Managed Detection and Response – What You Need to Know

In our previous article, we talked about Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and how it differs from both traditional and next generation antivirus. But sometimes EDR isn’t the right choice.

That’s why, in this article, we’ll be discussing one of the latest cutting-edge tools your small to mid-size business can use to identify and block cyberattacks: Managed Detection and Response (MDR).

What Is Managed Detection and Response?

Managed Detection and Response, which is an endpoint protection solution like EDR, goes a step further than EDR in that it actually reacts to emerging attacks in real time.

In essence, Managed Detection and Response services will flag network-level attacks and escalate them to real-live humans who will get to work fixing the problem for you – fast.

In contrast, EDR aims to stop cyberattacks by identifying anomalous behavior and then freezing it, usually by taking the infected device off the network.

With Managed Detection and Response, your cybersecurity tech doesn’t simply “hit the pause button” – it actively gets to work to stop the problem.

Key Differences Between EDR and MDR

We admit, Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Managed Detection and Response (MDR) sound a lot alike – and not just because of their acronyms. After all, they both focus protection on individual devices and they both identify and prevent cyberattacks. But when you look deeper, you see that the two solutions have significant differences.

Here are just a few of the differences between EDR and MDR:

• MDR gets real-live human beings in a Security Operations Center on the case instantly, 24/7, if an emerging threat is detected in your systems. This is extremely impressive; there is literally no other service like this in the cybersecurity world.

Short of hiring your own army of in-house cyber-defense experts, there’s no other way to get this level of attention. (For comparison, EDR relies on automated detection and an automated “freeze” response to stop attacks.)

• MDR monitors endpoints (devices) and how they interact across your network. Therefore, if one device suspiciously tries to contact another device to gain administrative privileges in your network, MDR will see that behavior and stop it.

(In contrast, EDR is best at tracking and identifying attacks on single devices instead of recognizing a wider attack pattern.)

• MDR costs more than EDR. To implement MDR on your business’s devices, it’ll cost you about $15 per month per device. Some business leaders choose to install MDR only on servers.

Honestly, the cost is not that much considering the phenomenal level of security it provides, but we understand that the MDR cost might just be too darn high for some businesses. (EDR is less expensive at approximately $5-10 per month per device, and other antivirus solutions can boost your cybersecurity for quite a bit less.)

Why Do Companies Choose Managed Detection and Response?

Managed Threat Detection and Response provides for faster, more agile threat response from a dedicated, cybersecurity-focused team that watches your systems 24/7. This human-led response makes MDR the strongest, fastest cybersecurity protection layer available – rivaling the quality of hiring and maintaining your own in-house team of trained security experts around the clock.

Of course, some companies here in Seattle will decide it’s a smarter idea to hire their own in-house cybersecurity team… but you’re not Amazon or Microsoft.

For all the rest of the companies here in Seattle, the best way to achieve high-quality cyber defense for an affordable price is to work with one of the select Managed Services Providers (MSPs) that partner with top Managed Detection and Response providers.

May we recommend our favorite Managed Services Provider? 😉

Choose Interplay, the Seattle MSP Offering MDR Services

For about 20 years now, the friendly and super knowledgeable MSPs at Interplay have helped Seattle business leaders like you secure critical business tech and boost its performance – and we’re happy to lend your organization a helping hand too.

Get started on your path to better cybersecurity with Interplay’s 100% free, 100% secure tool: the DIY checklist to cybersecurity. It’ll take you about 15-20 minutes to complete, after which you’ll have a pretty good view of where your security may be facing gaps. With that knowledge, you’ll be well prepared to determine if now is the time to make a change in your systems, or if you have the space to wait just a little longer.

It’s Free and Helpful…What Do You Have to Lose? 

Take the DIY IT Health Assessment now.

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Photo by Tyler Franta from Unsplash