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Top Traditional MSSP companies 2026: Verizon, LevelBlue (AT&T)

We rank Traditional MSSP companies using a variety of factors, including breadth of security services, threat intelligence capabilities, compliance certifications, integration ecosystem, client retention rate, and analyst expertise, to get you the perfect results for your company's needs.

114 companies ranked | Last updated: May 29, 2026

Which traditional MSSP vendors should buyers compare first?

Enterprise buyers should compare Verizon, LevelBlue (AT&T), and NTT Cloud Communications and other ranked traditional MSSP vendors by fit, capability evidence, implementation risk, and procurement readiness. Palomarr ranks suppliers to help buyers move from a broad market scan to a practical shortlist.

Traditional MSSPs provide essential outsourced security operations, managing and monitoring security devices to protect against evolving threats. The best fit depends on your organization's size, specific security needs, and desired level of innovation and support.

  • Verizon and LevelBlue (AT&T) are strong choices for comprehensive, proactive threat protection due to their robust global infrastructures and innovative technology. Buyers should verify the exact service scope and integration capabilities to ensure alignment with existing security tools and compliance needs.

  • NTT Cloud Communications excels in providing advanced cybersecurity solutions tailored for enterprise clients, emphasizing innovation and sustainability. Before shortlisting, verify their service scope, compliance standards, and integration capabilities to ensure they meet your specific enterprise architecture and strategic goals.

  • Telefonica (ElevenPaths) offers advanced cybersecurity services with a strong emphasis on innovation and moderate pricing, suitable for SMBs, mid-market, and enterprises. Buyers should confirm their integration requirements, service scope, and relevant compliance certifications to ensure comprehensive coverage.

  • Lumen delivers secure networking solutions with integrated cybersecurity features and easy implementation, making it a solid choice for both SMBs and enterprises. It is important to verify their service scope, integration capabilities with your existing network, and compliance standards.

How companies earn their ranking

In the Traditional MSSP space, Capability is driven by the breadth of security services offered, the size and geographic distribution of SOCs, and the ability to manage complex, hybrid environments.

Innovation is reflected in the adoption of AI and machine learning for automated threat detection and response, the integration of advanced threat intelligence, and the development of proprietary security platforms.Top-ranked companies demonstrate a strong commitment to both Capability and Innovation.

They invest in cutting-edge technologies, maintain a highly skilled workforce, and continuously adapt their services to meet the evolving threat landscape. Vendors can improve their ranking by expanding their service offerings, enhancing their threat intelligence capabilities, and embracing AI-driven automation.

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Want the full picture? Palomarr Insights explores the traditional MSSP space in depth and visualizes the companies based on metrics.
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Rankings

1
Best Overall Best Value
9.8 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.9 Innovation 9.7
2
Best for SMB Best for Mid-market
9.7 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.6 Innovation 9.8
3
Best for Enterprise
9.6 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.7 Innovation 9.5
4
9.6 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.5 Innovation 9.7
5
9.5 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.6 Innovation 9.4
6
9.4 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.3 Innovation 9.5
7
9.3 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.4 Innovation 9.2
8
9.3 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.2 Innovation 9.4
9
9.2 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.3 Innovation 9.1
10
9.1 This score was generated by combining our proprietary Capabilities and Innovation scores Capabilities 9.0 Innovation 9.2

Navigating the Traditional MSSP Landscape

Traditional Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) offer essential cybersecurity services, acting as an outsourced security operations center (SOC) for organizations. These providers manage and monitor security devices, offering crucial protection against evolving cyber threats. The market is experiencing substantial growth, driven by the increasing complexity of cyberattacks and the persistent cybersecurity skills gap. While historically focused on perimeter defense and log management, modern MSSPs are adapting to hybrid cloud environments and integrating advanced technologies like AI and machine learning for enhanced threat detection and response. Buyers should evaluate providers based on their ability to deliver comprehensive risk reduction, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain business continuity across diverse IT infrastructures. This comparison helps procurement teams identify partners that offer genuine resilience rather than just a false sense of security.

What matters in this category

Breadth of security services

A comprehensive suite of security services ensures all critical assets are protected, from network perimeters to cloud environments and endpoints. This breadth helps organizations address various threat vectors and compliance requirements effectively.

Assess the range of services offered, including managed firewall, intrusion detection/prevention, endpoint security, vulnerability management, and cloud security. Look for providers that can cover your entire IT ecosystem, including legacy and modern infrastructure.

Threat detection and response capabilities

Effective threat detection and rapid response are crucial for minimizing the impact of cyberattacks. Advanced capabilities, including AI and machine learning, enable proactive identification and mitigation of sophisticated threats.

