MSP vs. MSSP: Which Does Your Orange County Business Need?

Every provider seems to say “we do both.” This guide explains the difference in plain English, then shows how 24 Orange County providers describe themselves and what each one lists, so you can tell a security label from a security team.

By Riley Hermstad, Marketing Manager at HD Tech · Last updated October 12, 2026

What's the difference between an MSP and an MSSP?

An MSP (managed service provider) runs your day-to-day IT: help desk, devices, patching, backups, and Microsoft 365. An MSSP (managed security service provider) focuses on defense: monitoring for threats around the clock, investigating alerts, and responding to incidents. Many providers now do both, so the label matters less than who investigates an alert at 2 a.m. and whether they have authority to contain it.

Two terms come up in every conversation. A SOC (security operations center) is the team that watches your systems for threats. MDR (managed detection and response) is a service where analysts investigate suspicious activity and act on it, such as isolating a laptop. MDR is a service, not a type of company: an MSSP can sell it, and so can an MSP.

Typical split of work between an MSP and an MSSP
The job	Usually an MSP	Usually an MSSP
Help desk and user support	Core service	Not usually part of it
Patching and updates	Core service	Flags which patches matter most
Backups and recovery	Core service	Checks that backups are safe from ransomware
Microsoft 365 and cloud administration	Core service	Watches for suspicious sign-ins
24/7 security monitoring (SOC)	Sometimes, or through a partner	Core service
Investigating alerts (MDR)	Sometimes, or through a partner	Core service
Incident response	Often coordinates recovery	Often leads containment and investigation
Compliance evidence	Configuration and documentation	Monitoring logs and incident records

These are typical splits, not rules. Providers differ, which is why the rest of this page looks at what each one actually lists.

How common is it for one company to do both?

Very. In Kaseya's 2026 State of the MSP report, a survey of 1,061 MSPs (76% in North America) run by an IT software vendor, 63% described themselves as full-service MSPs and 18% as MSSPs. Those are self-descriptions, which is the point: the labels are chosen by the provider. The same report found that 71% of MSPs saw their cybersecurity revenue grow year over year, and 61% said most or all of their clients turn to them for cybersecurity advice.

Here in Orange County, 15 of the 24 providers in this comparison list both fully managed IT and a 24/7 SOC on their own websites. 3 use the word “MSSP” about themselves. We didn't sort anyone into a category by hand. The groups below come straight from each provider's own service list.

Where does each Orange County provider say it sits?

We included every provider in our comparisons hub that serves Orange County businesses from an office in Orange County or a neighboring community. Each one is grouped by the services it lists, alphabetically. “Not listed” means we didn't find it on the pages we checked, which doesn't mean the provider can't do it. Ask them directly.

Lists fully managed IT and a 24/7 SOC

Both the day-to-day IT work and 24/7 security operations appear in the provider's own service list.

Advanced Networks, AdVran, AllSafe IT, Burgi Technologies, Buzz Cybersecurity, CAL IT Group, CRC Cloud, CyberDuo, Cynexlink, HD Tech, Intelecis, North Blue Networks, OCMSP, TechHeights, Technijian

Lists fully managed IT, with no 24/7 SOC listed

Managed IT is listed. A 24/7 SOC wasn't listed on the pages we checked, so ask what covers overnight security.

BRITECITY, CMIT Solutions Anaheim, EM Business Solutions, KaufmanIT, Orange County Computer, Inc., Skyward IT, SugarShot, Wrinkle Free I.T.

Lists a 24/7 SOC, with no fully managed IT listed

Security operations are listed without fully managed IT. Ask who runs the day-to-day IT alongside them.

Greenlight Cyber

At a Glance

What does each provider list?

Provider	Based in	SOC run by	Reviews
Advanced Networks	Los Angeles	Own team	Google
AdVran	Anaheim	Not stated	Google
AllSafe IT	Pasadena	Own team	Google
BRITECITY	Irvine	—	Google
Burgi Technologies	Tustin	Not stated	Google
Buzz Cybersecurity	Irvine	Own team	Google
CAL IT Group	Huntington Beach	Own team	Google
CMIT Solutions Anaheim	Anaheim	—	Google
CRC Cloud	Newport Beach	Partner	Google
CyberDuo	Glendale	Not stated	Google
Cynexlink	Irvine	Own team	Google
EM Business Solutions	Not published	—	Google
Greenlight Cyber	Irvine	Not stated	Google
HD Tech	Seal Beach	Own team	Google
Intelecis	Fullerton	Own team	Google
KaufmanIT	Irvine	—	Google
North Blue Networks	Orange	Own team	Google
OCMSP	Newport Beach	Not stated	Google
Orange County Computer, Inc.	Lake Forest	—	Google
Skyward IT	Laguna Niguel	—	Google
SugarShot	El Segundo	—	Google
TechHeights	Irvine	Not stated	Google
Technijian	Irvine	Own team	Google
Wrinkle Free I.T.	Long Beach	—	Google

= the provider's own website lists it. = not listed on the pages we checked. “SOC run by” reports what the provider says about who staffs its SOC (“Own team” or “Partner”); “Not stated” means the site lists a SOC without saying who runs it, and a dash means no 24/7 SOC is listed. “Says MSSP” means the provider uses that word about itself on the pages we checked. Scroll sideways on small screens.

