What does the term External Service Provider (ESP) refer to?

The term External Service Provider (ESP) specifically refers to entities that provide IT and cybersecurity services to other organizations from outside those organizations. ESPs can include a wide range of service offerings, such as cloud computing, managed security services, and data hosting, among others. The relationship typically involves the external provider managing resources, infrastructure, and security compliance on behalf of the organizations they serve.

This definition encapsulates the role of ESPs in the broader context of cybersecurity frameworks, such as the CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification), where these providers may play a significant role in helping organizations meet specific compliance standards. The emphasis on "external" highlights that these providers operate independently from the internal resources of their clients, distinguishing them from internal staff or organizations that manage their own IT infrastructure.