Putting Your IT Worries to Bed: The Role of MDR

 

Do you recall when simply having good backups was your primary line of defense and perhaps the key to a peaceful night’s rest? As those in the IT world know all too well, the industry’s landscape has significantly changed, and with these changes come new challenges. Today, the prospect of a security incident can keep us awake at night.

A good antivirus product used to be all that was needed to keep your systems secure.  These first-generation security tools (still important) use dictionaries of known data sequences to identify threats.  However, the growing complexity of today’s digital environment calls for more robust solutions.

One of the most insidious threats we face today are Advanced Persistent Threats (APT). These attacks are characterized by their stealthy nature, with attackers slowly identifying weak points in a system and gradually making their way in. Spotting these threats is akin to finding a needle in a haystack. Until recently, the “best” way to see these threats was to constantly scour hundreds of log files scattered all over your systems, which produces so much noise that it makes that method almost useless in most organizations.

This is where Managed Detection and Response (MDR) steps in, which we often call “ADT for your IT.” Picture MDR as a system of invisible sensors placed throughout your devices, constantly monitored by a dedicated Security Operations Center (SOC). This team of experts closely monitors potential security anomalies, verifying and addressing threats as they arise. If a genuine threat is detected, they can promptly disconnect the compromised computer from the network, mitigating potential damage. Then, they contact us so we can take action.

We’ve been introducing MDR to our clients over recent years and have seen firsthand the advantages of this approach. Rather than sifting through hundreds of log files, MDR zeroes in on unusual activities. Behaviors such as a program asking for elevated privileges (when it has never done that before) or a computer scanning the rest of the network will trigger a review by a human.  Combining sophisticated sensors and a proactive security team makes MDR a valuable business asset.

At Interplay, while we consider MDR a crucial component of our security toolkit, it’s not the only resource we utilize. We’ll discuss our comprehensive security framework in future blog posts.

For more information on Advanced Persistent Threats, MDR, and SOCs, check out these helpful resources:

Understanding Advanced Persistent Threats

SOC vs MDR: Deciding the Best Cybersecurity Service for Your Business

Why Businesses Should Invest in Managed Detection and Response

Rest assured, with MDR as part of your security strategy, you’ll have one less thing to worry about. Sleep easy, knowing your IT environment is well-guarded.

Seattle-based businesses can rely on Interplay for reliable MDR services. With over 20 years of experience in securing critical company data and IT systems, we can effectively protect your organization from all types of cyberthreats. Reach out to us today.