What is managed detection and response (MDR)?

Offered as a service by external providers, MDR helps companies detect and respond to threats while reducing cybersecurity spending. Companies can source essential skills and technology without adding staff or investing in new systems.

How does MDR work?

MDR works by remotely monitoring and responding to network threats. Managed Detection and Response vendors use Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools that cover every network endpoint. This provides sufficient visibility to detect and monitor potential attacks.

However, MDR is not all about technical controls. Managed Detection and Response teams triage threat alerts. Analysts receive forensic data from EDR tools. They combine this data with threat intelligence and network analytics (such as user behavior patterns).

MDR analysts assess relevant data points to assess the nature and severity of the threat. MDR teams determine actions required to manage risks and counter threats. By combining human expertise and technology, external providers safeguard endpoints and block malicious actors.

Managed Detection and Response is based on five core pillars:

Prioritizing threats

MDR specialists assess client networks to understand the most dangerous and probable risks. Known as “managed prioritization”, this process allows network owners to implement smart controls that address urgent risks.

Prioritization also enables MDR teams to create rules that filter false positives from genuine threats. Analysts discover threats that pose critical risks to network operations and data integrity. Combined with contextual data and threat intelligence, this allows MDR teams to focus on high-quality alerts and discard irrelevant data.

Threat hunting

MDR teams actively seek the signatures of human attackers. Threat hunters use their knowledge of evasion techniques and attack vectors. They supplement machine detection systems with human creativity and understanding of what motivates attackers.

Threat hunting is a proactive approach to potential attacks. Analysts refer to known attack patterns and current attack techniques. They assess network logs, user behavior, and Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) to discover evidence that automated detection tools miss.

Analysis

Managed Detection and Response services investigate alerts and add context to enrich their findings. Analysts ask whether alerts are reliable evidence of ongoing or future attacks. They assess the nature, extent, and impact of incidents. This information guides security teams when responding effectively.

Guided responses

The findings of their MDR provider guide responses to mitigate threats. Analysts advise security teams about actions needed to contain and remove ongoing threats. For instance, MDR services may identify resources that require urgent separation from the network. Or they may provide detailed feedback about removing specific malware agents.

Mitigation

Mitigation removes threats and fixes network vulnerabilities, allowing clients to recover from security incidents. MDR services identify actions needed to secure endpoints and restore functionality safely.

Mitigation is a deep process, involving malware removal, registry hygiene, and erasing persistent threats. Managed responses oversee the process to cover every mitigation step and prevent additional security incidents.

The benefits of managed detection and response

There are several reasons to consider using Managed Detection and Response instead of relying on internal security resources. Benefits of MDR over traditional security models include:

Faster detection times

Speed matters when detecting cyber threats. Slow responses increase the risks of data breaches and operational damage. MDR improves time-to-detect via real-time monitoring, comprehensive endpoint protection, and efficient analysis. Clients receive prompt, high-quality alerts about critical threats.

Security posture improvements

MDR provides valuable intelligence about network vulnerabilities, allowing companies to strengthen their security posture. Security teams can fine-tune their controls, remove or patch outdated security tools, and generally improve their network resilience.

Detecting hidden threats

Relying on internal security resources may detect surface threats, while allowing covert threats to cross the network perimeter. MDR services use proactive threat hunting to detect and eradicate persistent and concealed threats.

Rapid and reliable incident responses

Poor-quality incident responses expose networks to further attacks and are slow to restore network functionality. A good MDR provider solves this problem by managing responses and guiding security teams. Companies can mitigate threats quickly, avoid secondary attacks, and restore resources safely.

Efficiency savings

Companies relying on internal solutions to strengthen threat detection systems must generally recruit staff or upskill existing hires. Managed detection and response offers a cost-effective response. Companies can allocate resources to other tasks without compromising their security goals.

Understanding the difference between MDR, XDR, and EDR

Cybersecurity jargon includes many confusing acronyms, and detection response is no exception. However, the difference between detection response models and technologies matters. Companies must know what to look for when choosing reliable solutions.

MDR vs EDR

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is part of the MDR toolkit. EDR tools monitor events and user actions on network endpoints. They record data about traffic and behavior, and feed data into threat analysis software.

Analytical tools employ automated rule sets to compare EDR data against acceptable baselines. They use the data generated by EDR systems to detect suspicious activity and anomalies. If anomalies pass defined risk thresholds, the EDR system forwards them for further assessment.

Advanced EDR solutions leverage AI and machine learning in threat detection processes. They also integrate with threat intelligence platforms, anticipating potential threats based on real-world trends.

However, on their own EDR solutions can be highly technical. Companies may purchase Extended Detection and Response tools, but fail to use them effectively due to their complexity. This is why MDR solutions are often a better option.

MDR combines the technical power of EDR with human expertise. Threat detection and analysis professionals utilize EDR outputs to assess data and prioritize responses. That's why MDR is often referred to as "EDR-as-a-Service". Clients benefit from advanced threat detection without needing to learn EDR applications or invest in employee training.

