The Most Dangerous Threat: The One You Never See

Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Secures Enterprises Inside and Out

Today’s advanced security technologies have done an adequate job of protecting network systems from external cyberattacks, but little to prevent malicious insider attacks or breaches caused by human error. These types of digital security threats require a unique set of tools, skills and expertise to fortify your company’s cybersecurity posture. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to find and keep the right in-house cybersecurity personnel to address these threats effectively. The cost and complexity of building an in-house team that provides 24/7 security coverage makes it almost impossible. The sheer volume of security alerts can keep IT personnel busy—not to mention create burnout — with the constant checking, correlation and analysis required. Enter Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services to fill the gaps for enterprises that need proactive detection, response and monitoring capabilities around the clock.

Gartner’s market guide recommends employing MDR services to add 24/7 threat detection, especially for organizations that lack the resources to do it themselves. A growing number of businesses appear to be heeding the call — Gartner predicts that 25 percent of all enterprises will be using MDR services in five years.

Many small to midsize businesses rely on automated security information and event management (SIEM) technology that uses event logs known as audit trails to provide real-time insight into potential cybersecurity threats. MDR involves some automation, but also integrates 24/7 human monitoring of the network, analysis of alerts and, if need be, direct communication with the customer. Expertly trained security analysts actively detect any malicious attempts on the network, its domains or websites. These technology analysts monitor user behavior to detect insider threats, as well as review current threat actors and preferred courses of attack. This approach allows them to counter both established and emerging attack strategies.

The types of threats typically detected, identified and dealt with by MDR services such as Vijilan include the following:

• Port scans, host scans, denied scans, sudden change of traffic between certain IPs or other anomalies in traffic
• Network server/device and admin logon anomalies – authentication failures at all times and unusual IPs
• Network access irregularities from VPN, wireless logons and domain controller. Account lockouts, password scans and unusual logon failures
• Rogue endpoints, wireless access points
• Botnets, mail viruses, worms, DDOS and other “zero day” malware identified by cross-correlating
• DHCP, web proxy logs and flow traffic
• Abnormalities in web server and database access

True MDR services provide 24/7 threat hunting and real-time alert resolution and response for customers, thereby preventing damage from a potential data breach. Alert resolution involves investigating and prioritizing any alerts or anomalies using advanced machine learning to correlate alerts with customer data and threat intelligence. MDR services help by using human intelligence on-call to assist your company’s IT team with threat remediation. Subsequent to threats, they provide recommendations for updates to company systems and strategies for handling future threats.

Although MDRs do not directly address compliance regulations, they are a tool that helps create a more robust and holistic cybersecurity program. If you’re looking for a more proactive and advanced threat-focused managed security service, then contact Valeo Networks.