strategic guidance, an MSSP or MDR for monitoring once they have meaningful customer data, and a penetration testing firm for annual compliance and customer assurance. Compliance consultants help with SOC 2 Type II, the most common framework for SaaS companies. Filter providers by service type to compare options.

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MSSPs

Managed Security Service Providers

Outsourced security operations: SIEM monitoring, firewall management, vulnerability scanning, basic threat response.

Best For: Organizations with limited in-house security staff needing broad, always-on coverage
Pricing: $3,000–$50,000+ /month retainer, scales with environment size
Look For: SOC 2 Type II, regional support coverage, clear alert-response SLAs

MDR

Managed Detection & Response

24/7 SOC analysts actively hunting threats and executing response actions, on the provider's tech stack.

Best For: Mid-market and enterprise with customer data, IP, or regulatory exposure
Pricing: Per-endpoint or per-asset, varies by stack (CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, Arctic Wolf, eSentire, Huntress, Expel)
Look For: Detection coverage, MTTR benchmarks, whether they take containment actions for you

Pentest Firms

Penetration Testing Companies

Simulated attacks to find vulnerabilities before real adversaries do, scoped to your assets.

Best For: Annual compliance pen tests, post-launch validation, customer assurance
Pricing: Web app $5K–$25K · External network $10K–$50K · Red team $75K–$300K+
Look For: CREST accreditation, OSCP/OSCE testers, sample reports showing attack chains (not just CVEs)

vCISO

Virtual / Fractional CISO

Fractional senior security leadership, typically 1–4 days/month, for strategy without a full-time hire.

Best For: SaaS companies under 500 employees on a SOC 2 / ISO 27001 / HIPAA journey
Pricing: $5,000–$15,000 /month for advisors with 10+ years of CISO experience
Look For: Industry experience match, board-reporting capability, customer security review track record

Incident Response

IR Firms & Retainers

Specialists you engage when an attack is in progress, often pre-contracted via retainers for response-time SLAs.

Best For: Active or suspected breaches; proactive readiness with tabletop exercises
Pricing: Retainer with pre-paid hours; emergency rates significantly higher off-retainer
Look For: Avg response time, forensic depth, regulatory experience, prior work against your industry's threat actors

Compliance Consulting

GRC & Compliance Consultants

Design, implement, and maintain controls for SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI DSS, FedRAMP, NIST CSF.

Best For: Pre-audit preparation, framework implementation, gap remediation
Pricing: Project-based; varies by framework scope and remediation depth
Look For: Framework match, partnerships with Vanta / Drata / Secureframe / Scytale, sample auditor-ready evidence packages

Service Providers FAQ

Common questions about finding cybersecurity service providers.

What types of cybersecurity service providers are listed?

The directory includes 5 service providers across Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), Managed Detection and Response (MDR) firms, penetration testing companies, virtual CISO (vCISO) services, incident response teams, and compliance consultants covering SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and PCI DSS.

What is the difference between an MSSP and an MDR provider?

When should I hire a vCISO instead of a full-time CISO?

How much does a penetration test cost?

How do I choose the right cybersecurity service provider?

Which cybersecurity service providers are best for SaaS startups in 2026?

Have more questions? Browse our categories or search for specific tools.

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Quick Reference

Acronym Glossary

Cygeniq AI

FairNow

Irregular

Pangea

SlashLLM

How to Choose a Cybersecurity Service Provider in 2026

MSSPs

MDR

Pentest Firms

vCISO

Incident Response

Compliance Consulting

Decision Framework

Service Providers FAQ

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