Start with what you need

Each list below comes straight from what providers publish. If a provider appears here, its own website lists that service, framework, or term.

Provider Profiles

How does each provider describe itself?

Same template for every company, alphabetical. Quotes are word for word from each provider's own website. We checked each provider's home page and its main security page, and the page for each quote is linked at the bottom of its profile. Award badges and customer testimonials don't count as self-description.

Advanced Networks

Los Angeles (also Irvine, San Francisco)Founded 2004

Website Google reviews

Often a fit for

Organizations that want EDR, MDR, SIEM and compliance readiness bundled into one flat-rate managed plan instead of buying separate security products.

Worth weighing

The site names CrowdStrike EDR and lists other security vendors among its certifications, so confirm which tools are included in your plan.

How it describes itself: No MSP or MSSP wording found on the pages we checked.
Uses the word “MSSP” about itself: Not found on the pages we checked
IT services listed: Managed IT · Co-managed IT · Help desk · Backup & disaster recovery · Cloud / Microsoft 365
Security services listed: 24/7 SOC monitoring · Managed EDR / MDR · SIEM / log monitoring · Incident response · vCISO / security advisory · Penetration testing · Vulnerability scanning · Security awareness training · Email security
24/7 security operations (as stated): Describes its own SOC. “That somebody is our security operations team — watching hundreds of Southern California environments around the clock from our Los Angeles headquarters.”
Incident response (as stated): “Call (213) 873-7620 for immediate response, or send this form and we will call you back within minutes, 24/7.”
Published pricing: Not published

AdVran

Anaheim

Website Google reviews

Often a fit for

Fits regulated Southern California businesses that want security operations and IT management from one team under one contract.

Worth weighing

The site doesn't name its security tools, and doesn't say whether the SOC is AdVran's own team or a partner's.

How it describes itself: “MSP + MSSP combined”
“Southern California's unified MSP and MSSP. One contract, one team, full accountability for your IT and security.”
Uses the word “MSSP” about itself: Yes
IT services listed: Managed IT · Co-managed IT · Help desk · Backup & disaster recovery · Cloud / Microsoft 365
Security services listed: 24/7 SOC monitoring · Managed EDR / MDR · SIEM / log monitoring · Incident response · Vulnerability scanning · Security awareness training · Email security
24/7 security operations (as stated): “AdVran's SOC operates 24/7/365, using SIEM tools to detect anomalies, run proactive threat hunts, investigate alerts, and respond to incidents in real time.”
Incident response (as stated): “When threats break through, we contain, investigate, and recover fast.”
Published pricing: Not published

AllSafe IT

Pasadena (also Newport Beach, Los Angeles)Founded 2005

Website Google reviews

Often a fit for

Firms under HIPAA, CCPA or PCI DSS wanting 24/7 MDR, SIEM monitoring and Microsoft 365 email-compromise monitoring from a provider audited for SOC 2.

Worth weighing

Beyond Microsoft Defender the site names few specific security products, so buyers should request the EDR, SIEM and SOC tooling in writing.

How it describes itself: “Award winning MSP in CA”
Uses the word “MSSP” about itself: Not found on the pages we checked
IT services listed: Managed IT · Co-managed IT · Help desk · Backup & disaster recovery · Cloud / Microsoft 365
Security services listed: 24/7 SOC monitoring · Managed EDR / MDR · SIEM / log monitoring · Incident response · Penetration testing · Vulnerability scanning · Security awareness training · Email security
24/7 security operations (as stated): Describes its own SOC. “Our 24/7 SOC provides ongoing threat monitoring, while quarterly business reviews ensure your cybersecurity services in Los Angeles evolve with your growth and changing threat landscape.”
Incident response (as stated): “Incident response planning ensures your business can recover quickly if a security breach occurs.”
Published pricing: Not published

BRITECITY

IrvineFounded 2007

Website Google reviews

Often a fit for

Managed IT clients who want a required, published security baseline (SentinelOne, ThreatLocker, Check Point email security) included rather than sold as an add-on.

Worth weighing

Its incident response page says MDR response happens during Pacific business hours, 8 AM to 5 PM, and remediation is billed separately as project work.

How it describes itself: “BRITECITY is a managed IT services provider that delivers month-to-month IT support, cybersecurity, and cloud services for Orange County businesses that meet the $2,500/month floor.”
Uses the word “MSSP” about itself: Not found on the pages we checked
IT services listed: Managed IT · Co-managed IT · Help desk · Backup & disaster recovery · Cloud / Microsoft 365
Security services listed: Managed EDR / MDR · SIEM / log monitoring · Incident response · Security awareness training · Email security
24/7 security operations (as stated): Not published
Incident response (as stated): “For phone-reported emergencies, BRITECITY responds within 1 hour.”
Published pricing: $157 per user/month, plus $17.85 per managed computer and $16.90 per managed mailbox, with a $2,500/month minimum. POLARITY security is included and required. Microsoft 365 licenses and project work are billed separately.

