MSPs are always looking for new ways to protect their data and increase their resiliency against persistent criminals by bolstering their cyber defenses. However, their security service providers frequently discover that they are unprepared to deal with advanced threats, let alone know where to start. MDR (Managed Detection and Response) solutions are gaining traction among resource-constrained organizations looking for proactive protection 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The threat landscape and MDR market are changing, which is confusing Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) and their customers.
This blog distinguishes between MDR fact and fiction. Read on to learn about the most common myths our team encounters, as well as MDR insights and realities, to help you find the best solution.
MYTH # 1: MDR is just the latest “shiny object” in cybersecurity.
Fact: MDR is here to stay as it solves real customer challenges like the skills shortage.
Security solution providers with the right expertise and services for 24/7 monitoring, threat detection, and comprehensive response are actively looking for resource-constrained MSPs. MDR providers integrate more log sources, high-fidelity alerting, and a rapid response to minimize lateral movement and attacker dwell time in order to address escalating cyber threats. It also lessens the impact of a cybersecurity breach by providing advanced detection and response capabilities that organizations can’t handle on their own.
Managing an outsourced detection and response capability is nothing new, and MDR is more of a service than a piece of software or hardware. It provides a Security Operations Center (SOC) that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide better visibility into the growing attack surface that cyber criminals can exploit. While it’s impossible to predict the future, MDR addresses real-world issues and has been quickly adopted by MSSPs and end users alike. According to Gartner, 50 percent of organizations will be using MDR services by 2025.
MYTH # 2: My customers are too small for MDR safeguards.
Fact: MDR’s proven results benefit organizations of all sizes.
Signature-based detection, such as anti-virus and anti-malware, is easily evaded by today’s cybersecurity threats. Cyber criminals with a financial motive target businesses of all sizes, particularly those with intellectual property or supply chain connections. Unintentional security gaps are created by a patchwork of siloed products and tools that lack holistic visibility. MSPs have been impacted by over 40% of cybersecurity incidents, and cyber criminals in MSPs take longer to uncover and mitigate them.
Don’t be fooled by a false sense of security; insufficient investment, as well as increased cyber threats and targeted attacks, create a risk gap. Navigate the MDR options to shift from a reactive to a proactive approach for your customers’ business-critical networks, servers, data centers, and cloud data.
MYTH # 3: MDR is complicated and costly for MSSPs to adopt.
Fact: Reduce the risk of an inadequate MDR solution that wastes time and money.
Know that an MDR is not another siloed point product as the first step in the evaluation process. MDR is typically a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution that does not require any hardware or capital. MDR can reduce the number of tools and vendors that need to be purchased, onboarded, and managed, saving time.
A stronger cybersecurity posture can also pay off with MDR. It prepares organizations to detect and respond to advanced threats quickly and effectively, reducing the risk of a security incident and jeopardizing resiliency.
MYTH # 4: I must build my own Security Operations Center for MDR.
Fact: SOC-as-a-Service augments your team with 24/7 coverage and expertise
A security operations center (SOC) monitors, detects, investigates, and responds to suspicious activity and incidents. The cost of setting up a SOC includes hardware, software, and personnel costs such as hiring, training, and retaining difficult-to-find cybersecurity experts. SOC-as-a-Service allows you to quickly scale your security capabilities without the cost and overhead of building and operating your own security operations center. On incident handling, threat intelligence, and threat hunting, cybersecurity analysts in the SOC work as an extension of your in-house team.
MYTH #5: Every MSSP is ready to offer an MDR solution.
Fact: One size does not fit all. Tailor your service provider solutions to your goals, capabilities, and target customers.
Conduct an evaluation of MDR, as well as your future goals and current capabilities. Take care not to overextend yourself, as this could result in poor service and dissatisfied customers. While MDR definitions differ, your current offerings may be closer to defense-in-depth protection than you think. With as much increased attack surface coverage as possible and a streamlined tech stack, look to add comprehensive visibility and simplicity; point products only add to the complexity. Consider a co-managed MDR solution from an MSSP provider who has your back and is committed to your success if you don’t have the staff or expertise to do DIY MDR.
Conclusion
MSSPs can assist organizations in becoming more proactive regarding the escalating threat landscape and to invest in more capable threat detection and response. MDR evolved to help security teams overcome the challenge of an ever-expanding attack surface without the same resources and staff as larger enterprises. As you evaluate MDR solutions, look for providers with the most comprehensive coverage and proven track records. Align your staffing and budget with CYB3R-X MDR to address continuously evolving threats. By enhancing your security operations with these four steps – predict, prevent, detect, and respond – your customers will be well-positioned to address today’s security challenges and the uncertain threat landscape.