Evaluate the provider's use of advanced analytics, AI, and machine learning for threat detection. Inquire about their incident response processes, including mean time to detect (MTTD) and mean time to respond (MTTR). Verify the expertise and staffing levels of their security operations centers (SOCs).

Integration with existing infrastructure

Seamless integration with your current security tools and IT infrastructure is vital for operational efficiency and avoiding vendor lock-in. It ensures that new services complement existing investments and processes.

Determine how easily the MSSP's services integrate with your current firewalls, SIEM systems, cloud platforms, and other security solutions. Look for vendor-neutral approaches that support a variety of world-class security products and APIs for cloud-native telemetry.

Compliance and reporting

Meeting regulatory compliance standards (e.g., SOX, HIPAA, PCI-DSS) is non-negotiable for many organizations. Robust reporting capabilities provide the necessary evidence and insights for audits and risk management.

Verify the provider's experience and certifications related to your industry's compliance requirements. Assess the granularity and customizability of their reporting features, ensuring they can generate the necessary documentation for audits and demonstrate adherence to security policies.

Scalability and flexibility

As your business grows and its security needs evolve, your MSSP should be able to scale its services to match. Flexibility in service offerings allows for adaptation to changing threat landscapes and business priorities.

Inquire about the provider's ability to scale services up or down based on your organizational growth or changing requirements. Look for flexible contract terms and service models that can adapt to both on-premise and cloud-based environments, supporting hybrid complexity.

How to shortlist

Organizations prioritizing comprehensive, proactive threat protection across diverse environments.

For Verizon, verify the exact scope of services and integration capabilities with your specific existing security tools. For LevelBlue (AT&T), assess their specific threat detection and response mechanisms to ensure they align with your organization's risk profile and compliance needs.

Large enterprises requiring advanced cybersecurity solutions with a focus on innovation and sustainability.

Verify NTT Cloud Communications' service scope, compliance standards, and how their solutions integrate with your specific enterprise architecture. Confirm their ability to address your unique operational challenges and long-term strategic goals.

Businesses of all sizes seeking advanced cybersecurity services with a strong emphasis on innovation and moderate pricing.

Verify Telefonica (ElevenPaths)' integration requirements with your current systems and their specific service scope to ensure it covers all your critical assets. Confirm their compliance certifications relevant to your industry and operational regions.

Enterprises looking for secure networking solutions with integrated cybersecurity features and easy implementation.

Verify Lumen's service scope, integration capabilities with your existing network infrastructure, and compliance standards relevant to your industry. Assess how their integrated solutions enhance your overall security posture without disrupting current operations.

Meet the leaders

Discover what makes each company unique. Use filters to narrow by your needs, or Find your perfect match to get personalized rankings tailored to your exact requirements.

I

97% match

Website

A contact center with collaboration features goes beyond just basic communication channels. It equips agents with tools to work together seamlessly.

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Key differentiators

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Capabilities

8.6

Innovation

9.1

Easy support

Easy ease of implementation

Low cost $

Why it’s ranked

Verizon ranks highly for its comprehensive Managed Security Services, offering proactive threat identification and a robust Unified Security Portal for real-time incident management.

Pricing posture

Premium pricing with a mid-tier cost structure.

Implementation/integration fit

Easy implementation for large enterprises and suitable for SMBs and enterprises.

What to verify

Verify service scope, integration capabilities, and compliance standards.

I

97% match

Website

A contact center with collaboration features goes beyond just basic communication channels. It equips agents with tools to work together seamlessly.

This can involve features like real-time chat with colleagues, easy access to shared knowledge bases, and even the ability to consult with supervisors during a call. By fostering teamwork, these contact centers aim to improve agent efficiency, resolve customer issues faster, and ultimately provide a better overall customer experience.

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Key differentiators

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Capabilities

8.6

Innovation

9.1

Easy support

Easy ease of implementation

Low cost $

Why it’s ranked

LevelBlue (AT&T) provides proactive threat protection and unified visibility, making it suitable for enterprises seeking comprehensive cybersecurity solutions.

Pricing posture

Premium pricing with a mid-tier cost structure.

Implementation/integration fit

Easy implementation, targeting mid-market and enterprise customers.

What to verify

Verify service scope, integration requirements, and compliance standards.

I

97% match

Website

A contact center with collaboration features goes beyond just basic communication channels. It equips agents with tools to work together seamlessly.

This can involve features like real-time chat with colleagues, easy access to shared knowledge bases, and even the ability to consult with supervisors during a call. By fostering teamwork, these contact centers aim to improve agent efficiency, resolve customer issues faster, and ultimately provide a better overall customer experience.

Learn more

Key differentiators

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Capabilities

8.6

Innovation

9.1

Easy support

Easy ease of implementation

Low cost $

Why it’s ranked

NTT Cloud Communications offers a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, with advanced cybersecurity solutions tailored for enterprise clients.

