WHAT IS MDR?
Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is a proactive cybersecurity monitoring service that combines advanced technology with human expertise to monitor endpoints, networks, and cloud environments around the clock. The objective is to detect and respond to cyber threats through a blend of expertise, processes, and cutting-edge technology, minimising risk and strengthening security operations.
The key features include:
- Continuous monitoring
- Proactive threat hunting
- Guided response and remediation
The need for MDR in modern IT systems is encapsulated in a quote from “The Art of War” by ancient Chinese military strategist, Sun Tzu:
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained, you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”
THE ORIGIN OF MDR
MDR can be traced back to the early 2000s when organisations began to recognise the limitations of traditional security measures. The emergence of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats highlighted the need for a more proactive approach to threat detection and incident response. Influenced by the principles of Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), MDR evolved into a comprehensive solution that integrates technology, expertise, and proactive threat hunting. The history of MDR is defined by several key milestones and innovations. From the emergence of cloud-based MDR platforms to the integration of artificial intelligence and automation, each advancement has enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in the field. Notable milestones include the adoption of proactive threat-hunting techniques, the integration of threat intelligence feeds, and the development of advanced threat containment strategies.
THE EVOLUTION OF MDR
MDR services have evolved considerably to keep pace with the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape, incorporating advanced technologies and techniques to deliver comprehensive protection against sophisticated cyber threats. Traditional cybersecurity services, such as MSSPs, primarily focus on monitoring and alerting without actively engaging in incident response, often leaving this responsibility to the customer. MSSPs typically provide more passive, automated monitoring, which may be insufficient to combat rapidly evolving and complex cyber threats. In contrast, MDR has emerged as a more comprehensive security solution, integrating advanced threat detection technologies, such as Extended Detection and Response (XDR), with human expertise. This combination enables a more proactive and effective approach to identifying and mitigating cyber threats, offering organisations a heightened level of protection in an increasingly dynamic threat landscape. Note that while Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) focuses on endpoint security, XDR extends this focus to include other security domains, such as cloud and network security, providing a more comprehensive view of threats.
MDR CORE COMPONENTS
The core components of MDR services are essential for building a robust and proactive cybersecurity strategy. These elements work together to provide a seamless and effective defence against cyber threats:
- Threat hunting
- Incident response
- End point detection
THREAT HUNTING
Threat hunting is a proactive cybersecurity approach that involves actively and continuously searching for potential threats that may have evaded traditional security measures. Rather than relying solely on automated systems, threat hunters utilise their expertise and knowledge to identify abnormal behaviour and potential threats that have not been previously detected or classified. This hands-on approach enables organisations to detect sophisticated and stealthy threats at an early stage, minimising their potential impact on the organisation’s security posture.
INCIDENT RESPONSE
Incident response is a comprehensive and structured approach to managing and mitigating the impact of security incidents. This process involves the rapid identification of threats, followed by swift containment, eradication, and recovery efforts to minimise the effects of an attack. The incident response team conducts an in-depth analysis and collaborates with relevant stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and effective response. Additionally, measures are put in place to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. A well-executed incident response plan not only reduces the damage caused by a cyber incident but also prioritises the continuity of business operations.
END POINT DETECTION
Endpoint detection is a vital cybersecurity measure focused on monitoring and protecting individual devices, such as computers, mobile devices, and servers. By continuously analysing activities and behaviours on these endpoints, Managed Detection and Response services can identify and respond to potential security threats at the device level. This approach is crucial, as endpoints are often the primary targets for cyber attackers seeking unauthorised access to the network.
EDR VERSUS MDR
| FACTOR | EDR | MDR |
| Responsibility | EDR solutions are typically deployed and managed by the organisation’s IT or security team. | MDR is a fully or partially managed service provided by a third-party provider, such as a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) or MDR provider. |
| Monitoring and Detection | EDR solutions focus on endpoint-specific monitoring and threat detection. They collect data and analyse endpoint activities to identify suspicious or malicious behaviour. | MDR services often incorporate advanced processes, threat hunting, threat intelligence, and human expertise to detect and respond to threats. |
| Response Capability | EDR solutions provide tools for endpoint containment and response. They allow security teams to take actions such as isolating infected endpoints or removing malicious files from individual devices. | MDR providers offer comprehensive threat response capabilities, which may include not only endpoint containment but also broader incident response, investigation, and guidance to mitigate threats. |
| Expertise | EDR solutions require organisations to have their own cybersecurity expertise to utilise the tools and respond to threats effectively. | MDR providers supply their own team of cybersecurity experts skilled in threat detection, analysis, and incident response, giving organisations access to specialised knowledge and experience. |
| Cost Structure | Organisations typically purchase EDR tools and may incur ongoing operational costs for maintaining and managing the solution. | MDR services are subscription-based and often include the cost of both the technology and the expertise of the managed service provider, offering a more predictable cost model for organisations. |
| Proactive vs. Reactive | EDR solutions are often a reactive approach, requiring organisations to respond to threats once detected. | MDR services take a more proactive approach, with the MDR provider actively monitoring and hunting for threats, quickly taking action to detect and mitigate threats before they escalate. |
BENEFITS OF MDR
One of the key advantages of MDR is the outsourcing of threat detection and response to specialised security experts, reducing the burden on in-house teams. MDR providers typically offer 24/7 monitoring, ensuring that threats are identified and addressed swiftly, even outside business hours. This continuous surveillance, combined with the expertise of MDR professionals, enhances an organisation’s threat detection capabilities, allowing it to identify and respond effectively to advanced and emerging threats. MDR services often include proactive threat hunting, actively searching for potential threats within an environment to further strengthen security. Additionally, MDR can provide valuable insights into an organisation’s security posture and recommend improvements to enhance overall defences. Ultimately, MDR enables businesses to take a proactive approach in safeguarding their digital assets and sensitive data, making it a vital component of a robust cybersecurity strategy.
You can watch Zhero’s latest webinar on MDR here: The Future of Monitoring – How MDR unites all the cybersecurity islands
MDR USE CASES
Here are some specific ways that Managed Detection and Response will protect your business and data and significantly reduce your cyber risk:
- Malware – Traditional antivirus systems struggle to detect new malware variants, but MDR providers actively hunt for and mitigate infections within internal systems.
- Phishing – Despite intelligent phishing prevention solutions, MDR services assist in detecting complex phishing attacks and analysing their scope early on.
- Regulatory compliance – MDR partners offer both cybersecurity and compliance expertise to enhance your organisation’s security posture and meet regulatory requirements.
- Cloud cyberthreats – MDR providers address the unique security challenges of cloud environments, including detecting data exfiltration and cloud application breaches.
- Lateral movement cyberattacks – MDR services detect and prevent hackers from advancing through systems via privilege escalation and unauthorised access changes.
- Network cyberattacks – MDR experts use specialised tactics to defend against sophisticated network cyberattacks that bypass standard protections.
PROTECT IT BETTER
Zhero is London’s #1 end-to-end business cybersecurity and IT support for SMEs. If you are looking to get onboard with MDR, you’ve come to the right place. Our Protect IT Better package incorporates Managed Detection and Response in a holistic approach that ensures you are always protected against modern-day cyberattacks. Reach out to us today and let’s bring your cybersecurity islands together.
