What is managed detection and response (MDR)?
What is MDR security?
In cybersecurity, Managed detection and response (MDR) is a fully managed, 24/7 service delivered by experts who specialize in detecting and responding to cyberattacks that technology solutions alone cannot prevent. By combining human expertise with protection technologies and advanced machine learning models, MDR analysts can detect, investigate, and neutralize advanced human-led attacks, preventing data breaches and ransomware.
Why is MDR needed?
Technology alone can’t stop every attack. Today’s well-funded adversaries exploit stolen credentials, security misconfigurations, and legitimate IT security tools to evade traditional cyber defenses, and they’re constantly evolving their tactics.
Most organizations can’t maintain 24/7 threat monitoring on their own. That’s why many turn to managed security services and partner with managed detection and response (MDR) companies for expert, around-the-clock protection against advanced threats.
Demand for MDR services is soaring and Gartner predicts that by 2025, half of all organizations will be using MDR services.
MDR benefits
While each MDR service differs, most include core capabilities and benefits such as:
Superior cyber defenses through scale of expertise
Threat intelligence at scale — organizations that leverage MDR insights from a global network, gain visibility into attack and incidents that no single organization could see on its own.
24/7 threat detection and response
MDR acts as an extension of your team — delivering 24/7 threat detection and response without adding headcount.
Expert-led threat hunting team
Full-scale incident response means, threats are fully eliminated through a combination of automation and human expertise to quickly investigate, validate, and neutralize threats.
Proactive threat response
Attacks are contained before they spread, with root cause analysis to stop them from coming back. Ongoing health checks help maintain a strong security posture.
Confidence in security posture
Customers that enable MDR gain peace of mind, knowing skilled professionals are managing their defenses, all while reclaiming time and reducing burnout.
Bridge the skills gap
Access to specialized cybersecurity talent without facing the challenges of hiring in a highly competitive market. Allowing internal IT and security teams to focus on strategic tasks.
Stronger ROI on security
Gain enterprise-grade protection without the overhead of staffing a full security operations center (SOC).
Reduce cyber risk and cyber insurance costs
MDR helps meet key cyber insurance requirements, improving coverage and premiums. It also lowers the risk of costly incidents — ransomware remediation averaged $1.4M in 2021 — making prevention a smart investment.
Ease of integration
MDR solutions integrate seamlessly with your existing tools — enhancing visibility, streamlining workflows, and maximizing the value of your current security investments.
Broad industry fit
Trusted by organizations in healthcare, IT, retail, and more — MDR scales to meet the needs of any environment.
How do MDR services work?
There are six primary steps to the detection and response process:
- Collection: Security telemetry is gathered from across your IT environment: including endpoint, firewall, network, cloud, email, and identity solutions. The more analysts can see, the faster they can respond.
- Threat Detection: Threat intelligence and business context are applied to identify suspicious activity. Related security events are clustered to streamline investigation and reduce alert fatigue.
- Threat Hunting: Highly-skilled analysts proactively search for hidden threats that bypass automated defenses. They look for tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) commonly used by cybercriminals.
- Investigation: Analysts determine the scope and severity of the threat and identify next steps.
- Remediation: Active threats are contained to prevent spreading, malware is removed and impacted systems are isolated.
- Neutralization: Root cause analysis is performed to fully eliminate the attacker and strengthen defenses to prevent recurrence.
Who should use an MDR service provider?
Organizations of all sizes — from lean IT teams to enterprises with dedicated SOCs — rely on MDR services. But how do they engage with them? There are three primary MDR response models to choose from:
- MDR team completely manages threat response on behalf of the customer.
- MDR team works with the in-house team, co-managing threat response.
- MDR team alerts the in-house team and provides remediation guidance.
Each organization is different and should choose the MDR response model that best meets their needs.
MDR vs. EDR
EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) is a tool that helps analysts detect, investigate, and respond to threats at the endpoint level. MDR (Managed Detection and Response) is a fully managed service — security experts handle detection, investigation, and response for you. With MDR, you're not just buying a tool; you're getting a team.
MDR vs. XDR
XDR (Extended Detection and Response) expands visibility beyond endpoints to include data from firewalls, email, cloud, network, identity, and more. Like EDR, it’s a powerful tool for security teams. MDR service providers may use XDR as part of their service, but with MDR, the provider actively monitors, hunts, and responds to threats on your behalf — across your full environment.
MDR vs. SIEM
SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) is a technology platform that collects and analyzes data from your existing security tools to flag potential threats. In contrast, MDR is a fully managed, human-led service that not only analyzes telemetry but also investigates, responds to, and neutralizes threats on your behalf.
MDR vs. MSSP
MSSPs (Managed Security Services Providers) focus on the ongoing management of security tools—such as configuring firewalls, managing policies, and applying updates. MDR providers specialize in 24/7 threat detection and response. They don’t manage your tools but instead focus on stopping active threats quickly and effectively.
What are the main types of MDR providers?
There are three main types of MDR providers:
- Bring your own technology: These MDR providers ingest data from multiple tools but typically offer limited support beyond alerting. They often lack the depth, speed, and response capabilities needed for effective action.
- Single vendor: These vendors offer MDR services exclusively for their own security products. While integration is strong, customers must often rip and replace existing tools, and responses are limited to what the vendor’s products can control.
- Fully flexible: This model combines the best of both worlds. These MDR service providers support your existing security stack—no need to rip and replace—and can also integrate their own tools to deliver deeper response capabilities.
Choosing the right MDR service provider
When evaluating MDR service providers, organizations should consider:
- Depth of Expertise: What threat intelligence capabilities and security expertise does the provider bring to the table?
- Service Models: Do their response models align with your organizational structure and security goals?
- Staffing and Scale: How many dedicated professionals are delivering the service, and what is their global coverage?
- Industry Experience: Do they have proven success in your sector or with organizations of similar size and complexity?
- 24/7 Operations: How do they deliver around-the-clock monitoring—through global SOCs or other methods?
- Speed of Response:What is their average time to detect, investigate, and neutralize threats?
- Technology Integration: Can they integrate with your existing tools to enhance ROI and simplify operations?
- Customer Satisfaction: What do real customers say in reviews, case studies, and independent platforms?
- Independent Recognition:How do they perform in third-party analyst evaluations like Gartner Peer Insights or IDC MarketScape?
- Breach Warranty: Do they offer one? If so, what level of coverage would your organization qualify for?
MDR pricing comparison
Sophos MDR services deliver proven security outcomes
Sophos Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is the world’s most trusted MDR service, delivering expert-led threat detection, investigation, and response across your entire environment — including endpoints, servers, networks, cloud workloads, and email.
Recognized as a Customers’ Choice in the 2024 Gartner® Voice of the Customer report for MDR, Sophos helps organizations of all sizes reduce risk, stop advanced attacks, and gain peace of mind.
Ready to take the next step? Download the MDR solution brochure or MDR buyers guide, then contact us to get started with Sophos MDR today.
Related security topic: What is endpoint security?