Burgi Technologies

Tustin (also Rancho Cucamonga, Seattle, Phoenix)

Website Google reviews

Often a fit for

Fits Orange County dealerships, medical practices, law firms, and financial offices that want a 24/7 managed SOC alongside managed IT.

Worth weighing

The site describes a SIEM platform but doesn't name its security tools, and doesn't say whether the SOC analysts are Burgi's own team or a partner's.

How it describes itself: “We are a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) serving Orange County businesses”
“Burgi Technologies is a Tustin-based MSP and MSSP with deep roots in the Orange County business community.”
Uses the word “MSSP” about itself: Yes
IT services listed: Managed IT · Co-managed IT · Help desk · Backup & disaster recovery
Security services listed: 24/7 SOC monitoring · Managed EDR / MDR · SIEM / log monitoring · Incident response · Vulnerability scanning · Security awareness training · Email security
24/7 security operations (as stated): “Our analysts monitor your environment 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — including nights, weekends, and holidays.”
Incident response (as stated): “We initiate a structured incident response process: containing the threat, isolating affected systems, eradicating the root cause, and guiding your team through recovery.”
Published pricing: Not published

Buzz Cybersecurity

Irvine (also Corona)Founded 2011

Website Google reviews

Often a fit for

Businesses wanting MDR with analyst-triaged alerts, plus fixed-fee emergency breach response that is also available to companies that are not clients.

Worth weighing

The site names no specific security products or vendors, so buyers should ask which EDR, SIEM and SOC tooling sits behind the MDR service.

How it describes itself: “Cybersecurity-First Managed IT”
“We started as a security company and added IT management to it.”
Uses the word “MSSP” about itself: Not found on the pages we checked
IT services listed: Managed IT · Co-managed IT · Help desk · Backup & disaster recovery · Cloud / Microsoft 365
Security services listed: 24/7 SOC monitoring · Managed EDR / MDR · Incident response · vCISO / security advisory · Vulnerability scanning · Security awareness training · Email security
24/7 security operations (as stated): Describes its own SOC. “For companies without an internal security team, our analysts act as your security operations center.”
Incident response (as stated): “Our incident responders answer around the clock, and you do not need to be a Buzz client to use this service.”
Published pricing: Not published

CAL IT Group

Huntington BeachFounded 2016

Website Google reviews

Often a fit for

Organizations wanting SentinelOne-based managed XDR with forensic investigation, from a provider that holds a SOC 2 Type II report covering all five criteria.

Worth weighing

The MXDR service is described as powered by SentinelOne; the site doesn't specify whether alert handling is done only by CAL IT staff.

How it describes itself: “The Managed IT Service Provider You Can Depend On and Trust in Orange County”
Uses the word “MSSP” about itself: Not found on the pages we checked
IT services listed: Managed IT · Co-managed IT · Help desk · Backup & disaster recovery · Cloud / Microsoft 365
Security services listed: 24/7 SOC monitoring · Managed EDR / MDR · Penetration testing · Vulnerability scanning
24/7 security operations (as stated): Describes its own SOC. “Operating around the clock, our team uses sophisticated tools to quickly spot and deal with potential threats, ensuring businesses stay safe.”
Incident response (as stated): “When a security incident occurs, our expert analysts conduct in-depth investigations to uncover the root cause, the extent of the breach, and any potential data exposure.”
Published pricing: Not published

CMIT Solutions Anaheim

Anaheim

Website Google reviews

Often a fit for

Orange County healthcare practices and defense contractors wanting HIPAA- or CMMC-oriented controls, monitoring, and documentation from a locally owned franchise office.

Worth weighing

The Anaheim pages do not name the security products used or say whether 24/7 monitoring is staffed locally or through CMIT's national network.

How it describes itself: “As a trusted Managed IT Service Provider (MSP) in Orange County”
“A Local Cybersecurity Company with National-Level Resources”
Uses the word “MSSP” about itself: Not found on the pages we checked
IT services listed: Managed IT · Help desk · Backup & disaster recovery · Cloud / Microsoft 365
Security services listed: Email security
24/7 security operations (as stated): Not published
Incident response (as stated): “Our local Anaheim team acts immediately when a threat is detected — no hold queues, no vendor handoffs.”
Published pricing: Not published

CRC Cloud

Newport BeachFounded 1983

Website Google reviews

Often a fit for

Fits small and mid-sized offices that want a 24/7 SOC with managed detection and response at a published per-user rate, with managed IT included.

Worth weighing

The site doesn't name its security tools or its SOC partner publicly. It says it shares both under NDA, so ask for them before you sign.

