MDR vs MSSP: Choosing the Right Security Partner for Your Business
Blink and everything has changed. In the cybersecurity world new threats constantly arise and existing threats evolve. Social engineering, for example, has morphed from everyday phishing attacks to super-sophisticated Spear Phishing, QR Code Phishing (Quishing), Smishing (SMS Phishing), Vishing (Voice Phishing), and Angler Phishing.
All of these mean that cybersecurity is becoming increasingly complex and posing an even bigger threat in today’s business landscape. The only way to stay safe is to be proactive and stay ahead, and that means rock solid security measures are a must. As trusted cybersecurity partners, we play a critical role in mitigating cyber risks and protecting sensitive data.
Understanding Managed Detection and Response (MDR)
Increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks demand expert attention. One of the ways we address these threats head-on for our clients is via Managed Detection Response (MDR). This is a managed cybersecurity solution that blends continual monitoring, threat detection, analysis, and response capabilities to protect systems and data in real time.
The real-time monitoring, threat hunting, and incident response provided by MDR services enhances detection by combining advanced technologies and human expertise to deliver fast identification and response. As the overall security of your organisation improves over time, it becomes better able to identify hidden threats that might have slipped through traditional security measures.
MDR helps your business detect and mitigate advanced threats, including zero-day exploits and targeted attacks. By swiftly identifying and responding as they happen, we safeguard your digital assets from evolving cyber-attacks and stay ahead in the ongoing fight against cybercrime.
Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) Explained
The ability to detect and respond to threats quickly and effectively is crucial for the health and security of your business IT. A Managed Security Service provider (MSSP) company provides a range of cybersecurity services including MDR, security monitoring, threat intel, and support. If you don’t have the internal expertise or resources, MSSPs are an excellent way to manage your systems 24/7/365.
Partnering with an MSSP involves outsourcing, monitoring, and managing your security functions as well as the devices people use. A combination of cybersecurity expertise, cutting-edge tech and tools, and proven processes helps your organisation improve and extend its security capabilities.
Our MSSP service manages and maintains every element of cybersecurity, helping your team to understand and respond to threats. Vulnerability Management, Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Incident Response, cybersecurity awareness training, and more provide you with comprehensive cybersecurity cover, however diverse and complex your needs are.
Key Considerations When Choosing Between MDR and MSSP
So do you choose MDR or MSSP? The choice depends on your current internal cybersecurity resources, your budget, the specific regulations and laws your business must comply with, and the complexity of the threats you face.
MDR detects cyber threats and responds as quickly as possible, and is one of the most proactive approaches to cybersecurity, chosen by organisations whose regulatory landscape means a high level of security is a must. It’s perfect for companies lacking the internal resources for 24/7 monitoring and response, and for those without a fully-staffed security centre and expert personnel.
MSSP services, including 24/7 managed detection and response, have a wider remit incorporating all three pillars of cybersecurity: Offensive, Defensive and Compliance. This will improve overall cybersecurity hygiene in organisations that don’t have a cybersecurity monitoring system or team in-house.
An MSSP service might be best for companies who don’t have the internal resources to monitor systems, networks and infrastructure 24/7 but still want holistic security management.
Evaluating MDR and MSSP Providers
So how do you find the best MDR or MSSP provider for your organisation? Here’s a checklist to help you evaluate potential MDR and MSSP partners:
- Choose a cybersecurity company with a high level of experience
- Find a partner with the right certifications
- Make sure they offer the right range of services
- Insist on teams who understand the complexities of the regulatory and legal environment you operate in
- Identify a partner whose products and services align closely with your cybersecurity and risk mitigation strategies
- Check the company’s track record by looking at reviews, case studies, and feedback
- Make sure they can scale the service up or down as needed
- Ensure they provide the right level of customer support
Now you know what’s what, here’s an example of just one of many successful collaborations, in this case a UK-based renewable energy provider.
The project clearly involved Critical National Infrastructure. The company was growing fast and the vital wind farm relationships they’d built meant they needed to improve and future-proof data and system security.
We took time to understand the unique business challenges and requirements, then assessed the existing IT and security against the NIST framework to see where cyber security needed to improve. Ultimately recommending our fully managed, CREST accredited Security Operations Centre (SOC) service, the first stage involved an in-depth Threat Model Workshop.
As soon as we’d agreed on a suitable Design Document and deployed our 24/7/365 service, we started work. Because we prioritised systems that either held sensitive data or were operationally critical, making them safe first, the energy supplier could move ahead with their plans.
A blend of expert penetration testing, Cyber Essentials certification and Security Operations Centre (SOC) service boosted the client’s overall security and cut risk, all without an extra burden on the client’s IT and security people.
Because our SOC team neutralises incidents within minutes, notifying the energy supplier’s IT team and making incidents and activity visible in real-time, cyber security is much more visible in the business, given the priority it deserves.
As it expands the business will ultimately fall under the National Infrastructure Directive’s Network and Information Systems Regulations or NIS. We’re confident they’ll be able to comply with the regulation when the time comes.
Navigating Regulatory Compliance with MDR or MSSP
The regulatory landscape is incredibly complex. Luckily the best MDR and MSSP services will help you meet the regulatory requirements your organisation faces, whether it’s an overall guide like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), ISO 27001, or industry-specific standards like PCI DSS (the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) and HIPAA.
Continuous monitoring, incident response readiness, and data protection measures in achieving and maintaining compliance play a crucial role in business security and, ultimately, business success, as you’ll see from our next example, Malvern Panalytical.
Malvern Panalytical combines cutting edge engineering with the latest developments in IoT, cloud based services, data analytics and AI, keen to create a better world. Their new cloud-based Smart Manager held and processed a lot of critical data and the team responsible, Frontier Analytics, was advised to go for ISO 27001 certification.
First we built a detailed working plan outlining what we’d need to fully understand the requirements, create the standards and test the audit process before certification. Training, education, and awareness played a key part in making sure the entire business knew what ISO 27001 was and who was responsible.
Our risk assessment and gap analysis explored existing security and controls at every stage, identifying improvements and making recommendations. We supported Malvern Panalytical in designing a unique ISMS to suit their risk management process, products and the organisation, and after a two-stage audit with a UKAS certified body, everything was validated and the client was awarded ISO 27001 certification.
Choosing the Right Security Partner
To sum things up, MSSP security provides outsourced security management and monitoring using services covering the full spectrum of cybersecurity protection. Constant monitoring discovers anomalies and sends alerts to you for action. As such MSSPs fill gaps in in-house capabilities to deliver high security standards.
MDR services specifically go on the defensive once threats have been found. They can mitigate threats, provide forensics, and recommend how you should respond. It’s ideal when you have to comply with strict regulations, meet tough security standards, and maximise your threat response.
Whatever route you choose, it’s vital to align security strategies with your business goals and the cyber risks you face. Conduct an in-depth assessment of your cybersecurity needs, explore the services provided by potential partners, make informed decisions to enhance your overall security, and all should be well.
Do you need MDR, MSSP, or both? We’ll make professional recommendations to keep you on the right track. Get in touch or call us on 0800 090 3734.