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The uptake of managed detection and response (MDR) is on the rise, with an estimated 50% of organizations expected to use MDR services by 2025.
On the surface, MDR is appealing because it offers a turnkey approach that accelerates threat discovery and response times. However, several other benefits make managed detection and response an ideal solution for many companies.
So, what exactly is managed detection and response? What makes it different from what managed security services (MSS) providers offer? Most importantly, how do you know if MDR suits your organization?
We posed these questions to our expert partners at Comcast Business to help us break it down.
MDR and MSS: What’s the Difference?
Managed security services (MSS) describe a wide range of security services best suited for companies with internal security teams that need extra support handling various security tools.
With traditional security services provided by MSSPs, the scope of services generally includes:
- Sensor notifications
- Limited log data
- Rule-based correlation
- Health-welfare monitoring
- Customer-owned devices
While MSS has been the go-to solution for years, as the security landscape has evolved, so have the services organizations need. Many providers are left looking for ways to enhance their offerings to meet the demand.
Managed detection and response (MDR) goes beyond traditional security services by focusing on real-time detection and response to threats. MDR services include advanced tools for finding threats, gathering intelligence on them, and, most importantly, responding to incidents. Certified security experts are ready to take action immediately when any harmful activity is detected.
With managed detection and response services, users can expect more robust threat coverage, including:
- Threat intelligence
- Technology stack provided
- Security-certified SOCs with 24/7 continuous monitoring
- Security professional investigation services
- Advanced security analytics
- Proactive threat hunting
- Incident response
When trying to understand the critical differences between MDR and MSS, it’s sometimes explained as MSS simply giving the customer a list of essential alerts with recommendations on what to do. In contrast, MDR is a more advanced service that takes things a step further and has the provider actively work within the customer’s environment to address issues directly.
The biggest differentiator is the response. Internal IT teams often struggle to have the time and resources to perform real-time active threat monitoring and response.
Managed detection and response services actively participate in providing customized threat response actions. With MDR, security professionals offer 24/7 monitoring and swift incident response times.
How Does Managed Detection and Response Work?
MDR services use a combination of technology and skilled professionals to focus on advanced threat detection and response. Managed detection and response providers search for threats that have bypassed the security barriers of your IT systems, whether in the cloud or on-site. They offer a complete solution by filtering out irrelevant security alerts to focus on real and important threats.
MDR providers follow best practices in responding to these threats and work closely with the customer to continuously improve security.
With managed detection and response services, you can expect:
- 24/7 Monitoring and Response: Round-the-clock monitoring and fast response to security incidents.
- Advanced Threat Detection: AI and machine learning to identify and address known and emerging threats, like Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and zero-day exploits.
- Expertise and Resources: A SOC with security professionals with extensive knowledge and industry certifications.
- Data for Reporting: Data and reporting to help businesses with necessary documentation often requested for compliance audits.
What’s the Benefit of MDR?
MDR provides strong security by focusing on advanced threat detection and efficient operations without businesses needing to build and manage their own Security Operations Centers (SOCs).
While improving security is the primary goal, MDR also helps with the problem of the cybersecurity talent shortage and the high cost of employee turnover. Hiring and keeping in-house security experts can be challenging. Recent studies show a global shortage of almost 4 million cybersecurity professionals, with two-thirds of companies needing help filling security team roles.
Other benefits of managed detection and response services:
- Accelerated threat discovery
- Faster response times
- Reduced dwell time
- Additional security expertise
Is Managed Detection and Response Right for Your Organization?
With attacks growing more complex and the shortage of skilled security professionals, managed detection and response services offer a practical solution by providing real-time threat detection, response, and continuous monitoring. By protecting your organization, MDR fills critical security gaps, helping businesses avoid the costs and challenges of building in-house security teams.
Managed detection and response can be particularly beneficial for IT leaders who are:
- Currently struggling with overwhelmed IT staff and don’t have 24/7 monitoring.
- Considering creating an in-house security ops team.
- Juggling multiple products using a siloed approach that needs to be fixed.
- Requiring security data to be collected so that they can respond to compliance audits.
- Using unmonitored cloud services and apps.
As MDR adoption continues to rise, whether this service fits your organization is worth considering, especially if you’re looking for a more proactive and hands-on approach to cybersecurity.
Bridgepointe’s security team will meet with you to understand your needs and match you with the products and services to manage threats and meet compliance requirements without expensive upfront consulting projects. Whether you need an individual technology solution, a comprehensive managed security service, or a virtual CSO, we’re here to help.
