Managed Detection And Response Services: How To Find A Trusted Partner?

By Author: Kim Marmoy
Total Articles: 12
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With data breaches continuing to increase in frequency and making headline news, cyber-security is a rising concern for businesses around the world. Today, with security tasks and responsibilities expanding indefinitely, most enterprises - small and large, lack the internal expertise required to protect their network. So, to identify and remediate the threats that have evaded traditional security controls, companies of all sizes are seeking out managed detection and response (MDR) services as a superior alternative to traditional security service options.

Organisations’ evolving need for security solutions that provide more than just limited anti-malware has led to the emergence of a new tool called managed threat detection and response. It is a tool that helps small and medium enterprises to prevent the risk of cyber-attacks to their businesses, while keeping the costs low. MDR services combine advanced technology with human expertise and particular methodologies to keep businesses secure.

And, with MDR providers varying in efficacy, choosing a provider who puts your interest first is a bit challenging. Here’s ...
... how you can find the right partner for your business.

Key Criteria To Consider When Seeking Out MDR Services

• Best practices regarding response plans and mature processes incorporating threat intelligence

• Tailored incident and response processes which complement your existing operations

• Seamless ticketing integration for unifying and simplifying processes across external teams

• Customisable service level agreements and tailored reporting processes, thus allowing you to design your own program, success metrics and then receive reports

5 Vital Considerations To Help You Choose The Best MDR Partner

1. Comprehensive Monitoring
Solid telemetry is the key to 24/7 managed detection. Reliable MDR service providers gather data from all devices on your network, monitor the traffic constantly, and build a complete view of your organisation. You must choose MDR services that can pull in data from various endpoints, networks, and cloud services in operations across your business.

2. Professional Remediation Advice
If the conditions that enabled the incident to develop aren’t addressed, it can happen once again. An efficient MDR service will highlight the cause of any detected incident – be it a hacked user account or misconfigured software. Recommendations should be swiftly made so that the necessary changes to software updates, policies, or tightened network accessories can be put into immediate effect.

3. Quick Response
Detection of threats is of limited use if it doesn’t prompt a fast response. Since a swift response reduces the potential damage, MDR services must be primed to react in real-time. Having 24/7 access to specialists is thus crucial. Based on the threat level, it is also essential to notify the right people so that major decisions and necessary changes can be made on-time.

4. Compliance & Regulatory Requirements
Staying up-to-date with the newest regulations and ensuring full compliance is a full-time job in itself. However, dedicated MDR service providers must fully understand what’s required precisely. An initial audit of your network must prompt advice on ways to enhance security and ensure compliance.

So, look for a partner who provides effective managed detection and response services, adopts leading practices, keeps an eye on the regulatory horizon, and unravels the mysteries and complexities of compliance.

5. Tailored To Your Specific Needs
Every business has a definite budget to work with. Security posture and risk tolerance vary from one organisation to another. You need to look for an MDR partner who is willing to work within your budget, with your existing infrastructure, and can fill gaps in your internal expertise. Depending on your business, you may also need some flexibility, based on the needs of your business.

Conclusion:
With modern technologies adding immense value to defence mechanisms, opting for managed detection and response can be worth the investment for every organisation. No matter how small or big your business, it is worth taking the time and effort to find a reliable MDR partner for your business.

Author’s Bio:
The author is a cyber-security specialist with profound knowledge of securing business networks from threats and data breaches. He loves keeping businesses informed about how to stay ahead of the curve with the best practices. Reading his other write-ups will help you have a better understanding of safeguarding your business.