How it describes itself: “CRC Cloud is both — MSP and MSSP — plus the private cloud underneath.”
“Core IT is the MSP layer, Secure IT adds the MSSP layer with a 24/7 security operations center”
Uses the word “MSSP” about itself: Yes
IT services listed: Managed IT · Co-managed IT · Help desk · Backup & disaster recovery · Cloud / Microsoft 365
Security services listed: 24/7 SOC monitoring · Managed EDR / MDR · SIEM / log monitoring · Incident response · Security awareness training · Email security
24/7 security operations (as stated): Uses a partner's SOC. “The around-the-clock watch is delivered by a dedicated security operations partner — a team whose only job is monitoring, staffed in shifts, every hour of the year.”
Incident response (as stated): “The SOC investigates immediately, contains the threat — isolating the device or disabling the account — and remediates.”
Published pricing: Core IT (managed IT) $125 per user/month; Secure IT (adds 24/7 SOC and MDR) $250 per user/month; private cloud hosting from $175 per user/month. No minimum headcount and no onboarding fee.

CyberDuo

Glendale (also Irvine, San Diego, San Francisco, New York City)

Website Google reviews

Often a fit for

Regulated mid-market firms in finance, healthcare, and similar sectors wanting 24/7 detection and response from a provider-run SOC with a defined incident process.

Worth weighing

Its security stack names several third-party platforms, so confirm which are included in your plan.

How it describes itself: “Cybersecurity Focused Managed IT Services”
Uses the word “MSSP” about itself: Not found on the pages we checked
IT services listed: Managed IT · Co-managed IT · Help desk · Backup & disaster recovery · Cloud / Microsoft 365
Security services listed: 24/7 SOC monitoring · Managed EDR / MDR · Incident response · vCISO / security advisory · Penetration testing · Vulnerability scanning · Security awareness training · Email security
24/7 security operations (as stated): Lists a 24/7 SOC
Incident response (as stated): “Our incident response team contains the threat, preserves evidence, restores from protected backups, and manages communication and compliance obligations.”
Published pricing: Not published
Not counted, and why: Security operations center: It describes an in-house SOC staffed by its own analysts, and also lists Blackpoint Cyber, a third-party managed detection and response platform.

Cynexlink

Irvine

Website Google reviews

Often a fit for

Organizations wanting an audit-led security program (cybersecurity audit, vulnerability scan, then roadmap) with EDR, cloud security, and HIPAA/CMMC/GDPR compliance support.

Worth weighing

The site has no dedicated security service pages and names no security tools, so scope and tooling must be requested directly.

How it describes itself: “Trusted IT Security Experts”
Uses the word “MSSP” about itself: Not found on the pages we checked
IT services listed: Managed IT · Help desk · Backup & disaster recovery · Cloud / Microsoft 365
Security services listed: 24/7 SOC monitoring · Managed EDR / MDR · Vulnerability scanning · Security awareness training
24/7 security operations (as stated): Describes its own SOC. “Our Security Operations Center keeps eyes on your network around the clock.”
Incident response (as stated): Not published
Published pricing: Not published

EM Business Solutions

Location not published

Website Google reviews

Often a fit for

Restaurants, retailers, and financial or healthcare providers wanting a diagnose-advise-deliver security engagement covering firewalls, endpoints, email defense, and PCI/HIPAA compliance checks.

Worth weighing

The cybersecurity page does not name tools, say who performs the 24/7 monitoring, or describe an incident response process.

How it describes itself: “Managed IT and Cyber Security Services for your business”
Uses the word “MSSP” about itself: Not found on the pages we checked
IT services listed: Managed IT · Help desk · Backup & disaster recovery
Security services listed: Security awareness training · Email security
24/7 security operations (as stated): Not published
Incident response (as stated): Not published
Published pricing: Not published

Greenlight Cyber

IrvineFounded 2010

Website Google reviews

Often a fit for

Small and midsize businesses wanting a broad managed security catalog (Guardian) alongside vCISO risk management, assessments, and cyber insurance readiness services.

Worth weighing

Guardian services are built on named third-party platforms such as Zscaler, ThreatLocker, and Lumu, so buyers should confirm which components their plan includes.

How it describes itself: “Guardian: Managed Cybersecurity”
Uses the word “MSSP” about itself: Not found on the pages we checked
IT services listed: Co-managed IT · Backup & disaster recovery · Cloud / Microsoft 365
Security services listed: 24/7 SOC monitoring · Managed EDR / MDR · SIEM / log monitoring · Incident response · vCISO / security advisory · Penetration testing · Vulnerability scanning · Security awareness training · Email security
24/7 security operations (as stated): “24/7 monitoring and support from our team of cybersecurity experts with our Managed Detection & Response.”
Incident response (as stated): “Guardian MDR services provide 24/7 real-time monitoring, immediate threat detection, and rapid incident response for endpoints, servers, networks, cloud infrastructures, SaaS applications, and AI-powered network detection and response, integrating with over 100 different technology and security products.”
Published pricing: Not published

HD Tech

Seal BeachFounded 1995

Website Google reviews

Often a fit for

Businesses that want security monitoring, incident response, and compliance support from the same provider, including a security-only package without help desk.

Worth weighing

The site doesn't name the security tools it uses, so ask which EDR, email security, and monitoring products are included.

