Security

Does a Managed Detection and Response Service Make Sense for Enterprises?

Large businesses often have robust in-house security capabilities, but they can still benefit from additional assistance.

Mike Chapple

Mike Chapple is associate teaching professor of IT, analytics and operations at the University of Notre Dame.

As cyberthreats grow more sophisticated, many businesses are rethinking whether they can effectively monitor and respond to security incidents with limited internal staff. Managed detection and response (MDR) services promise enterprise-grade protection that can complement your security operations center or even replace much of what your SOC does.

Here are a few questions that you might have as you consider security operations solutions for your organization:

1. What Is MDR, and How Does It Differ From Traditional Managed Security Services?

The MDR service model allows you to outsource an entire SOC or part of one. It includes both the technologies needed to monitor your infrastructure and a team of skilled analysts who operate it on your behalf. The MDR client gains access to a team of specialists in threat hunting, alert investigation and incident response. Unlike traditional managed security providers, MDR services don’t just monitor your security status; they actively respond to threats as they arise.

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2. What Signs Indicate Your In-House-Only Security Is No Longer Sufficient?

If you’re discovering security incidents days or weeks after they occur, you probably lack the resources to conduct adequate in-house monitoring. The same thing is true if you see a backlog of unhandled alerts in your security information and event management platform. At that point, you’ll need to decide whether to beef up your existing SOC or get outside help.

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3. When Does It Make Sense to Keep Security Operations Internal?

Building an in-house security team is a significant undertaking, requiring an investment in both people and technology. Many enterprises have already made those investments and may be disinclined to reverse course. But an MDR service can also work in concert with your internal team, serving as an additional set of eyes and expand your coverage without continuing to expand your SOC. In addition, businesses that handle unusually sensitive data, work in a tightly regulated industry, or operate specialized technology must always think carefully about how, or whether, to bring on third parties.

4. Can a Hybrid Model Deliver the Best of Both Worlds?

In a hybrid model, the organization maintains an in-house team that determines security strategy, manages vendors, and provides deep subject-matter expertise on the technologies supporting the business. This team may work only during normal business hours. The MDR provider provides 24/7 monitoring and response services to handle the day-to-day operations of the security infrastructure. It escalates to the in-house team when necessary but handles routine work on its own.

This is a common approach for enterprises because it acts as a force multiplier, enabling your team to focus on specialized work that delivers the most value to your business. It also serves as a steppingstone for organizations moving their work to an internal team over time.

5. How Should Businesses Evaluate MDR Providers?

You’ll want to go beyond the slick marketing materials and learn how the MDR service actually operates. The best way to do this is to track down a customer and talk through the service they’re receiving. Begin by understanding the onboarding process for new clients. You’ll want to know what to expect as the MDR provider deploys and tunes their technology in your environment. Then get a sense of the day-to-day service offering. What will you hear from the service on a routine day without emergencies? What happens when something goes wrong in your environment? What are the procedures for when it really hits the fan? How will the MDR service scale up to support your organization during a critical incident?

You should also carefully review the financial terms of the contract. How will the cost of the service change as your organization changes in size or scope?

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