Pricing posture

Premium pricing with a mid-tier cost structure.

Implementation/integration fit

Moderate implementation difficulty, targeting large enterprises.

What to verify

Verify service scope, compliance standards, and integration capabilities.

I

97% match

Website

A contact center with collaboration features goes beyond just basic communication channels. It equips agents with tools to work together seamlessly.

This can involve features like real-time chat with colleagues, easy access to shared knowledge bases, and even the ability to consult with supervisors during a call. By fostering teamwork, these contact centers aim to improve agent efficiency, resolve customer issues faster, and ultimately provide a better overall customer experience.

Learn more

Key differentiators

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Capabilities

8.6

Innovation

9.1

Easy support

Easy ease of implementation

Low cost $

Why it’s ranked

Telefonica (ElevenPaths) provides advanced cybersecurity services with a strong emphasis on innovation, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes.

Pricing posture

Moderate pricing with a mid-tier cost structure.

Implementation/integration fit

Moderate implementation difficulty, suitable for SMBs, mid-market, and enterprises.

What to verify

Verify integration requirements, service scope, and compliance certifications.

I

97% match

Website

A contact center with collaboration features goes beyond just basic communication channels. It equips agents with tools to work together seamlessly.

This can involve features like real-time chat with colleagues, easy access to shared knowledge bases, and even the ability to consult with supervisors during a call. By fostering teamwork, these contact centers aim to improve agent efficiency, resolve customer issues faster, and ultimately provide a better overall customer experience.

Learn more

Key differentiators

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Capabilities

8.6

Innovation

9.1

Easy support

Easy ease of implementation

Low cost $

Why it’s ranked

Lumen delivers secure networking solutions with integrated cybersecurity features, making it a solid choice for enterprises looking to enhance their security posture.

Pricing posture

Moderate pricing with a mid-tier cost structure.

Implementation/integration fit

Easy implementation, catering to both SMBs and enterprises.

What to verify

Verify service scope, integration capabilities, and compliance standards.

I

97% match

Website

A contact center with collaboration features goes beyond just basic communication channels. It equips agents with tools to work together seamlessly.

This can involve features like real-time chat with colleagues, easy access to shared knowledge bases, and even the ability to consult with supervisors during a call. By fostering teamwork, these contact centers aim to improve agent efficiency, resolve customer issues faster, and ultimately provide a better overall customer experience.

Learn more

Key differentiators

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Capabilities

8.6

Innovation

9.1

Easy support

Easy ease of implementation

Low cost $

Why it’s ranked

eSentire stands out with its Managed Detection and Response services, leveraging AI for rapid threat detection and incident response tailored for mid-market and enterprise clients.

Pricing posture

Premium pricing with a mid-tier cost structure.

Implementation/integration fit

Moderate implementation difficulty, ideal for mid-market and enterprise customers.

What to verify

Verify service scope, compliance certifications, and integration requirements.

I

97% match

Website

A contact center with collaboration features goes beyond just basic communication channels. It equips agents with tools to work together seamlessly.

This can involve features like real-time chat with colleagues, easy access to shared knowledge bases, and even the ability to consult with supervisors during a call. By fostering teamwork, these contact centers aim to improve agent efficiency, resolve customer issues faster, and ultimately provide a better overall customer experience.

Learn more

Key differentiators

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Capabilities

8.6

Innovation

9.1

Easy support

Easy ease of implementation

Low cost $

Why it’s ranked

Telstra offers a range of cybersecurity solutions with a focus on advanced threat protection, suitable for businesses across various sectors.

Pricing posture

Moderate pricing with a mid-tier cost structure.

Implementation/integration fit

Moderate implementation difficulty, catering to SMBs, mid-market, and enterprises.

What to verify

Verify service scope, compliance certifications, and integration capabilities.

I

97% match

Website

A contact center with collaboration features goes beyond just basic communication channels. It equips agents with tools to work together seamlessly.

This can involve features like real-time chat with colleagues, easy access to shared knowledge bases, and even the ability to consult with supervisors during a call. By fostering teamwork, these contact centers aim to improve agent efficiency, resolve customer issues faster, and ultimately provide a better overall customer experience.

Learn more

Key differentiators

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Capabilities

8.6

Innovation

9.1

Easy support

Easy ease of implementation

Low cost $

Why it’s ranked

Comcast Business provides comprehensive cybersecurity measures alongside managed services, making it a viable option for enterprises seeking reliable protection.

Pricing posture

Moderate pricing with a mid-tier cost structure.

Implementation/integration fit

Moderate implementation difficulty, suitable for enterprise clients.

What to verify

Verify service scope, integration requirements, and compliance standards.

