Understanding Managed Detection and Response (MDR)

Huge amounts of digital data are being processed, exchanged, and stored in cloud storage or external drives daily. Managing such massive data is a tedious task and securing the same is much more of a challenge. This is where Managed Detection and Response become necessary and pivotal.

What is MDR?

Managed detection and response, or MDR, refers to the outsourcing of cybersecurity resources and services. Many MDR service providers like SentinelOne Vigilance, FireEye Mandiant, etc. provide multiple cybersecurity resources which are sketched to secure your data against internal and external threats.

These companies constantly monitor the organization’s network round the clock to identify and nullify the threat. Their mastery and proactiveness in identifying threats and securing the company’s data make them more desirable amongst the web owners.

How does MDR work?

The core capabilities of MDR are:

·Prioritization:

Organizations face massive threat alerts daily and MDR is capable of managed prioritization, i.e., they can help the organization decide which threat needs to be addressed based on priority.

Threat Detection:

MDR includes constant monitoring of threats on the organization’s network and varied end-point. Each threat has a person behind it who is always focusing on avoiding being caught.

Though machines are proficient in detecting the threats, the addition of a human mind for the same purpose can detect the most prevaricating threats which are missed by automated defenses.

Threat Analysis:

Post detection, threats need to be analyzed and investigated. Their source of origin, their impact, and other analyses are done to minimize their effect. In short, MDR services help companies to understand how the threat originated, and how much it can impact their business. This information will assist companies in making an effective response strategy for diminishing the threat.

The qualified team of MDR also distinguishes the fake threats from the genuine ones and works instantly on the high-alert threats to curb them.

Guided Response:

MDR service offers a guided response to curb any threats. This helps in instant remediation of the threat, thus decreasing its impact.

Example: Companies are advised to separate a particular system from the network. In some cases, they are advised on how to revive their systems post-attack in a stepwise method.

Managed Remediation:

The last step of the threat detection and response is the remediation/ recovery of the network. Managed remediation like removal of malware, unauthorized intrusions, etc. can help in restoring your network.

Ensure that this step is done properly. Any minor or major errors made during the restoration phase can be costly.

Managed remediation not only restores your systems to their original state but also ensures that they will not be compromised again.

Characteristics of Managed Detection and Response (MDR):

• The main motto of MDR service providers is threat detection rather than sealing security vulnerabilities.
• MDR services rely on the highest level of security mechanisms.
• The MDR service providers have the latest MDR tools for detection and response which they provide to their clients. These service providers install these tools on the client’s establishments to keep a watch on their entire network and other digital gateways.  
• Their placements on all the end-points and gateways help in recognizing the threats which escaped other security solutions.
• MDR service providers also offer threat detection tools and services for incident response and validation.

Benefits of Managed Detection and Response:

With the rise in cyber threats, digital security budgets, as well as costs of a competent security team, have also risen. Companies find it tough to manage their budgets by installing more security tools and personnel.

The utilization of MDR services is the best viable option in such cases.

A report by Gartner estimates that 25% of the companies may use MDR services by 2024.

• The companies opting for MDR services are offered security experts which help to validate, identify, and nullify the cyber-threat effect at a budget-friendly rate.
• These services are very useful for companies who lack the time and funds to invest in such threat detection solutions.
• These detection and response tools offered by MDR service providers are costly and hence many companies find it difficult to invest in them. Easy availability of tools in the market is also a challenge and hence opting for MDR services is the only option.
• MDR services come with customized plans for threat detection and incident validation offered by the respective service providers as per the requirements penned down by the IT team.
• Once a threat is detected, the MDR services help with investigating the threat. It verifies whether the threat is genuine or not, before taking steps to terminate any like it. In this way, these services prevent false explication of threats.
• MDR services surpass the basic security solutions and MDR service providers who help in managing threats. The use of the latest tools and technologies used by MDR help in averting sophisticated threats and in fending off damages.
• 24/7 network monitoring by expert security analysts, ensure that the digital defense wall of the organization is fully covered without any additional staff or resources.
• MDR covers the end-points too, keeping threats away from your network.
• MDR uses threat indicators and studies behavior methods apprehended from the global market which helps to improvise threat responses. It also avoids breaches and their impacts on the company.
• Since they take care of the cyber-threats, the burden of monitoring the threats to the organization, as well as to the employees is reduced.
• MDR helps in reducing the investment cost of cyber security and in enhancing the goals and profits of the company.

MDR offers many benefits to companies regarding their digital security. At Stefanini, we have a variety of cybersecurity solutions which could be right for you! Read more about our offered solutions here: 

Business Challenges Addressed by MDR Adoption:

MDR is a one-stop solution to a variety of security challenges faced by businesses daily. A few challenges include:

• The enhancement of the threat periphery is due to the rapid rise in digital technologies like AI and IoT. MDR ensures to cover all these threat landscapes with the appropriate technologies and helps in alleviating them.
• MDR proves to be favorable for securing networks since its advanced threat monitoring tools can help distinguish fake threats from real ones.
• By patching the security lapses, MDR helps organizations become more secure and watchful. MDR service providers have the necessary resources to combat all types of threats.
• MDR services extend to all the boundaries and storage where the business data is kept. This eases the organization’s burden since MDR services help secure all their digital infrastructure.
• Though there are many security solutions, threats may still find their way to enter your network. MDR is a mixture of advanced security technologies and precise threat monitoring, which helps in monitoring, detecting, and eliminating threats on an early basis.
• Insider threats can also be a concern for many companies. MDR can anticipate employee behavior and, if found suspicious, can prevent any threats with necessary solutions.
• MDR addresses and secures all the end-points of all the boundaries, thus keeping your data secure.
• The precision with which the threats are detected can help in creating an effectively managed response plan.