How it describes itself: “HD Tech is a managed IT services provider and cybersecurity company serving Orange County and Los Angeles businesses since 1995.”
Uses the word “MSSP” about itself: Not found on the pages we checked
IT services listed: Managed IT · Co-managed IT · Help desk · Backup & disaster recovery
Security services listed: 24/7 SOC monitoring · Managed EDR / MDR · Incident response · vCISO / security advisory · Vulnerability scanning · Security awareness training · Email security
24/7 security operations (as stated): Describes its own SOC. “Our Security Operations Center monitors your network around the clock with real people — not just AI — taking proactive steps to isolate threats before they spread.”
Incident response (as stated): “Active breach response, ransomware recovery, forensic investigation, breach notification, and post-incident hardening. 24/7 IR hotline with sub-4-minute response — real engineers, not a call tree.”
Published pricing: $85–$195 per user/month across four tiers, with monthly minimums of $1,000–$2,000. Project work $195/hr.

Intelecis

Fullerton (also Irvine, Long Beach, Riverside, Del Mar)Founded 2010

Website Google reviews

Often a fit for

Organizations wanting a managed SIEM, SOC and MDR program with an emergency rapid-response service and compliance work such as CMMC and NIST 800-171.

Worth weighing

Intelecis describes a proprietary platform but does not name its endpoint or SIEM products, so buyers should ask which technologies and staff deliver monitoring.

How it describes itself: “Highly Rated Cyber Security & IT Company”
Uses the word “MSSP” about itself: Not found on the pages we checked
IT services listed: Managed IT · Co-managed IT · Help desk · Backup & disaster recovery · Cloud / Microsoft 365
Security services listed: 24/7 SOC monitoring · Managed EDR / MDR · SIEM / log monitoring · Incident response · Vulnerability scanning · Security awareness training · Email security
24/7 security operations (as stated): Describes its own SOC. “Get the best of both worlds with our ISO-certified SOC driving our own AI-embedded threat protection platform.”
Incident response (as stated): “With the Intelecis Rapid Response Service, we get you out of that danger zone fast with our 24/7 team of remote incident responders, threat analysts, and threat hunters.”
Published pricing: Not published

KaufmanIT

IrvineFounded 2010

Website Google reviews

Often a fit for

Businesses on Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace wanting bundled endpoint and email security with 24/7 monitoring and help aligning to HIPAA, PCI-DSS or SOC 2.

Worth weighing

Security is packaged as branded SecureKIT bundles without naming underlying vendors, so buyers should ask which technology and SOC staffing each bundle includes.

How it describes itself: “KaufmanIT is an award-winning IT company specializing in managed IT support, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions.”
Uses the word “MSSP” about itself: Not found on the pages we checked
IT services listed: Managed IT · Co-managed IT · Help desk · Backup & disaster recovery · Cloud / Microsoft 365
Security services listed: Incident response · Vulnerability scanning · Security awareness training · Email security
24/7 security operations (as stated): Not published
Incident response (as stated): “In case of incidents, our rapid incident response team springs into action to contain, investigate and remediate the threat.”
Published pricing: Not published

North Blue Networks

OrangeFounded 1996

Website Google reviews

Often a fit for

Fits medical, dental, and CPA or tax practices that want an in-house SOC team plus HIPAA and FTC Safeguards Rule help on the technology side.

Worth weighing

Only Duo Security (MFA) is named, so ask which EDR, email security, and logging products are included.

How it describes itself: “Managed IT and cybersecurity for Orange County medical and dental practices and accounting firms.”
Uses the word “MSSP” about itself: Not found on the pages we checked
IT services listed: Managed IT · Help desk · Backup & disaster recovery
Security services listed: 24/7 SOC monitoring · SIEM / log monitoring · Incident response · Security awareness training · Email security
24/7 security operations (as stated): Describes its own SOC. “Our own Cybersecurity and SOC team watches them around the clock and acts on what they find.”
Incident response (as stated): “We contain it, clean up and secure the environment, then close the gap that let them in”
Published pricing: Not published
Not counted, and why: Penetration testing: Listed only in the site navigation, with no service description to verify.

OCMSP

Newport BeachFounded 2005

Website Google reviews

Often a fit for

Fits Orange County law firms, medical practices, and financial offices that want local SOC monitoring with U.S.-based engineers.

Worth weighing

SOC coverage depends on the systems in scope, and the site doesn't name its security tools or say whether the SOC is its own team or a partner's.

How it describes itself: “OCMSP is an Orange County-based managed service provider (MSP) founded in 2005.”
Uses the word “MSSP” about itself: Not found on the pages we checked
IT services listed: Managed IT · Co-managed IT · Help desk · Backup & disaster recovery · Cloud / Microsoft 365
Security services listed: 24/7 SOC monitoring · Managed EDR / MDR · Incident response · Penetration testing · Security awareness training · Email security
24/7 security operations (as stated): “OCMSP provides 24/7 Security Operations Center monitoring backed by a team of engineers in the United States, not an offshore queue.”
Incident response (as stated): “The team validates the alert, gathers context, follows the documented escalation path, and coordinates containment or response based on the agreed authority and service scope.”
Published pricing: Not published

Orange County Computer, Inc.

