Cyberattacks happen all the time, the bad guys are getting trickier, and in-house security teams aren’t good enough anymore. Organizations need a new and better way to quickly spot and stop threats. That’s where managed detection and response (MDR) comes in, where a team of security experts monitors your organization’s computer systems daily using smart tools to find dangers fast and fix problems before they cause trouble.
This article will explain what MDR is in detail and how it helps organizations protect themselves from cyberattacks. We’ll look at some of the benefits of managed detection and response, like better security, cost savings, and freeing up businesses to focus on their work instead of worrying about security. We’ll also give you tips on how to choose the right MDR service.
What Is MDR?
Managed detection and response is a security service that acts as a vigilant guard for your organization’s computer systems 24/7. It combines smart technology with human expertise to spot, stop, and clean up cyber threats around the clock. MDR doesn’t just wait for alarms; it actively hunts for hidden dangers, responds quickly to attacks, and helps keep your organization safe.
What does MDR do?
An MDR service checks your office computers, remote workers’ laptops, and even your cloud storage. When it finds something suspicious, like someone trying to log in from a strange place or a tricky email, it jumps into action. It can stop minor problems before they become big, like preventing a ransomware attack from locking up your files.
Instead of building a complete in-house security team, which can be expensive and time-consuming, you can use an MDR service to fill important security gaps, saving time and money.
Why is MDR needed?
Cyber threats are always changing, with hackers using smarter tactics. These are some reasons why managed detection and response benefits your organization:
- Malware is getting harder to spot.
- Attacks happen more often.
- Data breaches cost companies a lot of money.
The average price an organization has to pay for a ransomware attack in 2024 is about $2.73 million, an increase of almost $1 million from 2023. The amount keeps growing yearly, just like the volume of cyber threats your security team needs to fend off.
Small in-house security teams often struggle to keep up with these threats. A key factor is “dwell time,” how long it takes to find and fix a breach. A shorter dwell time means less damage.
MDR services help by watching for threats 24/7, using advanced methods to spot attacks faster, and responding more quickly to reduce damage.
7 MDR (Managed Detection and Response) Benefits
1. Enhanced threat intelligence
Access to advanced threat intelligence feeds through an MDR service gives organizations an edge to better defend themselves against cyberattacks. This intelligence is not just about knowing what threats exist but also how they operate.
By constantly updating threat intelligence feeds, enhanced threat intelligence can provide insights into the latest attack vectors, malware, and malicious actors’ strategies. This allows security teams to prioritize vulnerabilities and conduct threat hunting, identifying potential threats before they can cause any damage. Security teams can better protect their organizations against potential attacks by understanding the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by attackers.
2. Cost savings
Setting up and maintaining an in-house cybersecurity team is expensive. You’ll need to pay for salaries, specialized training, advanced security tools, and ongoing maintenance. MDR provides a cost-effective alternative that reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO). MDR providers handle the bulk of the operational overhead, enabling organizations to predict their cybersecurity spending and budget for it. The predictable nature of MDR reduces the risk of unforeseen security expenses.
3. Scalability and flexibility
MDR services are flexible and responsive to an organization’s changing needs. As your organization grows, its security requirements change. MDR provides the scalability required to manage expanding networks and increasing security needs. Organizations can easily adapt their security based on changes in threats or business requirements. The service is adaptable, allowing for flexibility when security needs shift.
4. Reduced dwell time
The speed at which a security team can detect and respond to a cyberattack is important. MDR’s round-the-clock monitoring and response capabilities minimize dwell time, and faster detection reduces the window of opportunity for attackers to cause damage.
5. Compliance and regulatory support
Organizations operating in regulated industries need to maintain compliance, and MDR services can help. They have experience with specific compliance frameworks and can therefore provide comprehensive monitoring and reporting per industry standards.
6. Enhanced organizational focus
MDR empowers organizations to focus on their core business goals. MDR’s proactive approach and efficient incident management free up internal resources for more strategic initiatives. This focus allows the organization to use its security investments more effectively.
7. Advanced security technologies
MDR supports advanced security tools and technologies that go beyond what many in-house teams have access to. It’s designed to use the most recent innovations in cybersecurity to help organizations stay ahead of the curve.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right MDR Provider
Choosing the right MDR service provider can make a big difference in how well your organization protects itself from cyberattacks. Here are some factors to look for:
- Experience and expertise of the security team
Choose an MDR provider with a proven track record of successful cybersecurity responses. Ask how they respond to attacks and handle complex threats, and request examples of their successes. Don’t just take their marketing claims at face value.
- Service level agreements (SLAs)
Make sure the cybersecurity company’s service level agreement (SLA) is clear and specific. It should provide details about how fast they’ll respond to different security problems, the type of support you’ll get, and how they’ll report to you. Carefully review the SLA to make sure it meets your needs and budget. A good SLA gives you confidence that your security is being handled promptly and effectively by professionals.
