What is Managed Detection and Response (MDR)?

Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is 24/7 security guard for your digital systems. This solution combines advanced technology with expert analysis. MDR doesn’t just watch for threats, it’s main goal is to stop threats before they cause damage.

Imagine you own a large building. Instead of waiting for a fire to spread, you have sensors and firefighters ready to act at the first sign of smoke. That’s what MDR does for your network.

How MDR Works

Managed detection & response safeguards modern digital environments against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats across several layers:

1. Monitoring. 24/7, MDR service providers keep an eye on your network, endpoints, and cloud environments, looking for any suspicious activity, like unusual logins or data transfers.
2. Detection. To gather and analyze security data, MDR leverages tools like Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, enhanced with AI and Machine Learning. 
3. Response. The security data is then reviewed by a team of security experts. If a threat is detected, they not only alert you but also actively respond to it. This may include isolating infected systems, stopping malicious processes, and eliminating malware. This is similar to having a security SWAT team on standby ready to respond when needed. MDR services often include threat intelligence to stay ahead of the latest attacks, making your defenses as strong as possible. 
4. Reporting. MDR can not only act as an extra set of eyes, but also as a security advisor. It provides regular updates, detailed incident reports, and recommendations to strengthen your security posture. These reports often include threat trends, vulnerabilities, and actionable insights, helping businesses make informed decisions about their cybersecurity strategy. Compliance reporting is also a key feature, ensuring organizations meet regulatory requirements such as GDPR, HIPAA, or SOC 2.

Why Need: MDR Benefits

MDR is a go-to option if you want to stop drowning in alerts and start seeing real results, like:

• Reduced MTTD to 50% and MTTR to 75%;
• Saved up to $1 million in security costs per year;
• Hassle-free compliance with 80% security regulations.

Key advantages allowing MDR solutions to deliver noticeable outcomes include:

• Reduced alert fatigue. Security teams often face a constant barrage of alerts, many of which are false positives. MDR services filter through the noise to focus on genuine threats. By analyzing alerts with context and precision, MDR ensures that only relevant incidents reach your security team, allowing them to focus on what truly matters.
• Reduced internal burden and enhanced security, compared to the traditional “do-it-yourself” approach.
• 24/7 log monitoring and support. One of the significant MDR benefits is, ensuring that no security incident goes unnoticed. This is especially valuable, as attacks can happen at any time. Additionally, it helps with compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Estimating potential ransom demands, downtime costs, and recovery expenses. MDR services can leverage threat intelligence and behavioral analysis to assess the likelihood and potential financial impact of a ransomware attack. This enables businesses to make informed decisions about security investments and incident response planning.

4 MDR Challenges and How to Overcome Them

While MDR offers immense value, there are challenges that organizations may face when choosing or implementing a solution. 

1. Vendor Lock-in. Some managed detection and response companies might use proprietary technologies and processes, making it difficult to switch providers. This can lead to vendor lock-in and may limit your flexibility. That’s why, for instance, Underdefence MDR services adapt to your needs, not the other way around. We’re transparent about our technology stack and always look to give you the best options and value for your security needs. 
2. Lack of Transparency. If an MDR vendor is not transparent enough about how they handle security incidents, it’s difficult for organizations to understand what happened, why, and how to prevent similar incidents in the future. Underdefense provides clear and detailed reports on all detected threats and our response actions, ensuring you have full visibility of your security posture.
3. High Implementation and Management Costs. Implementing an MDR solution can be costly. This includes the cost of the service, additional tools and integration expenses, and training. We understand that cost is an important factor, so Underdefense offers customized solutions and competitive pricing models. This means you can secure your business without breaking the bank. By aligning the service closely to your business needs we are able to maximize the impact of your investment.
4. Integration Complexity. Integrating MDR with your existing security infrastructure can be complex and time-consuming. Underdefense offers expert support during integration to ensure seamless interoperability with existing tools and infrastructure. Our team is experienced in working with a wide range of technologies and understands how to make the integration process smooth and efficient. Schedule a call with our MDR Director if you want to see us in action.

