The global managed security services (MSS) market is on a trajectory of rapid expansion, according to the latest forecast from Gartner, the world’s leading research and advisory company. As organizations grapple with increasingly complex cyber threats, skills shortages, and regulatory demands, Gartner predicts that spending on managed security services will surpass $60 billion by 2026, representing double-digit annual growth and a fundamental shift in how enterprises approach cybersecurity.

Why Demand for Managed Security Services is Surging

Gartner’s 2025 report highlights several factors fueling the surge in demand for MSS:

• Escalating Threat Landscape: The proliferation of ransomware, supply chain attacks, and advanced persistent threats (APTs) is pushing organizations to seek 24/7 protection and rapid incident response from specialized providers.
• Cybersecurity Skills Gap: With a global shortage of skilled security professionals, businesses are increasingly outsourcing security operations to MSSPs (Managed Security Service Providers) to access expertise and advanced technologies.
• Regulatory Compliance: New and evolving regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, and sector-specific mandates are driving organizations to partner with MSSPs for compliance monitoring, reporting, and audit readiness.
• Cloud and Digital Transformation:The migration to cloud environments and adoption of hybrid work models are expanding attack surfaces, making continuous monitoring and cloud-native security services essential.

Key Service Trends and Market Segmentation

Gartner’s analysis segments the MSS market into several key service areas:

• Managed Detection and Response (MDR):</strong> The fastest-growing segment, MDR services leverage AI and machine learning to detect, investigate, and respond to threats in real time.
• Threat Intelligence and Analytics:</strong> MSSPs are increasingly offering advanced threat intelligence, behavioral analytics, and proactive threat hunting to stay ahead of emerging risks.
• Vulnerability Management: Continuous scanning, patch management, and risk prioritization are now standard offerings, helping organizations address the rapid weaponization of new vulnerabilities.
• Compliance and Risk Management:MSSPs provide policy development, compliance assessments, and regulatory reporting to help clients navigate complex legal landscapes.

Regional and Vendor Insights

•  North America remains the largest market for MSS, driven by stringent regulations and high-profile breaches.
•  Europe is seeing accelerated growth due to GDPR and increased investment in digital infrastructure.
•  Asia-Pacific is emerging as a key growth region, with rapid digitalization and rising awareness of cyber risks.

Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Managed Security Services identifies leading global and regional MSSPs, including IBM Security, AT&T Cybersecurity, Secureworks, and Trustwave. The report notes a trend toward consolidation, with larger providers acquiring niche players to expand service portfolios and geographic reach.

What Enterprises Should Do Next

• Prioritize Providers with Advanced Automation: AI-driven SOCs and automated response capabilities are critical for reducing dwell time and minimizing business impact.
• Demand Transparency and Customization: Enterprises should seek MSSPs that offer clear service-level agreements (SLAs), transparent reporting, and tailored solutions aligned with business objectives.
• Integrate MSS with Internal Teams: Successful security outcomes depend on close collaboration between MSSPs and in-house IT/security staff.

Conclusion

The Gartner Managed Security Services Market Forecast underscores a pivotal shift in enterprise cybersecurity strategy. As threats grow in sophistication and frequency, managed security services are becoming indispensable for organizations seeking resilience, compliance, and peace of mind in a volatile digital landscape.

References

• Gartner: Managed Security Services Market Forecast‍
• The Hacker News: Managed Security Services Trends
• SWKTech: April 2025 Cybersecurity News Recap