Cybersecurity-as-a-Service: How Russia Is Exporting Digital Resilience

Russian cybersecurity firms are embracing subscription-based MSS models—combining SOCs, DDoS protection, encryption, and training—to bring affordable, scalable digital defense to small and midsize businesses across the Global South.

All-in-One Security from Solar MSS

Rostelecom-Solar has launched an integrated MSS platform offering DDoS mitigation, WAF, VPN, PKI, and 24/7 SOC monitoring through JSOC. Targeted at SMBs, the Solar MSS system also includes Solar Space, a cloud-based cybersecurity service for smaller enterprises.

At its core is a Unified Cybersecurity Services Platform built on SD-WAN, NFV, and ZTP technologies—enabling automated device configuration and scalable, flexible deployment. The solution operates continuously across all time zones and is designed to neutralize the full spectrum of cyberthreats.

Positive Technologies: From Pentesting to Education

Positive Technologies offers Pentest-as-a-Service, SOC outsourcing, and training solutions for international clients. The company protects major events and infrastructure—its systems helped defend the Sochi 2014 Olympics and 2018 FIFA World Cup from cyberattacks.

With over 2,000 global customers, including 80% of Russia’s top 400 firms, Positive Technologies backs its services with a skilled workforce. Its 'Positive Education' program, launched in 2012, supports domestic universities in training cybersecurity professionals—now a potential exportable curriculum.

MTS RED: Cyber Awareness as a Service

MTS RED is a cybersecurity literacy service featuring SOC, GOST encryption, DDoS mitigation, and enterprise VPNs. It’s specifically tailored to SMBs, offering educational tools, phishing simulations, custom awareness campaigns, and access to the Phishman platform for continuous employee training.

Beyond technology, MTS RED supports operational integration into clients’ business processes—allowing real-time learning and incident response training that aligns with organizational needs.

A National Brand with Global Reach

The 'Made in Russia' initiative, managed by the Russian Export Center (REC), has prioritized cybersecurity as part of its updated national export strategy. The campaign is focused on markets in China, the CIS, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

In China, local distributors have opened flagship retail stores for Russian tech. REC plans to establish offices in the UAE, Indonesia, Thailand, and Brazil, building long-term trade relationships. Between 2022 and 2024, trade with friendly countries surged by over 50%, with projections to grow 2.5 times more by 2030.

The Subscription Edge in the Global South

According to Nikolay Sivak, Commercial Director of Solar Group, subscription-based cybersecurity is now a top export priority. 'We’re promoting our SOC expertise and scaling the service model used by over 1,000 enterprise customers in Russia,' Sivak noted.

CaaS (Cybersecurity-as-a-Service) offers multiple advantages for the Global South: - Affordability: SaaS delivery removes upfront costs. - Coverage: From SOCs to encryption in a single package. - Compliance: GOST-standard encryption supports local certification. - Export readiness: Deals signed in the CIS, Middle East, and Africa. - Adaptability: Flexible architectures tailor solutions to partner infrastructure.

Russia’s CaaS offering represents a ready-to-export model of cyber resilience—adaptable, scalable, and designed for the needs of emerging markets.