The evolution of Managed Detection and Response (MDR)

Introduction

“How future-proof is our security?”

That’s the question every organisation needs to be asking in these times of cyberattacks that are evolving in complexity, sophistication and frequency even as security teams struggle to keep pace. Indeed, the likelihood of an attack has now become a question of “When it happens…” rather than “If it happens…”.

This being the case, most companies understand the need for adding Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services to their cybersecurity arsenal. These services usually include continuous monitoring of endpoints, networks, and other critical assets for known threats, applying tools like Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR). MDR providers alert clients to suspicious activity, help them with incident triage, and guide them through containment and remediation efforts. However, while they provide a foundational level of security effective for managing common and identified risks, basic MDR services now lack the advanced capabilities needed to anticipate, detect and fight the constant barrage of unknown or emerging threats. Let’s examine where the gaps exist and what can be done to fill these.

Limited detection capabilities

Traditional MDR services often rely on pre-configured detection rules and signature-based methods that are effective for detecting and responding to known threats but struggle with sophisticated or emerging attacks. In addition, the increasing shift to cloud environments and hybrid work models has resulted in a hugely expanded attack surface which is difficult to monitor. This leaves organisations vulnerable to zero-day exploits and Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) which a more proactive approach can identify and mitigate.

Reactive incident response

Incident response in basic MDR setups tends to be reactive, lacking the threat hunting abilities that advanced techniques like behavioral analytics and AI tools offer. As a result, they can miss identification of sophisticated attack patterns. This slows down containment efforts during critical situations like ransomware attacks that an extended MDR system can handle. Organisations that incorporate advanced threat hunting via a modern MDR solution bolster their defenses, improving incident response efficiency and recovery time. For example, automated playbooks in extended solutions can isolate compromised devices or block malicious IPs within seconds, drastically reducing the time attackers have to cause damage.

Fragmented visibility

MDR services often struggle with visibility in complex, hybrid environments, such as those involving multi-cloud setups or remote endpoints, causing critical threats to sometimes go unnoticed. Seamless integration with a wider and more advanced range of security tools can provide a unified view resulting in better threat detection, giving security teams a single source of truth and ensuring unified protection across all attack surfaces.

Static threat intelligence

Reliance on static threat intelligence feeds is another limitation of traditional MDR services, especially given how rapidly the threat landscape is evolving. Incorporating real-time threat intelligence that combines global insights and contextual data to provide a more dynamic and accurate picture helps organisations tackle both current and emerging threats.

Compliance and risk management challenges

Compliance reporting and risk assessment often add  to the workload of already overburdened security teams. Manual processes also limit scalability and consistency that automation can overcome, saving time, improving accuracy and effectiveness, and meeting  compliance requirements.

Global cybercrime is expected to cost over $9 trillion in 2024, with projections indicating an increase to $10.5 trillion by 2025. Industries with high-value assets, critical infrastructure, and stringent compliance requirements like financial services, manufacturing, healthcare and energy & utilities are increasingly adopting advanced MDR services in a bid to secure enhanced safety. These enhanced MDR offerings use a broader, more comprehensive approach that is tailored to every organisation’s unique risk profile, industry, and operational needs. By combining the advanced technologies like Artificial intelligence and machine learning, skilled human expertise, and up-to-date threat intelligence that advanced MDR offers, organisations can effectively safeguard their most critical assets, reduce the risk of operational disruptions, and protect their brand reputation. Investing in these cutting-edge security services today builds a resilient defense, preparing businesses to face the constantly evolving landscape of cyber threats with confidence.

This Point-of-View (POV) document by Tata Communications gives a comprehensive look at how value-added MDR services can significantly enhance your cybersecurity posture. Read the POV. 

Stay ahead of cyber threats—Contact Tata Communications for Cyber Security Solutions today to strengthen your cybersecurity posture.