MDR vs. Alternatives

To confidently craft your security strategy, It’s important to understand the differences between MDR and other related security solutions.

• MDR vs. EDR: MDR includes expert monitoring; EDR focuses on endpoint protection.
• MDR vs. XDR/MXDR: XDR integrates more tools. MDR is more focused.
• MDR vs. MSSP: MDR actively responds; MSSPs mainly monitor.
• MDR vs. Managed SIEM: SIEM collects data; MDR acts on it.

Questions to Сonsider When Choosing the Right MDR Provider

Every MDR provider promises protection, but only some deliver. You can avoid costly mistakes by vetting your MDR provider with these key inquiries:

• Does the provider have experience in your specific industry?
• What threats does the MDR vendor cover?
• Does the MDR service offer 24/7 threat detection and response?
• Can the provider integrate with your existing security tools and infrastructure?
• What specific technologies and threat intelligence do they use?
• What are their incident response processes?
• How quickly can they respond to and contain a security incident?
• What type of reports and visibility will you receive?
• Can you customize the service to meet your specific needs?
• What is their pricing model, and are there any hidden costs?
• What is the average response time of their security team?

MDR Price: How to Learn

Estimating MDR pricing can feel complex, but breaking it down by service tiers simplifies the process. After you have decided on the matching service package, you can calculate your costs based on the number of protected endpoints, servers, and any initial setup fees.

Map MDR Solutions by Service Packages

MDR price depends on the level of service and technology used. 

• Basic MDR. These solutions typically offer core security monitoring, alerting, and some basic response services. They may lack the advanced threat hunting and proactive incident response capabilities. This tier is generally more budget-friendly but might not suit organizations with complex security needs.
• Advanced MDR. This tier includes the advanced features of basic MDR, but it also includes more human involvement, deeper analysis, and more sophisticated response actions. Usually the provider offers threat hunting, customized incident response plans, and enhanced threat intelligence integration. This is the most common type of service that organizations look for.
• Fully Managed MDR. This type of service covers every aspect of security monitoring, detection, and response. It includes everything from continuous monitoring, active threat hunting, and rapid incident containment to remediation guidance. Usually the team is also actively involved in tuning and updating tools to make sure that the best possible security is delivered.

Understand the MDR Cost Structure

You can calculate the price for MDR services using the following formula:

• Basic Formula. Total Cost = (Cost per endpoint or user * Number of endpoints or users) + (Cost per server/cloud workload * Number of servers or cloud workload) + (Setup fee (if applicable))

• Cost Per Endpoint/User. This is the monthly or annual cost for securing each endpoint (desktop, laptop, mobile) or user account. The cost is affected by the number of endpoints or users, level of protection, and the complexity of the environment

• Cost Per Server/Cloud Workload. This is the cost for securing each server or cloud workload (virtual machine, container, database). This depends on the environment and the type of service that is required.

• Setup Fees. Some providers may charge a one-time setup fee for integrating their solution with your existing infrastructure.

Who Needs: MDR Use Cases

MDR is valuable for many types of organizations. Here are a few examples:

• Small to Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs). SMBs often lack the resources to build and maintain an in-house security team. MDR provides access to expert security services without the cost of hiring full-time staff. 
• Organizations with Limited Security Teams. If your organization has a small internal security team, MDR can help expand the team’s capabilities. MDR enhances their existing skills and provides additional support where needed, allowing your team to focus on strategic security initiatives.
• Companies in Regulated Industries. Industries like healthcare and finance are subject to strict compliance requirements. MDR can provide the tools and expertise needed to comply with regulations, such as HIPAA and PCI DSS. This can help avoid penalties and maintain customer trust.
• Recognizing the unique challenges in financial technology, UnderDefense provides 24/7 security for sectors such as Paytech, Digital Banking, and Cryptocurrency. Our services include advanced threat detection, vulnerability management, and compliance automation, ensuring the protection of sensitive financial data and operations.
• Businesses Seeking 24/7 Protection. Companies that operate outside of standard business hours, or have a global presence require round-the-clock monitoring and response. MDR ensures that the organization is protected against security threats anytime, anywhere.