I

97% match

Website

A contact center with collaboration features goes beyond just basic communication channels. It equips agents with tools to work together seamlessly.

This can involve features like real-time chat with colleagues, easy access to shared knowledge bases, and even the ability to consult with supervisors during a call. By fostering teamwork, these contact centers aim to improve agent efficiency, resolve customer issues faster, and ultimately provide a better overall customer experience.

Learn more

Key differentiators

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Capabilities

8.6

Innovation

9.1

Easy support

Easy ease of implementation

Low cost $

Why it’s ranked

Rackspace Technology excels in cloud-native security solutions, providing 24/7 operational support and tailored managed services for complex cloud environments.

Pricing posture

Moderate pricing with a mid-tier cost structure.

Implementation/integration fit

Moderate implementation difficulty, ideal for mid-market and enterprise customers.

What to verify

Verify integration requirements, service scope, and compliance certifications.

I

97% match

Website

A contact center with collaboration features goes beyond just basic communication channels. It equips agents with tools to work together seamlessly.

This can involve features like real-time chat with colleagues, easy access to shared knowledge bases, and even the ability to consult with supervisors during a call. By fostering teamwork, these contact centers aim to improve agent efficiency, resolve customer issues faster, and ultimately provide a better overall customer experience.

Learn more

Key differentiators

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Capabilities

8.6

Innovation

9.1

Easy support

Easy ease of implementation

Low cost $

Why it’s ranked

Silversky offers tailored cybersecurity services with a strong focus on managed detection and response, ideal for businesses seeking robust protection.

Pricing posture

Moderate pricing with a mid-tier cost structure.

Implementation/integration fit

Moderate implementation difficulty, catering to SMBs, mid-market, and enterprises.

What to verify

Verify service scope, compliance certifications, and integration capabilities.

How Palomarr ranks traditional MSSP companies

Our ranking of Traditional MSSP providers is based on a comprehensive evaluation of Capability and Innovation, drawing from extensive data and expert analysis. Capability assesses the breadth of security services, the geographic distribution and size of SOCs, and the ability to manage complex, hybrid environments. Innovation considers the adoption of AI and machine learning for automated threat detection, integration of advanced threat intelligence, and development of proprietary security platforms. While this ranking provides a strong indicator of market leadership, individual buyer needs may vary. We encourage organizations to use this as a starting point, verifying specific service scopes, integration capabilities, and compliance certifications to ensure the best fit for their unique requirements. This methodology aims to offer a nuanced perspective, distinguishing between static legacy providers and forward-leaning partners.

Common buyer questions

What is a Traditional MSSP?

A Traditional Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) offers outsourced cybersecurity services, acting as an external security operations center (SOC). These providers manage and monitor security devices, such as firewalls and endpoint security, and provide services like log management, threat detection, and incident response to protect an organization's IT infrastructure from cyber threats.

How do Traditional MSSPs differ from MDR providers?

Historically, Traditional MSSPs focused on device management and log monitoring, providing a 'maintenance' and 'monitoring' service. Managed Detection and Response (MDR) providers, on the other hand, are typically more threat-centric, focusing on proactive detection and rapid response, often leveraging cloud-native telemetry. However, the lines are blurring, with many traditional MSSPs now retrofitting response capabilities to stay competitive.

Why is the cybersecurity skills gap relevant to MSSPs?

The cybersecurity skills gap is a primary driver for MSSP adoption. Many organizations struggle to hire and retain qualified security staff internally, making it challenging to maintain a robust security posture. MSSPs fill this gap by providing access to expert security analysts and advanced technologies that would otherwise be difficult or costly for businesses to acquire and manage on their own.

What should I look for in an MSSP's threat detection capabilities?

When evaluating an MSSP's threat detection capabilities, look for their use of advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning for proactive threat identification. Inquire about their incident response processes, including their mean time to detect (MTTD) and mean time to respond (MTTR). Also, assess the expertise and staffing levels of their security operations centers (SOCs) to ensure 24/7 monitoring and rapid mitigation.

How important is compliance when choosing an MSSP?

Compliance is extremely important, especially for organizations operating in regulated industries. An MSSP should have a strong understanding of relevant regulatory standards (e.g., SOX, HIPAA, PCI-DSS) and be able to provide robust reporting and documentation to support audits. Verify their experience and certifications related to your industry's specific compliance requirements to ensure they can help you meet your obligations.

See how traditional MSSP suppliers stack up

Our Palomarr Insights chart shows the full landscape of traditional MSSP solutions.

  • See how companies stack up against each other
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Capabilities Innovation

Explore Traditional MSSP

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Get expert advice on evaluating Traditional MSSP solutions, including key capabilities, evaluation criteria, and market trends.

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