How Do I Know If I Need Managed Detection & Response?

IT and security professionals understand well that their systems are under constant attack. While most organizations have anti-malware solutions and firewalls in place, threat hunting and actively monitoring to identify early indicators of attacks are less common, particularly in midsize organizations.

Though many of the same cyber threats faced by larger organizations also target midsize businesses, the latter do not typically have the resources to license and deploy enterprise-grade tools and a team of cybersecurity experts working around the clock to detect and respond to cyber-attacks.

Deciding when to implement managed detection and response can be confusing. In this blog we will attempt to demystify it and provide the information you need to understand if it is right for you.

What is Managed Detection & Response?

Managed Detection & Response (MDR) is a specialized cybersecurity service that provides organizations with 24/7 outsourced monitoring of their systems to identify and respond to security threats and incidents effectively. MDR services leverage technology and cybersecurity experts to actively search for and identify security anomalies across endpoints, mobile devices, networks, email, and other cloud applications and investigate and respond to incidents in real-time to contain attacks. MDR teams also provide ongoing guidance and recommendations to improve the organization’s security posture, all for one predictable investment.

Who Uses Managed Detection & Response?

Malicious hackers and cybercriminals are increasingly sophisticated and difficult to defend against using off the shelf point solutions. Midsize organizations with fewer security resources are attractive targets in themselves and as steppingstones to their larger customers and partners. With a strong MDR solution, businesses of any size and ability can identify and block threats to their network, systems, and devices.

When Does Managed Detection & Response Matter?

Providing regulators, customers, and partners with evidence of good security practices is increasingly important in today’s business and regulatory environment. Attacks can occur at any moment, so 24/7 coverage is required to identify, alert, and stop them. Managed detection and response significantly reduces the risk of operational downtime and potential loss of business by rapidly addressing active cyber incidents, consistently monitoring for threats, and strengthening overall cybersecurity posture. This provides many organizations a competitive advantage when dealing with larger customers.

How Does Managed Detection & Response Happen?

MDR providers maintain their own Security Operations Centers for monitoring, detecting, responding to, and mitigating security incidents and threats. The provider is responsible for continuous monitoring, threat detection and response, alert prioritization, threat hunting, regular reporting and feedback to client teams. Customers using MDR connect their organizations’ computers & servers, mobile devices, firewalls, email systems, cloud applications and more and transmit data to the SOC for analysis, monitoring and response.

Why is Managed Detection & Response Important?

The best way to minimize damage from a security breach is to detect and contain it quickly. Most midsize organizations do not have the headcount, budgets, or skillsets to staff and maintain 24/7 monitoring and response. Managed Detection and Response solutions provide organizations of any size with the same level of protection enjoyed by their counterparts with large security teams and budgets, without implementing a stack of complex software and without needing to hire scarce cybersecurity experts.

Curious? Learn more about Defendify’s Managed Detection & Response solution.