In most corporate settings, Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) has become the preferred choice over traditional antivirus software. It goes beyond the basic functions of an antivirus program by not only detecting and removing viruses and malware, but also providing advanced features such as device management and data leak prevention.
Just like any other software, in order for the report generated by the EDR to hold any value, it is necessary to have a skilled engineer sitting behind the desk to monitor and analyze it. Nevertheless, not every company can allocate resources to have a team of engineers on standby 24/7 for this particular undertaking. This is the point where the MDR service comes into play.
What is MDR?
MDR, which stands for Managed Detection and Response, is a cybersecurity service offered by a third-party provider that manages the security operations of a company. Part of the service includes detecting and responding to potential cyber threats 24/7 through the combination of human expertise as well as advanced technology or tools.
What is MDR Service?
MDR service offered by third-party providers typically offers companies access and resources to a Security Operations Centre (SOC) without investing into their own SOC. MDR services are essential for businesses to prevent potential risks against cybersecurity threats or attacks.
Here are some of the key MDR services:
1. Incident investigation
One of the core MDR services includes incident investigation. For this service, MDR service providers will investigate any alerts that may arise and identify whether they are threats or just false notifications. This will be done through various security tools and technologies as well as the human’s investigative mind.
2. Threat hunting
Another core MDR service would be threat hunting which involves detecting any signs of cyber threats with the help of human expertise. Sometimes, the automated tools may not be able to detect as accurately as a human’s mind. Hence, MDR service will have team members who have the appropriate skills and knowledge to dig deep and catch the threat immediately.
3. Guided incident response
Guided incident response involves taking the best course of action to contain and remediate cyber threats. MDR service has a team of experts ready to investigate and come up with the right solution to contain the threat and enable the smooth restoration of the operations back to their normal state.
4. 24/7 monitoring
It’s important for a company’s security infrastructure to be constantly monitored to be aware of any signs of cyber threats or attacks. MDR service providers have a team of experts who will watch 24/7 to detect the slightest signal of suspicious activity and immediately take the appropriate action to solve it.
5. Detailed reports and documentation
MDR service providers will provide a thorough detailed report that includes the security incidents, solutions to resolve them, and actions taken to recover. The reports also include recommendations required to improve the security strategies or current infrastructure to prevent further potential cyber threats and attacks.
Why Do You Need MDR
MDR is needed for companies to manage their network infrastructure with consistent monitoring by cybersecurity professionals alongside various advanced resources and tools. MDR will also help companies protect their data against any cyber threats or attacks by providing a quick response time, thorough investigation, and incident prioritization.
What Are The Types of MDR
- Network-based MDR (MNDR): This involves the network infrastructure of the company.
- Endpoint-Based MDR (MEDR): This involves the endpoints of the company.
- Extended Detection and Response MDR (MXDR): This involves more coverage which are networks, endpoints, the Internet of Things (IoT) and clouds.
Benefits of MDR Service
Besides understanding what is MDR service, knowing the advantages of MDR services will help you to make a wise decision to ensure your company is well protected. Here are some of the common benefits of MDR services:
1. Direct access to security expertise
If a company were to have an in-house SOC centre, they would be required to hire a team of experts and training may even be needed. However, with MDR service providers, the team is already trained and possesses the skills to identify cyber threats or attacks.
2. 24/7 protection and management
MDR service providers are required to be around the clock ensuring a company’s security infrastructure is protected and secure 24/7. This includes threat detection and monitoring to quickly detect any potential threats and come up with a suitable solution.
3. Quick and efficient incident responses
With in-house security teams, they may not be well-equipped or prepared to handle incident responses promptly. MDR service providers have been trained and have the experience to respond to all kinds of cyber threats immediately. Thus, preventing the company from facing any potential downtime or damage.
4. Affordable security resources
Compared to having an in-house team, MDR services are more affordable as the company can save on extra costs. For instance, the company can cut costs for training and hiring many employees by outsourcing to an MDR service provider that requires only a certain fixed fee. A company will only be paying for the resources they need.
5. Fewer opportunities for false threats
Most companies tend to leverage automated tools and security software to handle threats. MDR services combine both tools and software as well as human expertise to detect cyber threats, thus, reducing the alerts of false positives.
Difference of MDR and EDR
Some may get confused between MDR and EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response). Though both play an important role in cybersecurity, MDR is more focused on a broader coverage which typically includes the entire IT infrastructure such as endpoints, cloud and network.
EDR, on the other hand, only focuses on endpoint security for individual devices. MDR will implement EDR as part of the cybersecurity solutions. EDR offers analysis and threat detection for endpoint activities to detect any malicious activity.
How to choose the right MDR Service
If you’re not sure what are the factors to take into account when engaging with MDR services, we came up with some tips that serve as a guide:
1. Flexibility and scalability
The most important factors to consider while choosing a MDR service would be to check whether they are able to offer flexibility and scalability. As we all know, businesses tend to change over time, and MDR service providers should be able to adapt accordingly to the business’s growth.
2. Experience
Another one of the most important factors to consider when looking out for an MDR service provider would be the years of experience and expertise they possess. For instance, if they have many years of experience, it goes to show that they are able to tackle all kinds of security threats and ensure your company is well protected. In terms of expertise, if the provider has certifications, they are more likely to be professionals who are able to match your security needs.
3. Serviced offered
MDR service providers will offer various services and companies are able to choose the ones that fit their requirements. Look out for the MDR service providers which offer the main important services such as threat detection and 24/7 monitoring. They will also have to go through the company’s security infrastructure to come up with a customized service plan.
4. Communication
Communication is important as the team has to be ready to notify or alert the company should there be any major cyber threats involved. It’s also important for the company to know the process of the MDR service. Most MDR service providers will be able to offer a wide range of communication channels to ensure no misunderstandings occur.
5. Reports and documentation
A good MDR service provider will ensure that the reports include transparency and include every single detail such as incidents, threats, and solutions. Find out how they provide reports by asking the provider to show some sample reports.
Conclusion
After learning more about what is MDR service, you might want to start taking the security of your company seriously by hiring an MDR service provider. Consider placing your trust in the professional team at Qloud. We are experts who have many years of experience under our belts to tackle and hunt for threats, ensuring ample protection for any company. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your company!
