As an MSP, security and compliance are not only a demonstration of trust to clients and partners - but also an opportunity for your MSP to deliver higher-margin compliance services.
But with increasing client demands and evolving regulations, delivering compliance effectively can be a challenge - especially if you have a client base that extends across multiple sectors and security frameworks.
Before delivering compliance-as-a-service (Caas), first decide:
- Which security & compliance services should your MSP deliver?
- Which tools can your MSP use to deliver these CaaS services?
Here's why:
From policy and procedure management to audit preparation and incident and disaster management, there are dozens of security and compliance services you could offer. Deciding which services best align with the capabilities of your MSP is critical to your compliance success.
And, if you only armed with spreadsheets, email, and portals, it's going to be tough to deliver, manage and scale your security and compliance practice.
The good news is that as an MSP, you have a myriad of GRC platforms (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) to help you manage clients compliance programs.
Unfortunately, that's also the bad news.
With so many options on the market, how do you choose a platform to help you confidently deliver Compliance-as-a-Service (CaaS) with a repeatable process that ensures predictable outcomes and long-term success?
The right services and platform don’t just help you meet client needs today—it sets you up for scalable, long-term profitability.
CaaS: Pricing & Time-to-Value
Not all security and compliance services are created equal. Before launching any security and compliance service, you should evaluate your estimated time-to-value, both for your MSP and your client base.
For example, consider the following industry averages for cybersecurity and compliances services:
- Security Risk Assessment Service – We've seen MSPs offer risk assessments as a 'foot-in-the-door' offer to demonstrate the specific risks clients face and how they can help mitigate those risks. Clients start to see value in 4-8 weeks, on average. Meanwhile, MSPs typically reach profitability within 3-6 months. (These numbers can vary by various factors, such as internal MSP expertise, tools, and the specific security requirements of your client base.)
- vCISO Service - Provides advisory services to drive the overall management and training of client cybersecurity programs, including advisory, roadmaps, and policy management. Benefits for your clients begin to materialize in 3-6 months, while profitability for your MSP can be achieved within 6 - 12 months (also contingent on your internal resources and the complexities of your clients' security requirements).
- Audit Preparation Service – This service helps your clients certify compliance with regulatory frameworks through management of systems, policies & procedures, data protection and other controls. While the success timeline is highly contingent on the chosen security framework, MSP clients working towards common frameworks -like SOC 2 - achieve compliance in 3-6 months, while most MSPs optimize margins within 6 - 12 months.
For both vCISO and Audit Preparation services, we've seen MSSPs set monthly rates ranging from $2,500 to upwards of $10k per month, depending on the size and scope of your clients' security programs.
For a full list of security and compliance services, associated time-to-value metrics and estimated revenue potential for your MSP, subscribe below to unlock exclusive insider information and tips!
Balance Short-Term Wins & Long-Term Growth
When evaluating GRC platforms, it’s important to balance quick wins with the ability to scale.
- Short-term wins come from fast onboarding and ease of use. A platform with built-in compliance workflows helps MSPs reduce manual effort and start immediately generating revenue from services like risk assessments and policy management.
- Long-term growth depends on scalability. Will this platform grow with your business? Does it support multiple compliance frameworks? Look for a platform that allows you to add new clients, frameworks, and services without increasing overhead.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) & Profitability
The price tag alone doesn’t always tell the full story. Beyond licensing costs, you should also consider the following for your MSP:
- Ongoing costs – Related IT expenses, required professional services, and licensing fees.
- Time savings – Automation of audit workflows (such as acknowledgments, approvals, etc.), policies, and vendor risk assessments can also help reduce operational costs.
- Scalability – A multi-tenant platform allows you to manage more clients without additional complexity or cost.
What to Look for in a GRC Platform
Not all GRC platforms are built for MSPs. The best solutions offer:
- Multi-tenant management – Efficiently handle multiple clients in one environment.
- Automated Compliance Workflows – Reduce manual work and streamline compliance workflows.
- Risk & policy management – Comprehensive frameworks that support compliance across multiple regulations and frameworks.
- Auditor & client collaboration – Built-in tools for smoother audits and compliance readiness.
- Transparent pricing – Predictable costs that support long-term profitability.
Make the Right Call
Choosing the right GRC platform isn’t just about features—it’s about making sure your MSP can grow efficiently, deliver higher-value services, and boost profitability.
Want to make an informed decision? Download the GRC Selection Tool for MSPs to compare platforms and find the best fit for your business.