MDR vs XDR - Sedara Whiteboard Series

MDR vs XDR - Key Differences

Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Extended Detection and Response (XDR) are two solutions designed to help security teams with cybersecurity threats. However, these two methods approach threats in different ways.

In the latest video for our Cybersecurity Whiteboard Series, we go over MDR and XDR, their differences, and why they should matter to you. 

MDR Defined and Its Purpose:

MDR, or Managed Detection and Response, is a function or a service that cannot be defined by a single technology. Rather, it is defined by what the intended outcome is supposed to be.

MDR focuses on what threats you want to detect and how you respond to them. It is an external service that focuses on data collection and the ability to investigate and respond. 

First, you want to have the ability to analyze what is happening in your environment, followed by a response plan. Typically, you’re looking to block unfamiliar IP addresses on your firewall or inbound and outbound blocking URLs and your spam or content filter - to name a few examples. 

In short, the goal is to identify if an account is compromised and then disable that account. Afterwards, you would begin your incident response plan to understand if further action is required.

XDR Defined and Its Purpose:

XDR, also known as Extended Detection and Response, is a strategy-driven approach. Essentially, XDR brings MDR to a new level.

XDR is about enhancing your threat detection, reducing your time to respond, and making your response actions more effective. Ultimately, it is about establishing a stronger security program and automated data enrichment.

Automated data enrichment is about thinking of all the data you’re collecting and how you understand it.

One of the most important aspects of XDR is the ability to view what is not changing within your cybersecurity system and understand how it applies to things that are changing constantly.

MDR vs XDR:

Both MDR and XDR assist security teams around increasing workloads. MDR essentially provides an external Security Operations Center (SOC) that performs a majority of duties necessary to protect your IT assets.

XDR, on the other hand, enhances your threat detection, reduces your time to respond, and makes your response actions more effective. Together, this is an efficient way to manage threats and respond appropriately.

How Sedara Can Help You:

Sedara was founded on the principle that cybersecurity monitoring must have detection capabilities and response capabilities built into it. We’ve been doing MDR and XDR for over a decade now.

If you’re looking to strengthen your cybersecurity operations, contact Sedara today.