Managed XDR (MXDR)

MXDR, or managed extended detection and response, is an advanced cybersecurity service that combines the capabilities of managed detection and response (MDR) with extended detection and response (XDR). It provides comprehensive threat detection, investigation, and response across an organization's entire IT infrastructure, including endpoints, networks, cloud environments, and software applications.

MXDR leverages artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and human expertise to deliver 24/7 monitoring, real-time threat intelligence, and automated incident response. It offers organizations a holistic, outsourced security solution that addresses the limitations of traditional security models and helps defend against sophisticated cyberthreats.

• MXDR is a cybersecurity tool combining the power of managed detection and response (MDR) with extended detection and response (XDR) to give organizations comprehensive coverage of their IT infrastructures.
• Other cybersecurity tools, like MDR, managed endpoint detection and response (MEDR), and managed extended detection and response (MNDR), protect certain system elements. Still, they fall short of the holistic protection MXDR can provide.
• MXDR leverages artificial intelligence (AI), continuous threat monitoring, a centralized security operations center (SOC), and incident response capabilities to watchfully monitor multiple zones of your company’s infrastructure simultaneously.
• Implementing MXDR is a cost-effective way to improve threat detection and leverage decades of cybersecurity expertise.

Managed XDR provides cybersecurity professionals with the best of both MDR and XDR platforms. It can perform tasks that other traditional cybersecurity tools can’t. Let's explore some comparisons to understand exactly how MXDR differs from other managed cybersecurity services.

Managed detection and response (MDR)

MDR focuses on providing a more targeted approach to threat detection and response. It typically includes threat monitoring and detection, incident response and remediation, and threat intelligence integration. Organizations may want to use MDR solutions if they currently can’t meet the financial needs of an internal cybersecurity team or need a round-the-clock solution from a third-party provider.

While effective for threat response, MDR’s scope is more limited than MXDR. The key difference lies in MXDR's expanded coverage beyond incidents and threats, encompassing the entire IT ecosystem for a more comprehensive security approach.

Managed endpoint detection and response (MEDR)

MEDR specializes in endpoint security, offering continuous endpoint monitoring, threat detection and response, and endpoint data analysis and forensics. This particular technology excels in protecting individual devices like computers and servers.

Overall, MEDR's focus is narrower than MXDR's. Although MXDR incorporates MEDR's endpoint capabilities, it extends protection beyond endpoints to networks, cloud environments, and applications, providing a more holistic security solution.

Managed network detection and response (MNDR)

MNDR concentrates on network-based security, including network traffic analysis, network-based threat detection, and network incident response. It's highly effective for protecting an organization's infrastructure.

MNDR involves the in-depth analysis of incoming and outgoing traffic, data packets, and firewall configuration. This type of managed cybersecurity protection significantly strengthens the protective barrier between your secure internal network and unsecured external networks like the Internet.

MXDR integrates MNDR's network security features while also covering endpoints, cloud environments, and other IT assets. This broader approach allows MXDR to provide a more comprehensive security solution, detecting and responding to threats across multiple domains rather than focusing solely on network security.

MXDR integrates multiple security tools and data sources to provide holistic threat detection and response across an organization's IT infrastructure. The process begins with data collection from various sources, including endpoints, networks, cloud environments, and applications. This data is then aggregated and analyzed using advanced AI and machine learning algorithms to detect potential threats.

MXDR’s components typically include:

1. A centralized security operations center (SOC)
2. AI-powered analytics
3. Real-time threat monitoring
4. Incident response capabilities
5. Threat intelligence integration
6. Customizable dashboards

Think of MXDR as a high-tech security guard service for your digital assets. Just as a physical security team monitors multiple cameras, patrols different areas, and responds to alarms, MXDR watches over various digital “zones” simultaneously. When a threat is detected, MXDR can automatically initiate response actions, such as isolating affected systems or blocking malicious IP addresses.

Human analysts in the SOC provide additional expertise for complex threats, just as a security team might call in specialists for unusual situations. Providing multiple layers of protection — security tools, automated systems, and human expertise — MXDR provides comprehensive, round-the-clock protection against cyberthreats.