- Specific features and capabilities
Different MDR service providers have different features. Figure out which features your company needs, and choose a service that provides them. Consider how automated their systems are, how they monitor the systems, and how well they handle various threats like malware, ransomware, phishing, and insider threats. Make sure their skills match your organization’s specific cybersecurity needs and weaknesses.
- Cost-benefit analysis
Compare MDR service providers carefully, considering more than just the up-front cost. Consider the total cost over time, including ongoing fees, reporting, and support. Assess the value of the features each service provider offers and compare prices. Evaluate the support quality, and make sure you understand exactly what’s included in the monthly or yearly fee. Also consider how much an incident-free operation is worth compared to the total cost.
SentinelOne for managed detection and response (MDR)
SentinelOne stands out as the best choice for organizations seeking cybersecurity protection. SentinelOne’s Singularity™️ MDR and Vigilance MDR Platform offer a comprehensive way to manage detection and response using cutting-edge AI technology to protect against threats across various digital environments.
- AI-powered technology: SentinelOne’s use of artificial intelligence sets it apart from other MDR service providers.
- Comprehensive coverage: The Singularity™️ MDR Platform protects a wide range of assets, including endpoints, containers, cloud workloads, and IoT devices.
- Scalability and flexibility: SentinelOne can grow with your business, making it suitable for organizations of all sizes.
- Rapid response and threat hunting: With its AI technology, SentinelOne offers fast response times to potential threats.
- Cost-effective solution: By offering a unified platform that covers multiple aspects of cybersecurity, SentinelOne provides good value for your money.
- Proven track record: As a leader in the cybersecurity industry, SentinelOne has a strong reputation for protecting enterprises worldwide.
- Continuous innovation: SentinelOne’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI ensures that its clients always have access to the latest advancements in cybersecurity, keeping them one step ahead of threats.
By choosing SentinelOne as their MDR provider, organizations can benefit from a forward-thinking, comprehensive, and effective cybersecurity solution. SentinelOne’s innovative approach not only meets the key factors for selecting an MDR provider but exceeds expectations in many areas, offering a better defense against complex threats.
Case Studies and Real-World Examples
Let’s explore some examples of how different companies have used MDR:
1. FIMBank
FIMBank faced significant challenges in managing cybersecurity threats because of an increase in sophisticated attacks that strained their existing security operations center (SOC) and left them vulnerable to potential breaches. To address this, FIMBank implemented SentinelOne’s Vigilance MDR service, which provided them with 24/7 monitoring, advanced threat detection, and rapid incident response capabilities. This solution not only augmented their SOC’s efficiency but also enhanced their overall security posture by enabling proactive threat hunting and reducing response times to incidents, ultimately safeguarding sensitive financial data and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
2. Allcargo Logistics
Allcargo Logistics encountered difficulties in managing cyber threats, causing operations and response time slowdowns. To solve this problem, they started using the Singularity Platform from SentinelOne, which integrates endpoint detection and response (EDR), extended detection and response (XDR), and managed detection and response (MDR) services along with identity protection. This all-in-one solution gave Allcargo’s security team a clearer view of potential threats and helped them respond faster. The system keeps improving, allowing the team to focus on the most important security issues. It’s also flexible and easy to use. In the end, this upgrade made Allcargo’s overall security stronger and helped their business run more smoothly.
Wrapping Up
MDR is a smart choice for organizations looking to build a better secure cybersecurity system because it offers powerful protection for businesses through better threat detection, cost savings, and the ability to grow with your company’s security team. It responds faster to threats and provides access to advanced security tools. By using MDR, companies can reduce the risk of expensive data breaches and improve their long-term security.
When considering your company’s security needs, working with a trusted MDR provider is worth considering. SentinelOne allows companies to defend themselves by identifying potential attackers and minimizing risks. Try SentinelOne today!
FAQs
1. How is MDR different from other security services?
MDR goes beyond the surveillance of problems. It actively searches for threats and helps fix them fast.
2. How much does MDR cost?
The cost depends on the number of computers and the specific services you need. Many providers offer different packages, so you can choose what fits your budget.
3. How do you start using MDR?
Normally, the MDR service provider will establish a secure connection for your network. They’ll provide instructions, training, and support to help you get started.
4. What should I look for in an MDR provider besides price?
Take into consideration the team’s experience, reputation, the services it provides, and feedback from customers. Make sure they can handle your industry’s specific needs and rules.
5. How will MDR affect my own IT security team?
MDR works with your team, not as a substitute for them. It frees up your team to work on other important security projects. Your team and the MDR service provider can work together to make your security even better.