MSSP (Managed Security Service Provider)

In telecommunications, an MSSP is a third party that operates security controls and monitoring on behalf of an operator. A telecom-specialized MSSP runs signaling IDS/IPS, MAP/Diameter/GTP/SBA monitoring, threat hunting on roaming and interconnect traffic, vulnerability scanning of core and OAM, and incident response across SS7, Diameter, GTP, and 5G perimeters.

Categories: Core NetworkSignalingRoaming and Interconnect

MSSP in context

The mobile core is where subscriber sessions, mobility and policy live. In 4G it is the EPC (MME, HSS, S/PGW); in 5G it is the Service-Based Architecture with AMF, SMF, UPF, AUSF, UDM and the NRF. Core exposure is the difference between a single-subscriber leak and a fleet-wide breach.

Signaling protocols carry the control-plane instructions that set up calls, register subscribers, hand over sessions and route SMS. SS7, Diameter, GTP-C and SIP are the four dominant families, and interconnect exposure of any of them is treated by GSMA FS.11 / FS.19 / FS.20 as a top-tier telecom risk.

To place MSSP in the wider telecom-security picture, review FS.21, FS.07, MAP Security, FS.19, GTP Firewall and SEPP.

Related terms

Related topic hubs

  • Signaling Firewall Unified SS7/Diameter/GTP/SMS signaling firewall framework.
  • SS7 Security SS7/MAP/CAP/SCCP attacks and defenses across 2G/3G interconnect.
  • SS7 Firewall GSMA FS.11 category 1/2/3 SS7 message screening at the STP edge.
  • Roaming Security IPX/GRX interconnect risk, home-routed vs local-breakout, SEPP.

More from the TelcoSec Glossary

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