Lake ForestFounded 1998

Website Google reviews

Often a fit for

Small and mid-sized businesses that want a long-established local provider for managed IT, remote help desk, private cloud hosting, and backup.

Worth weighing

The site doesn't describe specific security services such as EDR or SOC monitoring, so confirm what a managed agreement includes.

How it describes itself: “Cyber Security Company in Orange County, California”
Uses the word “MSSP” about itself: Not found on the pages we checked
IT services listed: Managed IT · Help desk · Backup & disaster recovery · Cloud / Microsoft 365
Security services listed: Not published
24/7 security operations (as stated): Not published
Incident response (as stated): Not published
Published pricing: Published examples: a typical managed service agreement “can cost you $1,000 to $2,000 per month”; unlimited remote support packages start at $250/month; offsite backup from $25/month (5 GB) to $200/month (100 GB).

Skyward IT

Laguna Niguel (also Irvine)Founded 2011

Website Google reviews

Often a fit for

Fits Orange County SMBs in regulated sectors such as defense, healthcare, and finance that want layered security mapped to CMMC, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or NIST 800-171.

Worth weighing

Skyward does not say whether its 24/7 security monitoring is staffed in-house or by a partner, and it coordinates penetration testing through certified third parties.

How it describes itself: “Orange County’s MSP Since 2011”
Uses the word “MSSP” about itself: Not found on the pages we checked
IT services listed: Managed IT · Co-managed IT · Help desk · Backup & disaster recovery · Cloud / Microsoft 365
Security services listed: Managed EDR / MDR · Incident response · Penetration testing · Vulnerability scanning · Security awareness training · Email security
24/7 security operations (as stated): Not published
Incident response (as stated): “Skyward IT has documented incident response procedures for common attack scenarios.”
Published pricing: Not published

SugarShot

El Segundo (also Redondo Beach, Franklin, TN)Founded 2018

Website Google reviews

Often a fit for

Growing companies wanting security folded into a strategy-led IT package, built on risk assessments and a three-year technology and security roadmap.

Worth weighing

SugarShot does not describe a SOC or name its security tools, so buyers needing 24/7 managed detection should ask how monitoring is delivered.

How it describes itself: “SugarShot is more than just a managed service provider.”
Uses the word “MSSP” about itself: Not found on the pages we checked
IT services listed: Managed IT · Co-managed IT · Help desk · Backup & disaster recovery
Security services listed: Incident response · Security awareness training · Email security
24/7 security operations (as stated): Not published
Incident response (as stated): “No matter the time of the day or day of the year, you can call SugarShot for emergency incident response services.”
Published pricing: Not published

TechHeights

Irvine (also Riverside, Boise, New York)Founded 2007

Website Google reviews

Often a fit for

Defense contractors and regulated firms needing CMMC, NIST 800-171 or ITAR support from a CyberAB Registered Practitioner Organization that also provides managed security.

Worth weighing

TechHeights does not name its EDR, XDR or SIEM vendors or say whether its SOC is staffed internally, so buyers should ask during evaluation.

How it describes itself: “TechHeights is a managed IT services provider (MSP) headquartered in Irvine, California, serving small and mid-sized businesses across Orange County, Los Angeles, and Riverside.”
Uses the word “MSSP” about itself: Not found on the pages we checked
IT services listed: Managed IT · Help desk · Backup & disaster recovery · Cloud / Microsoft 365
Security services listed: 24/7 SOC monitoring · Managed EDR / MDR · Incident response · Penetration testing · Vulnerability scanning · Security awareness training · Email security
24/7 security operations (as stated): “We utilize Security Operations Center (SOC) to monitor and alert us in case of any suspicious or malicious activity.”
Incident response (as stated): “Respond, contain, and remediate threats using our SOC monitoring.”
Published pricing: Plans "start as low as $599" (billing unit not stated), across Basic, Small Biz, Enterprise, and Custom tiers.

Technijian

Irvine (also Panchkula, India)Founded 2000

Website Google reviews

Often a fit for

Organizations wanting contractual 24/7 MDR with a published critical-incident SLA, multi-vendor EDR and SIEM support, and compliance mapping for HIPAA, SOC 2, CMMC or FINRA.

Worth weighing

Security monitoring is delivered follow-the-sun from Irvine and Panchkula, India, which buyers with U.S.-only staffing or data-handling requirements should review.

How it describes itself: No MSP or MSSP wording found on the pages we checked.
Uses the word “MSSP” about itself: Not found on the pages we checked
IT services listed: Managed IT · Co-managed IT · Help desk · Backup & disaster recovery · Cloud / Microsoft 365
Security services listed: 24/7 SOC monitoring · Managed EDR / MDR · SIEM / log monitoring · Incident response · vCISO / security advisory · Penetration testing · Vulnerability scanning · Security awareness training · Email security
24/7 security operations (as stated): Describes its own SOC. “Threat prevention, 24/7 detection and response, incident response and recovery, and assessment and governance — layered defense triaged by our analysts, with a 15-minute response SLA on critical incidents.”
Incident response (as stated): “Critical incidents under My Security carry a 15-minute response SLA, 24/7, and that clock starts the moment the incident is flagged — not when someone gets around to it.”
Published pricing: Not published

Wrinkle Free I.T.

