PLANO, Texas, Feb. 10, 2025— Critical Start, a leader in Managed Detection and Response (MDR) cybersecurity solutions, announced today that CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, has recognized Critical Start on its Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Security 100 category for 2025.
CRN’s annual MSP 500 list is a comprehensive guide to the leading MSPs in North America. These companies deliver essential managed services that enhance business efficiency, simplify IT, and optimize return on technology investments for their customers. The annual list is divided into three sections: the Pioneer 250, which recognizes MSPs focused on the small-and-midsize-business market; the Elite 150, recognizing MSPs with a blend of on- and off-premises services for mostly midmarket and enterprise customers; and the Managed Security 100, spotlighting MSPs with cloud-based security services expertise.
Critical Start was chosen for its proven ability to address the increasing challenges faced by organizations in managing security risks. The company offers comprehensive Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services with tailored solutions that span both IT and OT environments. By providing critical visibility, actionable insights, and strengthening overall security postures, Critical Start helps organizations optimize their security investments while effectively managing emerging threats.
“We’re proud to be recognized on CRN’s 2025 MSP 500 list in the Security 100 category,” says Scott White, CEO of Critical Start. “This honor reflects our commitment to providing organizations with tailored security solutions that strengthen their defenses and drive smarter, more efficient security operations in an increasingly complex landscape.”
The MSP 500 list showcases and celebrates MSPs that are driving growth and innovation. These solution providers empower businesses with complex technologies so they can achieve their business goals without stretching financial resources.
“The solution providers on our 2025 MSP 500 list deliver innovative managed services portfolios that enable clients of every size to be more agile and optimize their IT budgets as they grow their business,” said Jennifer Follett, VP of U.S. Content and executive Editor CRN, at The Channel Company. “These are the companies that anticipate client tech needs and develop groundbreaking services and solutions that let customers focus on their core business so they can accelerate success.”
The MSP 500 list will be featured in the February 2025 issue of CRN Magazine and online at www.crn.com/msp500 beginning February 10.
About Critical Start
Critical Start believes effective Managed Detection and Response (MDR) requires a balance of proactive and reactive security measures. Our Cyber Operations Risk & Response™ platform enables organizations to stay ahead of evolving threats with 24x7x365 expert-led investigation and tailored response. Through proactive capabilities—such as comprehensive asset inventories, identification of endpoint coverage gaps, asset criticality ratings, preventative safeguard recommendations, and optional vulnerability management—Critical Start MDR goes beyond detection and response to stop business disruption and prevent breaches.
Unlike traditional MDR providers, Critical Start’s holistic approach delivers Complete Signal Coverage. By continuously identifying and resolving unmonitored infrastructure, we ensure our MDR service receives the signals needed for optimal performance. Backed by over a decade of experience, our SOC leverages human expertise, supported by AI-assisted technology, to ensure precise threat investigation and effective mitigation. Critical Start empowers security leaders to build resilience and stay prepared in an ever-evolving threat landscape with flexible deployment across IT and OT environments, contractual SLAs, and a transparency-first service delivery platform.
For more information, visit www.criticalstart.com. Stay connected with Critical Start on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) at @CRITICALSTART.
About The Channel Company
The Channel Company (TCC) is the global leader in channel growth for the world’s top technology brands. We accelerate success across strategic channels for tech vendors, solution providers, and end users with premier media brands, integrated marketing and event services, strategic consulting, and exclusive market and audience insights. TCC is a portfolio company of investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, a New York City-based private equity firm. For more information, visit thechannelco.com.
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The Channel Company Contact:
Kristin DaSilva
The Channel Company
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