7 Reasons to Choose an MDR Provider

According to a recent survey^[1], 90% of CISOs running
teams in small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) use a managed
detection and response (MDR) service. That’s a 53% increase from
last year.

Why the dramatic shift to MDR?

CISOs at organizations of any size, but especially SMEs, are
realizing that the threat landscape and the way we do cybersecurity
are among the many things that will never look the same in a
post-2020 world.

The increase in the number of sophisticated attacks, the heavy
reliance on the cloud, limited resources and budgets (exacerbated
by economic uncertainty), and a growing skills gap are all major
contributors to why having an MDR service to support security
operations is becoming a necessity.

Beyond that, there are a number of reasons for why incorporating
an MDR service into your security strategy can provide exceptional
value that even the people who are tightening your budget at your
organization can’t deny.

Here are just seven reasons why you (yes, you – the CISO or
Security Lead of an SME) should consider searching for an MDR
provider:

1. Get time back by having someone else handle alert
   monitoring for your org’s environment. Cyberattacks can
   strike anytime, day or night, even weekends and holidays (who are
   we kidding – especially on holidays). With an MDR service,
   your team can rest easy while skilled security experts remain on
   watch, ready to respond to suspicious activity. MDR services often
   provide 24/7 alert monitoring so attackers don’t slip through the
   cracks during off hours.
2. Benefit from tools and techniques you don’t have
   in-house. MDR providers use highly accurate, continuously
   updated security tools and techniques to identify potential threats
   on your behalf. There’s no need for you to worry about product
   updates or patches.
3. Get deep domain knowledge and the latest threat
   intelligence without making a single hire. Your security
   capabilities are augmented by the provider’s experts, who are
   experienced at detection and remediation while staying current on
   the latest threat trends and techniques. Beyond their detection and
   response duties, the provider can offer support for inquiries and
   even remediation recommendations
4. Remediate threats before they impact your org.
   If a malicious file slips into your environment (like malware
   embedded in an emailed file or deliberately introduced by a network
   insider), it’s critical to identify it, investigate the forensics,
   and eradicate the threat as quickly as possible. Your MDR provider
   can establish automated remediation playbooks to ensure the threat
   is isolated and removed, including identifying any lateral movement
   or child processes initiated by the malware.
5. Have better control over your response
   strategy. The best way to respond to an incident isn’t
   always clear-cut. By partnering with an MDR provider – whether you
   collaborate with them throughout an incident or let them carry the
   ball – you benefit from their expertise and guidance.
6. Bolster your security with proactive hunting for hidden
   threats. Sophisticated attacks sometimes find their way
   past even the most proficient defenses. Some MDR providers offer
   rigorous hunting capabilities to root out malicious files and other
   non-remediated threats within an organization’s network.
7. Counteract staffing shortages and brain drain.
   Even if you have the budget to grow your security team, chances are
   you have struggled to fill open positions. It’s a challenge facing
   orgs worldwide, with no end in sight. Fortunately, your MDR
   provider can fill your security gaps, whether they’re short or long
   term. You can stop worrying about training a rotating door of
   analysts who take institutional knowledge with them each time.

Not sure what kind of MDR service is right for you? Check out
Cynet’s article, MDR Services: Choosing the Best Option
for You^[2], for some helpful
guidance.