Managed detection and response (MDR)

MDR is a service in which an outside team of security analysts monitors your systems around the clock, investigates suspicious activity and helps contain threats on your behalf.

Security tools generate alerts, but someone has to look at them, decide what is real and act quickly. MDR combines detection technology, usually endpoint detection and response software, with a staffed team that watches those alerts day and night and can isolate an infected device or disable a compromised account.

Most Alberta small businesses cannot justify hiring a full-time security team, let alone one that covers nights, weekends and holidays. Many attacks are launched outside business hours for exactly that reason. MDR gives you access to that level of coverage at a predictable monthly cost, and many cyber insurers now look favourably on it.

Practical tip: when comparing MDR providers, ask what they will actually do when they find something. Some only send an email alert; others will contain the threat for you. Confirm response times, who they call after hours and how they report back to you.