Modern businesses rely on data and IT networks, but when these go down due to security breaches, it creates all sorts of terrible problems for the firm.
- Liability: governments are becoming stricter about the degree to which firms must protect consumer data.
- Operational: when an IT network goes down, it may be impossible to run critical business systems like client platforms or customer relationship management software.
If you feel like your business is at risk of cybersecurity incidents, this review article is for you. We run through the top cybersecurity and MSSP firms in the industry so you can pick the one that’s going to offer you the best service. We say why each particular cybersecurity firm is best in its category, and then decide on an overall winner at the end
Best for firms looking for a cyber security partner – Ascendant Technologies
Many companies just look for a managed security service provider (MSSP) and tell them to get on with it. This makes sense in a lot of situations, especially when the business’s reliance on computer networks or software is minimal or its operations are simple. Firms that have more complex exposure surfaces may want to opt for Ascendant Technologies.
This cybersecurity service, based in New Jersey, has recently been recognised as a global contender through its placement on the MSSP Alert Top 250 for five years. The recognition reflects the fact that Ascendant Technologies offers its clients a service that goes beyond just basic cybersecurity. It partners with them and runs through their business operations in detail, looking for any vulnerabilities in their defenses. When it identifies vulnerabilities, it remedies them quickly from the ground up, reducing the risk of emergency patching later.
For this reason, we’re keen on Ascendant Technologies. It has more than 30 cybersecurity services and compliance options, focusing on reducing company insurance premiums and helping businesses build a stronger security posture overall. It can also provide customers with detailed roadmaps for how they can improve their security going forward.
Best for large enterprises – Palo Alto Networks
Brands looking for support for their large enterprises might want to take a look at Palo Alto Networks. This company has evolved from providing firewall software to offering fully comprehensive cloud security for firms looking to move their enterprise applications off-site.
It is a costly option, but if you’re able to pay the premium, you can tap into the firm’s global infrastructure and massive, complex network without having to use different tools. For example, clients of the company get access to Prisma, which is top-level security for branch locations and remote workers. Palo Alto Networks also unifies telemetry sharing and machine learning models across multiple environments to reduce risk.
Best for cloud native endpoint protection – CrowdStrike
CrowdStrike is the reigning champion when it comes to securing laptop servers and mobile devices. The company uses its proprietary Falcon platform, which reduces system overhead and prevents productivity slumps once software is installed. It’s a lightweight addition to many business networks, allowing them to continue functioning normally and reducing staff frustration.
CrowdStrike’s top technology is its AI-powered behavioural analysis. Instead of relying solely on ciphers and encryption, it can also detect unusual behaviour in systems and then alert system owners of threats before they execute. This gives help desks the foresight they need to prevent attacks that could potentially lead to downtime.
There’s also 24/7 expert backup and a cloud-native architecture. However, to benefit most from the service, you will need to migrate to the cloud.
Best for cloud infrastructure and rapidly growing startups – Wiz
Wiz is a cybersecurity provider that focuses on fast-scaling startups and companies leveraging cloud infrastructure. It focuses on doing just one thing really well: providing its customers with crystal-clear visibility into their cloud vulnerabilities.
Many firms these days are reliant on Azure, Google Cloud, and AWS, but they are often unaware of the risks they face when using these platforms. They are not risk-free, and the platforms don’t take care of all cybersecurity matters in-house.
Fortunately, Wiz can help by providing agentless scanning. It can plug into cloud environments without code or software agents and analyse them for security threats. It can also use machine learning to see how multiple minor misconfigurations can chain together to create an attack path. It understands how nefarious actors operate and the tricks they use to bypass security measures.
The downside, of course, is the limited scope. This cybersecurity company is mainly for business customers using mainstream cloud storage options.
Best for ecosystem integration – Microsoft Security
Microsoft Security might be dull, but it tends to be the best for complex ecosystem integration, especially if you’re currently using Microsoft 365 or Azure. It’s a way to consolidate security infrastructure across multiple departments into a single dashboard with multiple seats for different IT professionals and business users.
Microsoft Security is mainly helpful because it’s able to defend endpoints natively. It provides high protection baked into Windows environments. There is also the Security Co-Pilot, which is an AI that assists in security analysis. It can provide some helpful insights, but it’s also often hit or miss.
Best for zero trust environments – Zscaler
Finally, you might want to take a look at Zscaler if you want to run a zero trust environment. Companies with remote workforces or contractual arrangements with employees overseas often use this option. It’s cloud native and replaces old-school VPNs, making it the top choice for distributed organisations with hybrid workforces. It’s very scalable and offers a fast user experience that minimises latency. This is helpful for productivity and reducing attack surfaces.
Final verdict: Who offers the best cybersecurity options in 2026 for businesses?
The competition in the cyber security industry right now is fierce because of the sheer value that managed security service providers offer. Our top pick has to go to Ascendant Technologies. Its partner-first approach allows companies to identify all vulnerabilities in their attack services quickly, which is something that AI automations are still unable to do. They’re also able to get roadmaps detailing how their cybersecurity infrastructure should evolve in the future.
