Integrating MDR and Managed IT Services for Seamless Remediation

Managed Detection and Response (MDR) has emerged as an indispensable solution to safeguard against evolving cyber threats and ensure the continuous operations of critical IT infrastructure. MDR is a proactive cybersecurity service that provides continuous monitoring, threat detection, and rapid response to security incidents. MDR solutions leverage advanced technologies such as AI-driven analytics, machine learning, and threat intelligence to detect and mitigate cyber threats in real-time. These services are typically provided by firms that monitor networks, endpoints, and cloud environments to identify suspicious activities and potential breaches.

But MDR services often fall short when it comes to the “response” component, leaving organizations’ security teams scrambling to fix issues themselves or trying to orchestrate a solution through multiple vendors – all while their systems and data are in peril. 

Situations like this are just one reason why vendor consolidation has been a growing trend in enterprises. A survey by Gartner, Inc. found that 75% of organizations are pursuing security vendor consolidation in 2022, up from 29% in 2020. While cost savings play a part in the drive to consolidate, there is also a desire to achieve operational excellence, which was the most common objective for mid-sized company CIOs surveyed by Gartner in 2023. 

Credit: Gartner

How do a better MDR response, vendor consolidation, and operational excellence tie together? The answer is managed IT services.  

Understanding Managed IT Services and MDR

Managed IT services encompass a range of outsourced IT solutions aimed at managing and maintaining an organization’s IT infrastructure. These services include network management, software updates, help desk support, cloud services management, and more. Managed IT service providers (MSPs) work closely with businesses to optimize IT performance, enhance productivity, and ensure the reliability and security of IT systems.

Having separate providers for MDR and managed IT services can introduce unwanted vulnerabilities into a business’s IT infrastructure. Disjointed communication and coordination between the two providers may lead to gaps in coverage and response times during security incidents. Without a unified approach to monitoring and managing IT systems, critical security alerts could be missed or mishandled, leaving the business exposed to potential threats. Additionally, conflicting strategies or technologies employed by separate providers may create compatibility issues, hindering the effectiveness of the security measures. These security issues must be addressed and resolved for a business’s cybersecurity posture to remain in compliance and stay effective against bad actors. Integrating service providers can greatly reduce these risks and save time when responding to potential threats. 

Opting for a single provider for both Managed Detection and Response and managed IT services significantly enhances a business’s security posture. Consolidating these services under one provider ensures seamless integration and coordination between monitoring, detection, and response efforts. This integrated approach enables a proactive, swift incident response, with real-time threat detection and remediation across the entire IT infrastructure. Moreover, a unified provider can offer a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s IT environment, facilitating tailored security solutions that align with business objectives and risk profiles. By streamlining operations and fostering collaboration between MDR and managed IT services, businesses can proactively mitigate security risks, strengthen their defense mechanisms, and better safeguard sensitive data and assets against evolving cyber threats.

The Benefits of Combining MDR and Managed IT Services with Thrive

• Comprehensive Threat Detection and Response: By integrating MDR with Thrive’s managed IT services, businesses can benefit from a holistic approach to cybersecurity. MDR solutions provide real-time threat detection and response capabilities, while Thrive’s 24x7x365 security operations center (SOC) offers proactive monitoring and management of IT infrastructure. Together, these services provide comprehensive coverage, enabling early detection and a swift response to cyber threats.
• Efficient Incident Management: Integration enables seamless coordination between MDR and managed IT teams, streamlining incident management processes. When a security incident is detected, MDR analysts can work closely with the team that is already familiar with the organization’s infrastructure, making it more efficient   to investigate the issue, contain the threat, and remediate any vulnerabilities. This collaborative approach ensures a faster response time and minimizes the impact of security incidents on business operations.

• Proactive Risk Mitigation: Integrating MDR with Thrive’s managed services allows businesses to take a proactive approach against cyber threats. MDR solutions continuously monitor networks and endpoints for suspicious activities, while our expert team focuses on implementing security best practices, patch management, and vulnerability assessments. By addressing potential security risks before they escalate, Thrive can reduce the likelihood of data breaches and downtime.
• Scalability and Flexibility: Integrated MDR and managed IT services offer scalability and flexibility to adapt to the evolving needs of businesses. Whether expanding operations, adopting new technologies, or facing emerging cyber threats, businesses can rely on Thrive’s comprehensive suite of services that can be tailored to their specific requirements. This scalability ensures that businesses can maintain a robust security posture and IT infrastructure as they grow and evolve.

Integrating MDR with managed IT services with Thrive offers businesses a powerful approach to cybersecurity and IT management. By combining real-time threat detection, proactive monitoring, and efficient incident response capabilities, businesses can maximize efficiency, enhance security posture, and ensure seamless operations. By adopting integration best practices and leveraging advanced technologies, businesses can stay ahead of cyber threats and focus on driving growth and innovation in today’s digital landscape. Contact Thrive today to learn more about how you can get the most out of our expert managed services teams.