Long BeachFounded 2013

Website Google reviews

Often a fit for

Fits small organizations wanting compliance help (CMMC, NIST, HIPAA, SOC 2, WISP) alongside AI-deployment security from a provider that also handles general IT.

Worth weighing

Its security page lists services as brief bullets without naming security tools, a SOC model, or incident response specifics, so buyers should request details directly.

How it describes itself: No MSP or MSSP wording found on the pages we checked.
Uses the word “MSSP” about itself: Not found on the pages we checked
IT services listed: Managed IT · Help desk · Backup & disaster recovery · Cloud / Microsoft 365
Security services listed: Incident response · Penetration testing · Vulnerability scanning · Security awareness training
24/7 security operations (as stated): Not published
Incident response (as stated): “Continuous Monitoring & Incident Response: Round-the-clock threat detection and rapid mitigation.”
Published pricing: Not published

Is “24/7 monitoring” the same as a 24/7 SOC?

No, and this is the question that separates providers more than any label. “24/7 monitoring” can mean software watches your systems and sends an alert. A staffed 24/7 SOC means people investigate that alert in the middle of the night and act on it. Both are real services, and they cost different amounts. Ask which one you're being sold.

It's also normal for a provider to run its SOC with a partner. Running a SOC around the clock takes several analysts per seat, so many small providers team up. That's fine as long as they tell you who the partner is, what the partner can do on your systems, and how fast they reach your provider. Our guide to verifying your IT provider is protecting you walks through how to check, and our cyber insurance requirements guide covers what insurers commonly ask about monitoring.

Buyer Checklist

Questions to ask any provider

Ask every provider on your shortlist the same questions, us included. The answers will tell you more than any comparison page.

1Who investigates an alert at 2 a.m.? Are they your employees or a partner's, and can we meet the team or see the escalation path?
2Can your analysts isolate a device or disable an account on their own, or do they wait for our approval?
3What did you contain for a client last month? Can you show a sample incident report with the client's name removed?
4Which of our systems feed the SOC: only laptops and servers, or also Microsoft 365, sign-ins, email, and the firewall?
5What's the written response-time commitment for a critical alert, and what happens if you miss it?
6If you run our IT and our security, who checks your work? Will we get a monthly report showing what was blocked and what was fixed?
7If security comes from a second company, who owns the handoff? Who calls whom, and who restores the system afterward?
8What does the monthly price include, and what's billed on top, such as log storage, incident response hours, or after-hours work?

Which should you choose: an MSP, an MSSP, or both?

Start with the gap you have today, not the label on the proposal.

You probably need an MSP

Your gaps are everyday IT: slow help desk, inconsistent patching, no one to manage Microsoft 365 or backups.

Make sure its plan includes the security basics: multi-factor sign-in, endpoint protection, email security, and tested backups.

You probably need an MSSP or MDR

You already have IT covered, but nobody watches for threats overnight, or you need security evidence for compliance or insurance.

Ask who your day-to-day IT contact would work with when the MSSP finds something, and who restores the system.

You probably need both

You want your IT run and your security watched. That can be one provider that lists both or two companies that work together.

Either way, get the split in writing: who monitors, who investigates, who can contain a threat, who restores.

If you already have in-house IT staff and want security or after-hours backup, read the comparison of co-managed IT providers in Orange County. To see every company that lists managed IT, start with the managed IT comparison, and for security services in more detail, see the cybersecurity companies comparison.

How does the price differ between an MSP and an MSSP?

Most providers here don't publish prices: 5 of 24 do. Two of them publish both a security-focused option and a fuller IT option, so you can see the gap, but the two are built differently. HD Tech prices security on its own (SecurITy Lifeline, $85 per user/month, with no help desk) and adds unlimited help desk and a 24/7 SOC in the next tier (The Watch Tower, $139). CRC Cloud prices full managed IT first (Core IT, $125 per user/month) and adds a 24/7 SOC as an upgrade (Secure IT, $250). Their own pages have the full details.

For a cross-check, CRC Cloud estimates that a standalone 24/7 SOC with MDR typically costs a 10 to 50 person company $2,000 to $5,000 a month (CRC Cloud's estimate). That's a market estimate from one provider, not a price list. For more published figures and example budgets, see how much managed IT costs in Orange County.

