Detecting and responding to cyber threats is challenging for any org, but even more so for small security teams. The scope and sophistication of today’s attacks makes it nearly impossible for lean teams to keep up.

To put it bluntly – it’s an unfair fight.

By tapping into a managed detection and response (MDR) service, small security teams can even the playing field.

MDR services make threat monitoring and response attainable for any team, large or small. These providers offer deep domain expertise and understanding of the threat landscape, along with robust research tools and skills that extend your security capabilities.

And their constant vigilance means you don’t just have a staff member on watch in the security operations center (SOC) at 3 AM – you have a team of experts monitoring alerts on your behalf. Best of all? Some providers will even remediate the threats for you and give you a report after the incident.

Here are seven reasons why adding a third-party MDR service to the team might be the right choice for your org.

  1. Get time back by having someone else handle alert monitoring for your org’s environment. Cyberattacks can strike anytime, day or night, even weekends and holidays (who are we kidding – especially on holidays). With an MDR service, your team can rest easy while skilled security experts remain on watch, ready to respond to suspicious activity. Some MDR services provide 24/7 alert monitoring so attackers don’t slip through the cracks during off hours.
  2. Benefit from tools and techniques you don’t have in-house. MDR providers use highly accurate, continuously updated security tools and techniques to identify potential threats on your behalf. There’s no need for you to worry about product updates or patches.
  3. Get deep domain knowledge and the latest threat intelligence without making a single hire. Your security capabilities are augmented by the provider’s experts, who are experienced at detection and remediation while staying current on the latest threat trends and techniques. Beyond their detection and response duties, the provider can offer support for inquiries and even remediation recommendations
  4. Remediate threats before they impact your org. If a malicious file slips into your environment (like malware embedded in an emailed file or deliberately introduced by a network insider), it’s critical to identify it, investigate the forensics, and eradicate the threat as quickly as possible. Your MDR provider can establish automated remediation playbooks to ensure the threat is isolated and removed, including identifying any lateral movement or child processes initiated by the malware.
  5. Have better control over your response strategy. The best way to respond to an incident isn’t always clear-cut. By partnering with an MDR provider – whether you collaborate with them throughout an incident or let them carry the ball – you benefit from their expertise and guidance.
  6. Bolster your security with proactive hunting for hidden threats. Sophisticated attacks sometimes find their way past even the most proficient defenses. Some MDR providers offer rigorous hunting capabilities to root out malicious files and other non-remediated threats within an organization’s network.
  7. Counteract staffing shortages and brain drain. Even if you have the budget to grow your security team, chances are you have struggled to fill open positions. It’s a challenge facing orgs worldwide, with no end in sight. Fortunately, your MDR provider can fill your security gaps, whether they’re short or long term. You can stop worrying about training a rotating door of analysts who take institutional knowledge with them each time.

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