MXDR takes a “big-picture” view of your security. Here’s how it brings together different defenses to create a comprehensive shield against cyberthreats:

• Threat detection: MXDR employs advanced AI and machine learning algorithms to identify known and unknown threats across the organization’s IT infrastructure. It analyzes data from multiple sources, including endpoints, networks, and the cloud, to provide holistic coverage. The system uses behavioral analysis to detect anomalies and potential security incidents, combining signature-based and heuristic detection methods. 
• Threat hunting: This component proactively searches for hidden threats that may dodge initial detection mechanisms. It leverages human expertise to investigate suspicious activities and patterns, using hypothesis-driven approaches to uncover sophisticated, stealthy attacks. MXDR’s threat-hunting techniques continuously evolve based on emerging threat methods to stay ahead of new and developing cyber threats. 
• Threat intelligence: MXDR integrates real-time threat feeds from multiple sources, including global threat databases, to enhance its detection and response capabilities. This intelligence provides crucial context to detect threats, helping prioritize response actions and enabling a more proactive defense by identifying potential vulnerabilities and attack vectors.  
• Response automation: To ensure rapid incident response, MXDR implements predefined playbooks that automate containment and remediation actions to minimize potential damage. It orchestrates responses across multiple security tools and environments, significantly reducing the mean time to respond (MTTR) through streamlined workflows.  
• Continuous monitoring: MXDR provides 24/7 surveillance of the entire IT infrastructure, using real-time data analysis to detect threats as they emerge. It offers customizable dashboards for ongoing visibility into the organization's security posture. This continuous monitoring ensures that potential security issues are identified and addressed promptly, minimizing the risk of prolonged exposure to threats.

The combined power of a managed XDR solution provides businesses with unique benefits. These platforms approach cybersecurity differently than traditional tools and can elevate your cybersecurity posture in the following ways:

Improved threat detection

MXDR significantly enhances an organization's ability to detect and respond to cyberthreats by integrating data from multiple sources. This provides a comprehensive view of an organization’s security landscape. Advanced AI and machine learning algorithms analyze this data in real time, enabling a higher level of threat detection.

The system's ability to correlate information from various sources allows it to identify complex, multi-stage attacks that might go unnoticed by traditional security solutions. Additionally, MXDR's continuous monitoring and threat-hunting capabilities ensure that even stealthy, persistent threats are uncovered, improving overall security posture.

Reduced costs

Implementing MXDR can lead to cost savings for organizations. By consolidating multiple security functions into a single, managed service, MXDR eliminates the need for organizations to invest in and maintain numerous separate security tools and technologies. This consolidation reduces direct technology costs and decreases the operational overhead associated with managing multiple systems.

Furthermore, MXDR's automation capabilities reduce the workload on in-house security teams, potentially lowering staffing costs. Improved threat detection and response times can also result in significant cost savings by minimizing the potential damage and recovery costs associated with successful cyberattacks.

Experience and expertise

MXDR provides organizations with access to a team of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals with extensive experience in threat detection and response. These experts continuously monitor the latest threat landscapes, staying abreast of emerging attack vectors and techniques. Their expertise allows for more effective threat hunting, accurate incident analysis, and rapid response to complex security events.

This level of experience and expertise would be challenging and costly for many organizations to develop and maintain in-house. By leveraging the knowledge of these seasoned professionals, organizations can significantly enhance their security capabilities, benefiting from insights and best practices gleaned from a wide range of security scenarios across various industries.

If you’ve decided MXDR is right for you and your team, the next step is to choose a provider. There are countless companies offering MXDR services in the marketplace, so shopping can be overwhelming. Look for these traits in your future MXDR partner to keep your search on the right track:

• Evaluate coverage and integration: Look for a provider offering comprehensive visibility across your entire IT infrastructure. The solution should integrate seamlessly with your existing security tools, including security information and event management (SIEM) and EDR, and ingest and analyze data from multiple sources.
• Assess threat detection and response: Examine the provider's threat detection and response approach. They should use both advanced technologies (AI, machine learning) and human expertise. Look for automated and manual threat-hunting capabilities and the ability to detect known and unknown threats. It’s also helpful to inquire about its incident response procedures and average response times.
• Verify expertise and support: Investigate the provider's SOC capabilities and the qualifications of its analysts. Ensure it offers 24/7 support and has clear escalation procedures. Consider its ability to provide strategic security guidance to improve your overall security posture.
• Check reporting and compliance: Choose a provider offering customizable reporting for different stakeholders. They should demonstrate clear metrics for service effectiveness. Ensure they can help you meet relevant regulatory compliance requirements and have experience with regulations specific to your industry.

Are you ready to enhance your XDR? Contact Barracuda's experts for a Managed XDR consultation today.