What pricing is actually published

5 of the 24 providers on this page publish at least some pricing on their websites. The others quote each business separately. Here's a summary of the published figures, with a link to each company's own pricing page:

BRITECITY

$157 per user/month, plus $17.85 per managed computer and $16.90 per managed mailbox, with a $2,500/month minimum. POLARITY security is included and required. Microsoft 365 licenses and project work are billed separately. (source)

CRC Cloud

Core IT (managed IT) $125 per user/month; Secure IT (adds 24/7 SOC and MDR) $250 per user/month; private cloud hosting from $175 per user/month. No minimum headcount and no onboarding fee. (source)

HD Tech

$85–$195 per user/month across four tiers, with monthly minimums of $1,000–$2,000. Project work $195/hr. (source)

Orange County Computer, Inc.

Published examples: a typical managed service agreement “can cost you $1,000 to $2,000 per month”; unlimited remote support packages start at $250/month; offsite backup from $25/month (5 GB) to $200/month (100 GB). (source)

TechHeights

Plans "start as low as $599" (billing unit not stated), across Basic, Small Biz, Enterprise, and Custom tiers. (source)

Published figures are summarized from each company's own website and may not include project work, hardware, licenses, or add-ons. Providers not listed here don't publish pricing.

FAQ

MSP vs. MSSP: FAQs

What is the difference between an MSP and an MSSP?

An MSP (managed service provider) runs your day-to-day IT: help desk, devices, patching, backups, and cloud tools. An MSSP (managed security service provider) focuses on defense: watching for threats around the clock, investigating alerts, and responding to incidents. Many providers now offer both, so look at what each one lists and who handles security overnight.

Is an MSSP the same as MDR?

No. MDR (managed detection and response) is a service: analysts watch your computers, accounts, and email, investigate suspicious activity, and take action such as isolating a device. An MSSP is a type of company, and it may or may not sell MDR. An MSP can also include MDR in its plans, delivered by its own team or by a partner.

Can an MSP provide the same security as an MSSP?

Some can. The label doesn't decide it. What matters is whether analysts watch your systems 24/7, who they work for, what they can contain without waiting for you, and what proof you get afterward. In this comparison, 15 of 24 providers list both fully managed IT and a 24/7 SOC.

Does a small business need an MSSP?

If nobody on your staff can investigate security alerts at night and on weekends, you need that coverage from somewhere: an MSSP, an MDR service, or an MSP whose plan includes a 24/7 SOC. In Kaseya's 2026 survey of 1,061 MSPs, 61% said most or all of their clients turn to them for cybersecurity advice, so for many small businesses the MSP is where security help starts.

Should I use one provider or two?

One provider means one contract and one team that knows your systems, but it also means the same company checks its own work. Two providers add a second set of eyes, but you need a written handoff covering who monitors, who investigates, who can contain a threat, and who restores systems. Either can work. Ask each provider to put its part in writing.

Does cyber insurance require a 24/7 SOC?

Requirements vary by insurer, industry, and policy limit. Applications commonly ask separately about endpoint detection and response and about 24/7 monitoring, so check your application or ask your broker which controls they verify.

HD Tech wrote this page. Is HD Tech's listing treated differently?

No. HD Tech is described the same way as every other provider: only what its own website says, quoted word for word. We didn't label any company an MSP or an MSSP ourselves. If you think a listing is unfair, email info@hdtech.com.

What we compared

How each provider describes itself, quoted
Whether it lists fully managed IT
Whether it lists a 24/7 SOC, MDR, and incident response
Who it says staffs its SOC, if it says
Published pricing, if any
Which providers use the word “MSSP” about themselves

Want a second opinion on your shortlist?

Whoever you end up choosing, we're happy to walk through the checklist above with you, and we'll tell you honestly if another provider looks like a better fit. You can also read more about how HD Tech approaches managed security.

Book a 15-Min Call

Something out of date? If you represent a company on this page and a detail is wrong or has changed, email info@hdtech.com with a link to the source and we'll update it. Page last updated October 12, 2026.

MSP vs. MSSP: Which Does Your Orange County Business Need?

What's the difference between an MSP and an MSSP?

How common is it for one company to do both?

Where does each Orange County provider say it sits?

Lists fully managed IT and a 24/7 SOC

Lists fully managed IT, with no 24/7 SOC listed

Lists a 24/7 SOC, with no fully managed IT listed

What does each provider list?

Start with what you need

Fully managed IT and a 24/7 SOC from one provider

Managed detection and response (MDR/EDR) listed

Incident response listed

Says its 24/7 SOC is its own team

Says its 24/7 SOC is run with a partner

Uses the word “MSSP” about itself

Publishes pricing

How does each provider describe itself?

Is “24/7 monitoring” the same as a 24/7 SOC?

Questions to ask any provider

Which should you choose: an MSP, an MSSP, or both?

You probably need an MSP

You probably need an MSSP or MDR

You probably need both

How does the price differ between an MSP and an MSSP?

What pricing is actually published

MSP vs. MSSP: FAQs

What is the difference between an MSP and an MSSP?

Is an MSSP the same as MDR?

Can an MSP provide the same security as an MSSP?

Does a small business need an MSSP?

Should I use one provider or two?

Does cyber insurance require a 24/7 SOC?

HD Tech wrote this page. Is HD Tech's listing treated differently?

What we compared

Want a second opinion on your shortlist?