Mobile Device Security: Challenges and Solutions

By 2026, managed security services will be essential for businesses that want to protect their operations and data. Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, and organizations need reliable support to stay ahead. Managed security service providers (MSSPs) will be the partners that help businesses strengthen their defenses, reduce risk, and maintain trust with customers and stakeholders.

For many companies, working with an MSSP will be a strategic decision, not just a technical one. You will need to understand what these services will look like and how they can support your long-term security goals.

Read on to discover what you can expect from managed security services in 2026.

Emerging Threats and How MSSPs Will Respond

Cyber threats are evolving fast, and businesses need support that matches the pace of these risks. The right response requires access to specialized tools and threat intelligence. Working with experienced partners can help your team identify risks early and act before they escalate.

The following are the top threats MSSPs will focus on in 2026:

AI-powered attacks

Cybercriminals are using artificial intelligence to automate phishing, create convincing deepfakes, and scale social engineering. These attacks can be tailored to your organization, making them harder to detect. MSSPs will use advanced analytics to track unusual behavior across systems, such as sudden login spikes or abnormal file access patterns. This helps them identify threats early and block them before they spread across your network.

Supply chain risks

Third-party vendors and software providers remain a major entry point for attackers. A breach in one vendor can quickly impact multiple organizations, even if your own systems are secure. MSSPs will monitor vendor access more closely, enforce stricter controls around permissions, and set up alerts for unusual activity. This proactive monitoring helps detect suspicious behavior early and prevent breaches that originate outside your organization.

Ransomware evolution

Ransomware is becoming more targeted and destructive, often focusing on critical systems and high-value data. Attackers are also using double-extortion tactics, threatening to leak stolen data if ransom is not paid. MSSPs will focus on prevention through strong segmentation and patch management, rapid containment when an attack occurs, and recovery planning to reduce downtime. This approach helps minimize damage and speeds up restoration of normal operations.

When you consider these threats, it becomes clear why many organizations turn to managed security services to strengthen their defenses and maintain consistency across devices. Working with a company that provides mobile device management solutions gives you greater control over device settings, access rules, and compliance requirements. This type of partnership allows faster response to emerging risks while keeping your security strategy aligned with how employees actually use their devices.

New Security Technologies MSSPs Will Use

As cyber threats evolve, MSSPs will rely on advanced tools to improve detection, response, and overall security visibility. These technologies will help businesses stay ahead of attacks and reduce the impact of breaches.

To protect critical systems effectively, the following are the key technologies MSSPs will prioritize:

XDR (Extended Detection and Response)

XDR unifies security data across endpoints, networks, and cloud systems, allowing MSSPs to detect suspicious activity faster and see connections that isolated tools might miss. This leads to quicker identification of potential threats and more coordinated responses.

AI-driven threat hunting

MSSPs will use artificial intelligence to actively search for hidden threats instead of waiting for alerts. AI can recognize patterns and anomalies that humans might overlook, making it easier to identify sophisticated attacks before they escalate.

Zero trust implementation

Zero trust limits access based on identity, device health, and context rather than assuming all internal traffic is safe. MSSPs help businesses enforce this model, reducing the risk of lateral movement during a breach.

These technologies work together to give organizations stronger visibility, faster detection, and more precise control over their security posture.

Service Models and Delivery Changes

MSSPs will shift their focus from basic monitoring to delivering measurable results that align with business priorities. This change will lead to more outcome-based contracts, where service quality is tied to specific performance indicators. As a result, organizations will gain clearer expectations and a stronger sense of value from their security investment.

At the same time, MSSPs will work more closely with internal teams to streamline workflows and improve coordination during incidents. This deeper integration will include shared dashboards and joint response plans that reduce confusion during high-pressure situations. With better alignment, both sides can act faster and more efficiently when threats occur.

To support faster response times, automation will play a larger role in incident handling and threat containment. Automated workflows will handle routine tasks, allowing security teams to focus on more complex threats. This will also help reduce human error and ensure consistent action across the environment.

What Businesses Should Expect When Partnering with an MSSP

Working with an MSSP will require clear communication and defined roles. You will receive regular updates on threats, incident status, and recommended actions, which helps keep your team aligned without adding extra workload. This approach also reduces confusion during urgent situations.

Next, expect the relationship to involve shared responsibility. Your team will handle internal policies, access controls, and employee training, while the MSSP manages monitoring, detection, and response. Regular check-ins will help both sides stay coordinated and adjust priorities when needed.

The MSSP should help you plan for the future through a security roadmap. This roadmap will outline compliance steps, technology upgrades, and risk reduction strategies. With this guidance, you can make more informed decisions about where to invest in security. 

Final Thoughts

In 2026, managed security services will become more proactive, automated, and strategic. MSSPs will help you detect threats faster, respond more efficiently, and build stronger security practices over time. If you want to stay protected in a more complex threat landscape, partnering with the right MSSP will be essential.