A lot of businesses need a hand with their security operations. Resources and budgets are stretched thin, but cybersecurity is no less important. Many business owners can benefit from comparing MSSP vs. MDR for a cost-effective yet efficient security solution.
Truthfully, busy business owners have the most to gain from enhancing their security posture. Hackers know that busy people have less time to spend on cybersecurity, and they’re happy to exploit this.
MDR service providers and MSSPs offer a solution to this problem. It’s important to note that many MSSPs provide MDR services, but not all. So, understanding each term is key to helping you decide between MDR vs. an MSSP, or a partner that offers both.
What is an MSSP in Cyber Security?
A managed security service provider (MSSP) is an IT firm that specializes in managed cybersecurity services. MSSPs cover a wide range of security needs. This may include network security, digital forensics, vulnerability management services, security analysts, and more.
MSSPs offer ongoing support and guidance to help their clients identify and prioritize their security risks. This includes cyber security consulting services and advanced security tools that best fit each client’s specific needs.
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What is MDR?
Managed detection and response (MDR) is a human-led process that leverages technology to quickly find and remediate threats. MDR is usually an outsourced IT service that may come from an outsourced cyber security service.
MDR solutions typically include 4 main components.
- Threat detection: the process of identifying and recognizing potential threats
- Incident response: the process of managing and responding to known threats
- Security monitoring: 24×7 monitoring to aid in fast threat detection
- Threat Intelligence: strong expertise in the latest cyber threats and hacker motives
SIEM vs. MDR
SIEM (security information and event management) is a tool that collects and analyzes data from across your network to check for threats. MDR providers may leverage SIEM, but there are a few key differences.
| SIEM | MDR | |
| Definition | A tool | A service led by experts |
| Purpose | To monitor for and alert users of suspicious activity | To actively hunt for and respond to potential threats |
| Data Sources | Collects and analyzes data from various sources across the network | Analyzes network traffic, endpoint device activity, and emerging cybersecurity trend |
| Detection Methods | Uses predefined rules to detect threats | Uses behavior-based analysis to detect and respond to threats in real-time |
| Alert Prioritization | Prioritizes alerts based on predefined rules or severity of the threat | Prioritizes alerts based on relevance to the organization and severity of the threat |
| Expertise Required | Technical expertise is required to operate and configure a SIEM solution | A team of security experts who investigate and remediate security incidents |
What Are The Steps of MDR?
MDRs services generally follow 4 main steps.
1. Detection
The first step in the MDR process is to detect threats. Automated tools analyze data sources like log files and network traffic to find potential threats. Then, human experts review the results and analyze further to confirm if the threat is real or not.
2. Containment
Once the human team validates the threat, the next step is to contain it. This involves taking immediate action to prevent the threat from spreading or causing further damage. This could include isolating affected systems or blocking network traffic from known malicious sources.
3. Eradication
After containing the threat, the next step is eradicating it completely. This involves removing malware and fixing exploited vulnerabilities to ensure the threat cannot return.
4. Recovery
The final step in the MDR process is to restore systems and data to their normal state. This could involve restoring data from backups, repairing or replacing affected systems, and taking steps to prevent similar threats from occurring in the future.
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Why Choose an MSSP?
MSSPs are a good fit for smaller to mid-sized organizations that can’t afford in-house cybersecurity experts and for large enterprises that want to get more done in less time.
One of the biggest benefits of an MSSP is that they can provide enhanced security expertise. An MDR provider should also have this, but MSSPs can offer longer term support across multiple security verticals.
MSSPs are generally more flexible than MDR-only providers. You can usually scale their services as your needs change while maintaining a relatively predictable cost. With 67% of businesses planning to increase their cybersecurity budget, finding cost-efficient solutions is essential.
Why Choose MDR Services?
If you specifically need MDR services, you may opt for an MDR provider over an MSSP. That’s because not all MSSPs offer MDR and MDR providers are laser-focused on one service.
MDR providers can be a good fit for organizations that need a one-time MDR project or a short-term engagement. Most MSSPs are better suited to long term partnerships.
Choose an MSSP That Offers MDR for Complete Protection
You don’t need to choose between MSSP vs. MDR. It’s easy to get all the benefits of both by partnering with an MSSP that offers MDR. This gives you continuous threat monitoring and a consistent team of security experts at your side.
Redpoint Cybersecurity is an MSSP that offers the only 24×7 MDR service that covers cloud, hybrid, and on-prem environments. Most other MDR providers cover just one. Our MDR service, Red Recon, is SIEM-powered. That means you’ll get the best of both SIEM and MDR when you choose Red Recon.
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