Organizations of all sizes rely on managed security service providers (MSSPs) to deliver managed detection and response (MDR) and additional cybersecurity services at scale. Understanding the various service options can save your organization money and resources.

The difference in technology and its usage is the primary differentiating factor between MDR providers. While some rely on proprietary software to deliver contextual threat detection and response capabilities, others use an assortment of technological solutions to protect enterprise networks and architecture.

Datashield provides a breakdown of four different options. If you have questions or are looking for specialized advice, contact us today for a no-cost consultation.

Full-Stack Technology Service Providers

Vendors that determine the technology to use in protecting a customer’s IT architecture fall under the category of a full-stack technology service provider.

In this category, providers choose the best solutions to protect a customer’s architecture, often utilizing their preferred vendors and architecture. Clients with limited experience or resources for threat detection and response take advantage of the provider’s proprietary services that a full-stack provider can deliver.

Full technology stack providers generally use a multifunction network security monitoring (NSM) sensor or appliance and an EDR agent. A mixture of other tools and software for threat hunting and investigation solutions are also applied to produce useful telemetry and gain insight into security incidence. The result is a threat detection and response framework which enables near real-time or automated responses.

Datashield has been in the Managed Detection and Response space since before the term was coined. We can provide a full-stack approach to clients looking for a complete, holistic solution to their cybersecurity needs.

Custom Monitoring and Threat Detection Service Providers for Cloud, Hybrid and IoT Architecture

Enterprises that use custom architecture such as cloud services or IoT applications require specially built systems for their IT ecosystem. Some MDR vendors use custom tools to provide reliable threat detection and response services for customers not using standard on-premise architecture to meet this demand or need.

To offer services protecting the multi-cloud, cloud, and IoT infrastructures, MSSPs make use of a host of proprietary tools and partner with specific vendors such as cloud access security brokers to ensure expansive networks remain protected. Providers can also use add-ons such as incident monitoring add-ons for SCADA systems and IoT devices and networks.

Customers who require vendors who fall under this category are generally organizations with expansive IT infrastructure. Thus, customers rely on MDR to provide a high-performing security framework that considers the different technologies within their enterprise systems.

Datashield also provides our proprietary technology, SHIELDVision, a SOC force multiplier. Engineered and developed by top software developers and analysts, SHIELDVision is an orchestration tool that provides insight into your network, advanced ticketing, alerting, and the added benefit of querying multiple client networks at once to protect all.

Managed Point Solutions Providers

Managed Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is often confused with Managed Detection and Response (MDR). But MDR providers provide a more holistic approach to network monitoring.

Only hiring an MSSP for managed point solutions is a small part of a full security offering. Only hiring for managed point solutions does not protect networks from advanced threats and other network devices such as IoT devices.

Customers who use managed point solutions generally request this service as an add-on to support available threat detection and response frameworks.

Bring Your Own (BYO) Technology Stack

Organizations intending to purchase their security stack in-house or already have infrastructure fall into the Bring Your Own (BYO) Technology Stack category. Alternatively, MSSPs can provide consultation and guidance for businesses with legacy systems looking to purchase brand new technologies and manage them, in part, in-house.

It is important to note that compatibility is key for this category of businesses. By requiring their preferred vendors and technology stack, an organization’s MSSP must interface seamlessly with their security stack and infrastructure.

Datashield has partnered with industry leaders in every area of network security. We also have a research and development team that is continuously working on integrating new products and threat detection technology.

Conclusion

The four categories highlighted do not summarize each category and service needed for hiring an MSSP. There are many options and models, but the above are common delivery styles.

Datashield understands this and can act as a consultant, architect, and technician. From a fully outsourced SOC to a co-managed environment, our company can provide services on a spectrum. Our US-based security operations center includes a range of professionals to help throughout the process. From our no-pressure sales team, experienced security architects and solution engineers, L1-L3 analysts, innovative research and development team, and high-touch white-glove customer support team. Discover the Datashield difference.