Managed Detection & Response (MDR)
MDR – Real Protection for Real Businesses
More Than A Lock On The Door – A Full Security System
Many businesses run with basic cyber defences that are similar to a single lock on the front door. That helped for a long time. Today’s threats are smarter. They target email, cloud apps, endpoints and credentials. MDR brings everything together so you have a full security system, not just a lock.
What MDR actually does
MDR is the glue that gathers signals from your security tools: endpoint protection, email filtering, multi-factor authentication, cloud services and more, then analyses those signals, filters out noise and raises clear, actionable alerts. It combines automated detection with human review, so real threats are identified and contained quickly.
How it Works, Simply
- We connect to the security products you already use or we can recommend alternatives.
- Data flows into a monitoring engine that looks for suspicious patterns.
- Automated playbooks stop common attacks fast.
- A security analyst reviews anything high risk and escalates or remediates as needed.
- You get clear reports and recommendations so you can see what matters.
Why Integrations Matter
MDR only works well if it can see the right signals. Integrations with Office 365, your endpoint tool, identity providers such as Duo, and others make MDR far more effective. Some products do not integrate as deeply and that limits visibility and value. We will review your stack up front and show what can and cannot be covered.
What You Need for MDR to Work Well
MDR is an enhancement, not a replacement.
To provide meaningful monitoring we normally expect:
- Endpoint detection and response in place, or a plan to deploy it.
- Cloud and SaaS visibility, especially email and collaboration platforms.
- Basic identity protection such as multi-factor authentication.
If these are not yet in place we can help prioritise the shortlist so MDR can start delivering value quickly.
What MDR Includes
- Continuous automated monitoring and alerting.
- Security Operations Centre support: human analysts triage and investigate serious incidents.
- SIEM-style correlation: events from different sources are combined to reveal real threats.
- Playbook-driven response with escalation to your team for critical actions.
- Regular reporting and practical recommendations.
Not Just for Big Organisations
MDR used to be the preserve of large enterprises. That has changed. Automation, shared expertise and cloud-based platforms mean advanced monitoring and response are now affordable for small and medium businesses. MDR lets you buy enterprise-class protection without hiring a full security operations team.
What About Cost and Value?
MDR is typically a new line in the IT or security budget, but it is not a prohibitive one. You pay for continuous monitoring, automation and access to shared analyst expertise that would be expensive to run in-house. In many cases, MDR reduces the risk of costly breaches and downtime and shortens incident handling time, which quickly offsets the subscription cost.
If your business has some basic defences but no central visibility, MDR turns fragmented alerts into real investigations and actions. If you already have a mature security stack, MDR tightens response and reduces mean time to contain. If you are missing key integrations, we will be clear about what MDR can and cannot do up front.
The Benefits at a Glance
- Faster detection and faster response.
- Better visibility across cloud, email and endpoints.
- Reduced burden on your internal IT team.
- Access to security analysts without hiring them.
- Practical guidance to improve your security posture over time.
MDR: Top FAQs Answered
What is MDR, and how is it different from traditional antivirus or SOC services
MDR (Managed Detection and Response) is a proactive cybersecurity service that combines advanced threat detection technology with 24/7 expert monitoring and rapid incident response. Unlike traditional antivirus or a basic Security Operations Centre (SOC), MDR actively hunts for threats, not just alerts you to them, and takes action to contain or remove them in real time.
Why would my business need MDR if we already have a firewall and endpoint protection?
Firewalls and antivirus tools are important, but they mainly block known threats. MDR adds an intelligent layer that detects unknown or emerging attacks such as zero-day exploits, fileless malware, or insider threats and responds before they cause damage. It’s about closing the gaps that traditional defences can’t cover.
What are the costs involved, and how do they compare to building in-house capability?
Typically, MDR is far more cost-effective than setting up an in-house SOC. Building internally would mean hiring skilled analysts, buying monitoring tools, and maintaining 24/7 coverage. MDR offers that expertise and technology as a managed service, at a predictable monthly cost.
How quickly can MDR respond to a real attack?
Response times vary by provider, but leading MDR services can detect and contain threats within minutes. This speed is critical, the faster a threat is contained, the less chance it has to spread or cause disruption.
Are there any downsides or challenges with MDR?
The main challenge is choosing the right provider. Some MDR solutions are more “alert-based” than “response-based,” meaning they notify you but don’t act. Look for one that offers true detection and response – hands-on containment and remediation not just monitoring.
How do I know MDR is working?
You’ll receive regular reports detailing detected threats, response actions, and recommendations for improving defences. Many services include dashboards that give you visibility into real-time activity and trends.
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