Effective security management has never been simple and the expanded threat landscape enhanced by AI has only widened the gap between defenders and attackers. Scott Crawford and Greg Zwakman return to discuss the managed security services market with host Eric Hanselman. Security services have been an option for enterprises since the earliest days of IT, but the need for more depth and breadth in security operations has changed market dynamics and the enterprise security calculus. Part of this shift is driven by the scope and scale of security operations. Expanded attack surfaces with more devices, more SaaS applications and hybrid infrastructure can be all the more difficult to secure. Integrated security operations patterns, like Managed Detection and Response (MDR) can provide more comprehensive services and ones that are targeted at delivering improved security outcomes, rather than just operational support.

Changing security requirements are driving M&A activity, as well. Where services had been an augmentation to vendor products, some vendors now see them as a critical part of their portfolio and a key to platform aspirations. Zscaler’s acquisition of Red Canary and Sophos’ pick up of SecureWorks are some of the more notable transactions in this trend. Security management has shifted front of security markets.

More S&P Global Content:

• AI for security: Agentic AI will be a focus for security operations in 2025
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For S&P Global subscribers:

• Managed Security Services Market Monitor & Forecast
• For sale: MDR vendors
• 2025 Trends in Information Security
• Ending SecureWorks' search for a suitor, Sophos takes it off Dell's hands
• Zscaler expands its platform play into a new market by reaching for Red Canary

Credits:

• Host/Author: Eric Hanselman
• Guests: Scott Crawford, Greg Zwakman
• Producer/Editor: Adam Kovalsky
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun, Kyra Smith