Managed detection and response (MDR) is an outsourced service that assists security operation centers (SOCs) in monitoring and responding to cyber threats. Its core technologies are extended detection and response (XDR) and security information and event management (SIEM).
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Responding to increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks requires both preventive measures and the ability to quickly identify and respond to threats after they occur. SOCs must enhance their ability to monitor networks, analyze logs, and swiftly address cyberattacks and incidents.
Since detecting and responding to cyberattacks requires specialized skills and 24/7/365 vigilance, many companies choose to outsource these services to security experts. This service is known as managed detection and response (MDR).
MDR covers a range of areas. Some providers focus on monitoring known threats like malware or unauthorized access, while others address advanced, targeted attacks that exploit legitimate tools. By outsourcing detection and initial response, the organization’s own staff can focus on higher-priority tasks, such as reviewing post-incident policies.
MDR and managed security service (MSS)
Managed security service (MSS) is often cited along with MDR. Looking at trends in the services offered by providers, MDR is often built with threat detection/response as the core of the service. MSS, on the other hand, often focuses on security product monitoring and hardware maintenance.
MDR and managed XDR (MXDR)
While most MDR services focus on EDR, there is another type of service called Managed NDR (MNDR), which has network detection and response (NDR) at its core. Compared to MDR, which often focuses on EDR, MNDR differs in that it detects and responds to threats based on telemetry and logs on the network.
Recently, MXDR (Managed XDR), which has XDR (Extend Detection and Response) as its core service, has also emerged. In the detection and response philosophy, the greater the sensor coverage, the richer the telemetry and the better the threat detection.
Where can I get help with managed detection and response (MDR)?
Organizations are contending with limited resources and skillsets and cyberattacks moving at impossible speeds; however, maintaining business continuity remains critical. Trend Vision One™ Services acts as an extension of your security team, providing proactive cyber risk management, attack simulations to enhance security effectiveness, continuous monitoring of threats, managed detection and response, and timely access to global support and incident response teams.
Our services can help you predict, prevent, and manage breaches while safeguarding your businesses more effectively than ever before and allowing your team to focus on strategic initiatives.
Joe Lee is Vice President of Product Management at Trend Micro, where he leads global strategy and product development for enterprise email and network security solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What does managed detection and response do?
Managed detection and response (MDR) is a third-party cybersecurity service that protects organizations from hacks, cyberattacks, and other cyber threats.
What does MDR mean in cybersecurity?
MDR stands for managed detection and response. MDR is an outsourced cybersecurity service that uses tools like XDR and SIEM to safeguard businesses from cyberattacks.
What's the difference between MDR and EDR?
Managed detection and response (MDR) is a cybersecurity service. EDR (endpoint detection and response) is a tool that detects cyber threats in endpoint devices.
What is the difference between MDR and SOC?
Managed detection and response (MDR) is an outsourced service that protects organizations from cyberattacks. A security operations center (SOC) is an in-house cybersecurity team.
How does MDR work?
Managed detection and response (MDR) services use tools like extended detection and response (XDR) and security information and event management (SIEM) to defend against cyberattacks.
What are the three components that make up an MDR?
The three main components of managed detection and response (MDR) are monitoring for cyber threats, detecting threats, and responding to cybersecurity incidents.
Is an MDR a SIEM?
No. Managed detection and response (MDR) is a service that protects organizations from cyberattacks. SIEM is a tool that analyzes security data to identify threats.
What is the difference between MDR and XDR cybersecurity?
Managed detection and response (MDR) is an outsourced cybersecurity service. Extended detection and response (XDR) is a tool for automated threat detection and response.
Which is better, MDR or XDR?
Neither is ‘better.’ Managed detection and response (MDR) is a service; extended detection and response (XDR) is a tool. Many MDR services use XDR.
How does managed detection and response work?
Managed detection and response (MDR) combines human security experts with security tools and technologies to defend businesses against hacks, cyberattacks, and other cyber threats.
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