Unsure of whether MDR is the right call for your business? Read about how we helped improve the cybersecurity of a global network here

How to Choose the Best Managed Detection and Response Service Providers?

MDR service providers are proving to be popular due to their robust cyber threat monitoring, but companies should be vigilant in selecting the ideal service provider.

Many times, it has been noticed that these service providers make promises but fail to deliver the same. Even the authenticity of the MDR service providers needs to be verified before handing over your company’s security to them.

Here are a few tips which will help you in evaluating your MDR service provider.

Factors to Consider:

1.   Combining Data Inputs:

Your MDR provider should be efficient enough to compile and combine multiple data inputs received from detection tools, threat applications, other third-party software, and the company’s database for threat detection, identification, and analyzing the risk factor.

2.   Fulfilling Company Requirements:

Choose an MDR service provider who can take care of your company’s digital security. The MDR provider should be smart and swift in evaluating the company’s current needs as well as be able to judge the future requirements before stationing detection and response tools on the company’s premises.

3.   Offering Training to Employees:

Though the MDR service provider has secured your digital infrastructure from all angles, certain technical aspects need to be shared with the employees so that they too can detect fraudulent activities. Ensure that your selected MDR provider provides employee training on these technicalities and security strategies that they plan to implement as a part of their service.

4.   Assessment of Company Performance:

Continual assessment of the company’s objectives and goals keeping in mind the company’s performance should be monitored by the MDR provider. This leads to the enhancement of the company’s goals with better security measures.

5.   Implementing Pre-Defined Response Plans:

Many pre-defined response plans can assist you to assess the threats after detecting the same since they are based on previous security incidents. Ask your MDR provider if such plans are included in your package.

6.   Communication & Transparency:

It’s pivotal to ensure that your MDR provider is clear in their communications and transparent in their actions. Non-transparency of an MDR provider can lead to the loss of clients and can have an impact on your business relations. Ensure that your MDR provider is worth the investment.

7.   Customization & Flexibility:

As stated, MDR plans can be customized per your business needs. An MDR provider which provides customized solutions and is flexible enough to change them per company requirements is ideal for your business.

8.   Operational Scaling:

Threats can happen at the most unexpected times. It is crucial that your MDR provider has ample staff to constantly monitor your digital security.

9.   Ensure FPC & SSL Certificate Security:

Full Packet Capture (FPC) is pivotal for defending your network against threats. Many SOCs lack FPC which can be risky in threat prevention. SSL (Secure Socket Layers) certificate security encrypts the data and prevents SSL-based threats. Many providers fail to offer this type of security. Check if your MDR provider comes with FPC for proper security of your company’s data. Also, find out if your provider can unlock an encrypted session to verify the legitimacy of incoming traffic. Hand them your certificate keys with caution and monitor their moves to stay secure from unexpected threats.

10. Locations:

Data storage locations matter a lot, and before you chose your MDR provider, check out if the company applications and data are stored in cloud storage, hybrid storage, or on company premises.

Do you have cloud storage? Learn more about different security approaches you might want to consider to keep your data safe.

11.  Look Out for the Latest Security Tools:

Select an MDR provider who offers the latest tools and technologies like behavioral analytics, end-point detection tools, intelligence-based monitoring, etc. Also, ensure that these tools are different from what your company already possesses.

12. Data Privacy:

Ensure that your MDR provider offers data privacy and adheres to the compliance policies stated by your company.

13. Investigates all Threats:

It’s been noticed that the focal point of MDR services, as well as their providers, is the advanced threats that come in the form of hacker entry, theft of credentials, or other major breaches. Select an MDR provider who meticulously prevents all types of minor thefts and attacks too for securing your business.

14. Detection on Multiple Platforms:

In the case of a multi-platform business, choose an MDR provider that offers security services covering multiple platforms for detecting and nullifying thefts.

15. Abides by Deadlines:

Vendors make many promises to deliver their best, and one such promise is the response time. Many vendors make fake promises in their service-level agreement (SLA) on the response time taken for threat identification or threat resolution. They fail to deliver their promises and hence it's advisable to keep a watch on their stated deadlines. If the need arises, change the MDR provider for better security.

Final Words:

With many sophisticated threats emerging daily, Managed Detection and Response services are essential. Not only do they offer robust cyber-security options, but they also provide cost-effective methods and techniques for evading or resolving threats before they turn into a disaster.

Author bio: Jason Parms is customer service manager at SSL2BUY. He is responsible for administering the customer service division and ensuring the organization provides the maximum level of customer service. He has achieved his target very quickly through diversified SSL security products and incomparable support. Nowadays, SSL2BUY secures thousands of websites and has lots of smiles of happy customers.