Managed security services (MSS) is a systematic approach to managing an organization's security needs. The services may be conducted in house or outsourced to a service provider that oversees other companies' network and information system security. Functions of a managed security service include round-the-clock monitoring and management of intrusion detection systems and firewalls, overseeing patch management and upgrades, performing security assessments and security audits, and responding to emergencies. This diverts the burden of performing the chores manually, which can be considerable, away from administrators.