MDR vs SOC: Enhancing Security Posture with MDR

MDR, EDR, SOC, XDR … The cybersecurity industry does love acronyms. This endless stream of alphabet soup can bewilder for industry newcomers and seasoned professionals alike.

A SOC and MDR are not competitive solutions. Instead, a SOC is a foundational component of an MDR solution. A SOC is comprised of highly skilled and experienced cybersecurity experts who monitor IT environments 24/7 to deliver an effective managed detection and response solution.

Keep on reading to learn more about MDR and SOCs to better understand what each is and how they work together.

What is MDR?

MDR is a 24/7 solution that identifies security threats across an organization’s environment by combining technology, security operations, and human expertise to deliver actionable guidance to remediate and eliminate security threats. It works by integrating a security platform with analytics and expert-led services to provide threat detection and response recommendations across cloud, hybrid, on-premises environments, and user accounts and endpoints. MDR puts you ahead of the game, swiftly detecting cyber threats and exposures, diving deep with expert investigations, and powering rapid response to eliminate or contain risks before they can strike.

Here’s a simple run-through of the process:

• Collect raw data
• Develop observations and alerts
• Analyze threats
• Identify true positives and escalate as action-oriented incidents coupled with key recommendations.
• Escalate incidents to trigger automated containment actions and undertake further remediation recommendations
• Eliminate threat

Continue learning: What is MDR?

What is a SOC?

A SOC is a critical component of an effective MDR solution. Simply stated, the SOC is the dedicated cyber-risk team that monitors for and assesses threats and exposures, constantly analyzing data, and hunting to identify and confirm these threats. A Managed SOC has the platform, personnel, and expertise organizations need to detect, investigate, respond to, and mitigate threats before they cause damage. These experts also provide guidance and recommendations that eliminate the threat and harden your security posture.

MDR with a SOC … Better Together

Every business can benefit from an MDR solution to manage their security outcomes. But here’s the catch: If you’re relying on an MDR service without a robust, proven SOC, you’re missing the mark on achieving high-level security.

SOC vs MDR is an idea from years past. An effective MDR solution with a proven SOC will:

• Detect and defend against ransomware attacks
• Monitor cloud activity, applications, and behavior
• Provide visibility into exposures, vulnerabilities, and risky configurations
• Support compliance with cybersecurity governance and mandates

MDR solutions deliver timely, security-relevant, posture-hardening guidance and recommendations designed to enhance security posture. With a focus on measurable outcomes, they empower you to boost your defenses and stay ahead of evolving threats.

What if a Business Has an Internal SOC?

MDR provides turnkey 24/7 SOC capabilities. In years past, organizations with small security teams or IT teams without dedicated security specialists favored MDR.

Things have changed. Today, organizations with established internal SOCs also are taking advantage of MDR to augment their existing security operations with a trusted partner, enabling a rapid acceleration in capabilities through collaboration, specialization, and allocation of shared responsibilities. MDR provides a trusted solution that can free up internal resources to focus on more targeted initiatives.

The landscape has evolved. Today, even organizations with established internal SOCs are leveraging MDR to enhance their security efforts. By partnering with a trusted MDR provider, they accelerate their capabilities, benefiting from specialized expertise, seamless collaboration, and the shared distribution of responsibilities. MDR offers a proven solution that empowers internal teams to reallocate resources toward more strategic initiatives, boosting overall security and efficiency.

With a comprehensive MDR solution like Fortra’s Alert Logic MDR, you’ll experience the peace of mind that comes from a security solution with a global 24/7 SOC. And you’ll quickly see the benefits achieved with MDR with a SOC instead of SOC vs MDR.

Additional Resources:

Securing the Digital Frontier: The Indispensable Role of SOCs in Modern Cybersecurity

Is Your Organization Ready for an In-house SOC?

SOC Automation: Preventing Analyst Burnout

Iodine Software Case Study