There are seemingly endless network security acronyms out there. If you are not familiar with the industry lingo, you might as well be hearing someone speaking Martian. MDR, MSSP, and SIEM are three of the most prevalent types of security services out there. Let’s look at the differences between MDR versus MSSP or SIEM.
What Is MDR?
Managed detection and response (MDR) is one of the most sought-after network security services. With a global market that is expected to reach over $7 billion by 2028, enterprises are clearly being attracted by its general security offerings.
At its most basic level, MDR solutions combine human and technological security features to make networks safer. This is accomplished through hands-on detection and response. An MDR solution will bring a security operations center (SOC) filled with industry-leading experts and a host of next-gen tools, combined as a service-based offering.
The thing that really sets MDR solutions apart from the other options on this list is its commitment to rapid response times. When your networks are under attack, how long it takes to isolate and contain the threat can massively affect the final impact—both in terms of data loss and financial costs. When you consider the average breach is not identified for over 200 days, the ability of MDR to spot and stop a threat in a matter of hours is an incredible improvement. Not only can MDR services identify there is an issue faster, but they also have the people and tools behind the scenes to go into overdrive to take care of it.
Enterprises that have highly sensitive data, such as healthcare, government bodies, or financial institutions, should seriously look at the benefits of MDR solutions. Organizations that cannot afford to have their data compromised will benefit the most from deploying MDR solutions.
What Is MSSP?
At first glance, many will not see much difference between a managed security service provider (MSSP) and MDR solutions. While they both offer services to enterprises that want to boost their security posture, what’s offered by MSSPs does not quite match up to MDR solutions.
Generally speaking, MSSPs are like MDR light. Yes, they will provide you with some tools to help you detect threats on your network, but unlike with MDR solutions, MSSPs will not take care of everything. When there is an alert, it is your organization’s job to investigate the root causes.
In a way, it is easy to think of MSSPs as just a less comprehensive version of MDR solutions. This is, for the most part, an accurate assessment. Many MSSPs are aware of the advantages of MDR solutions and have started moving their branding in that direction. For this reason, it is important to know how to spot a true MDR solution versus what’s just passing for one.
What Is SIEM?
Security informant and event management (SIEM) is the final product up for discussion here. Once again, SIEM is sort of just a more watered-down version of the products and services that have been discussed in previous sections.
An SIEM is typically going to be less expensive than MSSPs or MDR solutions, but will also come with far less in-depth functionality. In fact, some MDR solutions will come with an SIEM built right into their overall design. This type of solution is probably going to be best for an enterprise that has large IT and security teams, which will be able to handle the tasks required for running and maintaining SIEM.
Why Should You Choose MDR?
After seeing the differences between MDR solutions, MSSPs, and SIEM, you still might not be sure which is the best option for your organization. There’s one final advantage to MDR solutions that might just push you in that direction.
When you get a good MDR solution, it is going to pay for itself. Open Systems’ MDR+, for example, makes its costs worthwhile in under six months, with a 174 percent ROI over three years. If you are looking for a justification, there are few stakeholders who will not be intrigued by these kinds of numbers.
Network security is of the utmost importance in today’s world. No matter what security solution is best for your organization, make sure you act to keep your critical data safe from attackers.