MDR vs XDR

Extended Detection and Response (XDR) solutions offer more comprehensive threat detection and mitigation features than EDR.

XDR solutions use data from multiple sources, including firewalls, email accounts, cloud platforms, and SIEM tools. They aim to maximize visibility across all network assets and provide extremely robust protection against all cybersecurity risks.

XDR features extend beyond the endpoint detection that EDR tools offer. XDR covers data loss prevention, user access management, and critical workloads. These features help guard against lateral movement within the network. XDR can also detect hidden attack patterns and anomalies missed by standard EDR.

Generally, an MDR provider is limited to EDR capabilities. However, Managed Extended Detection and Response tools blend managed security with the advanced threat protection that XDR provides.

Common MDR use cases

MDR is a functional solution for routine business cybersecurity, with many practical use cases. Companies can easily integrate MDR solutions into existing systems to enhance essential tasks and improve security outcomes.

Common use cases include:

Implementing high-level threat detection and response

Small and medium-sized companies often lack the financial and human resources to implement advanced threat detection and response systems. This leaves their networks exposed to emerging attack techniques and potentially gives companies a disadvantage against more agile competitors.

MDR solves this problem. External security partners provide Endpoint Detection and Response services, analyze network traffic, leverage global threat intelligence databases, and assess user behavior. Using external partners protects client networks against novel and established threats without needing extensive investment.

Containing security incidents

MDR also includes managed responses – allowing companies to assess and contain threats before they spread to sensitive data and applications. Managed Detection and Response services allow clients to quickly quarantine infected assets from the wider network. They also advise about the best way to neutralize contained threats.

Moreover, MDR guides post-incident security operations, helping to prevent future attacks and safeguard critical systems.

Monitoring network security 24/7

Many companies cannot afford to implement round-the-clock threat monitoring and incident response processes. Managed Detection and Response services provide 24/7 security coverage. Detection, analysis, and threat mitigation operate continuously, leaving no gaps for attackers to exploit.

Managing digital transformations

Companies migrating to cloud or hybrid network models need solutions that protect data and critical workloads. Managed Detection and Response integrates cloud and on-premises endpoints, remote work devices, and SaaS applications. Advanced detection tools ensure complete visibility. Clients can transform IT systems without creating security risks.

Ensuring compliance in sensitive sectors

Continuous detection and response is more than a luxury. It is a compliance necessity in industries that routinely handle sensitive data. MDR provides financial, insurance, and healthcare organizations with efficient solutions to meet compliance goals.

For example, Managed Detection and Response helps health providers meet HIPAA requirements regarding security controls, data protection, and maintaining network logs. MDR providers generate valuable audit trails to demonstrate compliance while helping to avoid costly breaches.

Best practices to implement MDR solutions

MDR services enhance security operations, block threats, and cut costs. However, organizations must implement MDR effectively to realize core benefits. Here are some best practices to ensure a smooth transition from internal to managed security teams:

Set clear security objectives

Companies must define what they want to achieve when adopting MDR services. Think beyond general objectives such as "blocking cybersecurity threats." How does MDR contribute to compliance goals or mitigate key risks identified by previous security audits?

Defining aims is critical because it helps you choose MDR services that reflect your strategic priorities (and avoid overspending on features you do not need).

Choose a reliable MDR provider

Most MDR services deliver on their promises, but there are always exceptions. Assess potential partners, considering their security record, expertise levels, integration with threat intelligence platforms, and flexibility.

Plan smooth integrations with existing tools

MDR services advise security teams about threat detection and incident response. They do not generally provide the tools to secure your assets and remove threats from network systems.

Verify that automated response tools are compatible with your preferred MDR solution. Test to ensure MDR functions seamlessly with SIEM, access management, and firewall appliances.

Choose providers that offer more than alerts

A basic MDR provider will implement endpoint monitoring, deliver alerts, and trigger automated response processes. Advanced threat management solutions go further. They use threat hunting techniques to proactively confront current threats and leverage threat intelligence to stay ahead of threat actors.

Advanced providers are more expensive. However, their proactive approaches make it easier to mitigate malware or DDoS attacks before they affect network devices and applications.

Integrate MDR with incident response procedures

MDR is useless unless alerts lead to immediate responses. Companies need incident response playbooks to review alerts delivered by MDR services and choose the appropriate mitigation pathway.

Security teams should also regularly test their threat detection systems to ensure alerts trigger an automated response and do not rely solely on human agency.

Audits should also consider false positives. MDR services can deliver too many false alarms, or catch too few genuine threats. In those situations, audits detect problems before security incidents occur.

Bring in MDR expertise to detect critical threats

Managed Detection and Response (MDR) combines advanced technology with expert human analysis to detect, investigate, and respond to threats in real time. Continuous monitoring, proactive threat hunting, and guided incident response help organizations strengthen their security posture while reducing the cost of security operations.

MDR potentially speeds up threat detection, allows small firms to benefit from threat intelligence, assists compliance, and streamlines incident response. It offers a balanced model that outsources expertise while delivering the benefits of EDR and XDR technology.