MDR, MSSP or SOC: What Enterprises Should Look For

Whether you are an avid or a first-time reader of the Compuquip blog, you are likely all-too-aware of the critical importance of cyber security. You may even be familiar with some modern precepts on the topic, such as, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and few minutes of cyber incident to ruin it,” or “Security isn’t something you buy, it’s something you do, and it takes talented people to do it right.” These sayings are pithy, well-meaning, and largely accurate, but when you are in the trenches of making cyber security decisions for your company, you need more than broad clichés – you need specifics. 

The double-edged sword of cyber security specifics is that there is a veritable abundance of terms and acronyms describing and relating to security undertakings, processes, tools, and practices. This can be a terrific source of information and options if you are well-versed in the minutiae of security operations. However, for a lay person, or even a trained IT professional who blinks at the wrong time, the glut of buzzwords and letter combinations that all resemble one another can get confusing in a hurry. Even more so when you realize that these security terms are used interchangeably and with different meanings depending on who you are asking. 

So, let’s set the record straight on a few key security ideas, and make sure you have the guidance necessary to choose the best strategy for your enterprise. The three terms this blog will explore are MDR, MSSP, and SOC. MDR stands for Managed Detection and Response; MSSP stands for Managed Security Services Provider; and SOC stands for Security Operations Center. There is a good chance you have heard at least one and possibly all three of these acronyms before. What do they really mean, what are the differences between them, how do they complement each other, and how to choose between MDR, MSSP, and SOC? Let’s dive in.

What is MDR?

Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is a security service that emphasizes real-time detection and response to threats. Through a combination of advanced technology and professional expertise, MDR services will monitor your systems, hunt down threats, and actively respond to security incidents. The service is designed to swiftly identify and mitigate potential security incidents before they can cause significant damage. Although MDR operates in both a proactive and a reactive way, the focus on its response capability is what primarily differentiates MDR from other services. 

The benefits of MDR are myriad for organizations who do not have an in-house security team to manage and respond to alerts, and who are seeking to enhance their cyber security posture. MDRs offer proactive threat hunting, which can reduce the time it takes to apprehend potential problems and thereby minimize damage. Moreover, MDR services leverage the skills of trained security analysts who can interpret threats as they are intercepted. But most significantly, MDR is incredibly useful for organizations that are dealing with highly sensitive data that requires 24/7 monitoring – continuous, round-the-clock vigilance that provides peace of mind that your network is protected even outside of regular business hours.

MDR services are distinguished by some key features at the forefront of their security offerings. Providers use sophisticated tools and techniques to allow for advanced threat detection, including behavioral analysis, machine learning, and threat intelligence. Furthermore, as mentioned previously, the incident response time is close to immediate, and involves containment, eradication, and recovery processes to minimize damage and restore normal operations. Finally, the integration of global threat intelligence feeds helps MDR providers stay ahead of emerging threats. MDR is just one tool among a vast array needed to safeguard your business. Now we will look at a much broader but less specialized solution that can encompass MDR.

What is a MSSP?

Managed Security Services Providers (MSSPs) offer a comprehensive range of security services, including network monitoring, vulnerability management, compliance reporting, and more. An IT service provider offering managed security services will focus on sending credible alerts to threats, but not actively respond to them. Some MSSPs may offer MDR services, but not all do. Essentially, an MSSP aims to be a one-stop-shop or catch-all for all your security needs. This can be very useful for companies looking to build IT functionality but who cannot afford to hire a dedicated in-house cyber security team. The trade off is that MSSPs lack deep expertise in any one area, and are largely preventative, which generally makes them a cheaper option. 

However, the lower financial impact can be a major boon to companies who are trying to scale at cost. MSSPs are largely preventative in nature, and can include firewalls, intrusion detection, vulnerability scanning, and security assessments. They may also include managed SIEM (Security Incident and Event Management) – yet another acronym that refers solely to a piece of automated technology that can be deployed as a resource in conjunction with any of these offerings. It is also worth noting that MSSPs are not the exact same as MSP (Managed Service Provider), the former of which details security in particular, and the latter of which is an even wider umbrella of IT and infrastructure services.

The security features an MSSP workload can deliver are vital to a company’s overall security scheme. Network security monitoring, for one, includes real-time analysis and alerting so MSSPs can detect potential threats. This combined with vulnerability management allows for regular scanning, patch management, and remediation efforts to reduce attack surface. Finally, MSSPs are instrumental in compliance support, as the reports they generate provide necessary guidance on best practices to ensure organizations adhere to relevant regulations. Now we will move onto the best of both worlds, an offering that combines the breadth of MSSP with the depth of MDR by allowing both to be utilized harmoniously.

What is a SOC?

A Security Operations Center (SOC) is a centralized unit within an organization that is responsible for dealing with security issues on both an organizational and technical level. Compared to MDR and MSSP, an SOC team (either in-house or SOC-as-a-service) combines the penetrative ability and human know-how of an MDR with the broad scope and automation of an MSSP, often employing both in conjunction, to do a more thorough and high-level job than either could do on its own. SOCs operate around the clock to monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents, and maintain complete operational control over security operations.

The value of a managed SOC is plain to see. SOC benefits comprehensive coverage, deep bench of expertise, and vast customizability of an SOC make it the most well-rounded choice for almost any organization. A holistic approach to end-to-end security monitoring ensures that no potential threat goes undiscovered, and the thorough understanding of security systems and infrastructure that a good SOC operations team can deliver means that specific fixes for specific security challenges are par for the course. This same methodology means flexible and customizable security measures can match your business’ unique risk profile and objectives.

Now let’s break down MDR, MSSP, and SOC directly in terms of what they offer and what your organization needs.

Key Differences and Factors to Consider

MDR services vs. SOC services? MSSP vs. MDR? What about MSSP services vs. SOC? When considering which (or which combination) of these services to employ, you will want to consider your organization’s specific security needs, your budget, your allocable resources, and the regulations you must work within. Additionally, taking into account the track record and reputation of the security services provider – via customer reviews, case studies, and accolades – will help you gauge their reliability and effectiveness. You will also need to consider what each of these security services can do for you.

When comparing SOC vs. MSSP (or SOC-as-a-service vs. MSSP), the choice is clear. Given the different security avenues covered by these solutions, it is worth pointing out the long list of customers who have trusted (and continue to trust) Compuquip over the years with MSSP and SOC operations. Read here to learn more, particularly about how an SOC breach was effectively handled.

Conclusion: Why SOC is the Best Choice

If it wasn’t clear already, our experts at Compuquip will tell you: we have served as an MSSP for years, and in that time we have evaluated over 30 different MDRs, and from every technical standpoint, an SOC is the best solution for almost all organizations. The one caveat is that traditionally, only organizations with over 500 employees can afford an SOC. But if the option is available to you, it will absolutely give you the most bang for your buck. 

At the end of the day, you are the one making decisions for your business. Carefully evaluate your requirements and consider the benefits and limitations of each option to make an informed decision that best protects your enterprise. Examine the technology and tools used by the provider. Ensure they employ advanced and up-to-date security solutions to protect your organization. Providers that leverage cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, can offer more effective threat detection and response. 

By understanding the distinctions between MDR, MSSP, and SOC, and evaluating providers based on key criteria, you can select the solution that best aligns with your organization’s security objectives and budget. Contact us here to learn more about how Compuquip can bring you top-notch security services of all stripes.