Cybersecurity news shows that the number of data breaches is only increasing. In 2021 alone, the data of 700 million LinkedIn users, 553 million Facebook accounts, and 100 million Android users were exposed.
Protecting private data has become more important than ever as more and more of our identities are stored online. Some of the best systems for protecting this data are MDR and MSSP systems. But when it comes to MDR vs. MSSP, which is the right choice? We’ve created the following guide explaining how they work and how you should decide on the best system for your organization.
What Is MDR?
Managed detection and response (MDR) solutions work to identify active threats. Once they’ve detected that is a system is compromised, they respond in real-time to eliminate and contain them. Managed detention response keeps you safe by reducing the time it takes to discover threats. Research shows that while most companies take over 200 days to notice and local a security breach, MDR will identify it in a few hours.
What Is MSSP?
A managed security service provider (MSSP) will monitor your networks and inform you if something is amiss. MSSPs are technically the parent solution for MDRs, meaning that MSSPs can include MDR work. However, they’re compared as leading security solutions because an MSSP system won’t go into depth as an MDR system will.
For instance, say a data breach has become a threat to your system. Both the MSSP and MDR systems will alert you that there’s an anomaly. However, the MSSP’s main function of prevention will already have been bypassed. With MSSPs, the response element is the responsibility of the customer. Meanwhile, the MDR will have the capabilities to find a solution.
MDR vs. MSSP: 4 Key Differences
MDR and MSSP both have their value, but they have a few key differences in their functionality. Here’s an overview of what these differences are.
1. MSSPs Focus on Prevention, MDRs Focus on Problem-Solving
An MDR system does a great job at identifying a threat if it’s already present, but an MSSP will do a better job at preventing that threat in the first place. MSSP solutions typically include security measures like firewalls, web gateways, and other antivirus tools. Meanwhile, MDRs focus on solving problems after they already exist. MDR software does a great job at identifying and neutralizing problems but doesn’t stop them from occurring.
You’ll often hear this referred to as Left of Boom (LoB) and Right of Boom (RoB), with boom being an attack on your system. LoB is the time before the successful attack, and RoB indicates the response period. An MSSP system is an LoB system, while MDRs are both LoB and RoB.
2. MDR Works 24/7, MSSPs Are More Limited
Although MSSP systems are more preventative, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re more comprehensive. MSSP systems usually have limited operating hours and monitoring capabilities. MDRs, meanwhile work all day, every day to respond to threats as they arise.
3. MDR Uses Deeper Detection
MDR will give you a much more comprehensive service level because they use intelligence from both data and humans.
MDR systems have Security Operations Centers (SOCs) that are available to detect and respond to threats. They typically also integrate artificial intelligence and advanced forensics tools into their systems, providing an added layer of security and revealing problems that may be hiding.
MSSPs do offer some forensics tools, but they’re nowhere near as adept as the ones used by MDRs. And MSSPs usually use automation to monitor your systems without fixing problems. They’ll tell you if something’s wrong, but won’t do anything about it.
4. MSSPs Are Less Expensive
MSSPs are without a doubt the cheaper cybersecurity monitoring system of the two. Since MSSPs usually offer fewer services with a lower depth of capabilities, they’ll be more affordable.
Should You Choose MDR or MSSP?
When you’re considering MSSP vs. MDR, remember that your organization’s individual needs will help you determine which system to choose. Most of the time, we would recommend choosing MDR, but don’t rule out an MSSP system too quickly.
Choosing MDR
MDR offers the more advanced system of the two and is most likely the optimal choice for a company that’s tech-forward. If your company operates in an industry like finance or healthcare, you’re likely held to high regulatory requirements for upholding high security levels. In these cases, MDR is the right choice for you. And it’s still a great choice even if you want to upgrade your current system. Transitioning to 24/7 intelligent monitoring software will keep you protected for years to come. It will also give you the best value for your available resources.
While MDR companies don’t offer as many services as MSSPs, the services they do offer will give you a higher level of protection. They’ll research and detect vulnerabilities in your network to keep your operations running smoothly.
Choosing MSSP
That being said, there are still circumstances in which an MSSP system may be appropriate for your organization. If you don’t have an existing managed cybersecurity system, it’s a good idea to consider integrating an MSSP system into your security. And if you have a skilled team that can work with cybersecurity tools, they’ll make the most out of an MSSP system.
For the most success using an MSSP system, use a 3rd party software to identify and detect threats. Remember that MSSPS offer high-level security when it comes to prevention, but aren’t useful if a security breach has already happened.
Upgrade Your Cyber Security
The MDR vs. MSSP debate may continue, but one thing is certain: it’s crucial to protect your organization’s data. With the help of a managed security service provider, you can rest assured knowing that your valuable assets are being kept safe.