24/7 security monitoring and response from a team that investigates alerts and stops attacks, without hiring your own security operations center. We compare MDR providers on coverage, response and price. Free to you.
Get a Free QuoteManaged detection and response (MDR) is a security service in which an outside team monitors your devices, network, cloud and identity systems around the clock, investigates suspicious activity, and acts to contain threats. Antivirus and firewalls block known threats. MDR is for the attacks that get past them: stolen passwords, ransomware operators moving through a network, a compromised Microsoft 365 account. Most small and mid-size businesses can’t staff a 24/7 security team, and that is the gap MDR fills.
Analysts watch your environment around the clock, including the nights and weekends when attacks tend to escalate.
Alerts are triaged by people, so you hear about real incidents rather than a flood of noise.
Providers isolate devices, disable compromised accounts and guide recovery, within limits you agree in advance.
| What it is | Who watches it | |
|---|---|---|
| Antivirus | Software that blocks known malware on devices | Nobody, it runs on its own |
| EDR | Endpoint detection and response: records device activity and can isolate threats | Your own team, if you have one |
| MDR | EDR and other tools monitored by a provider’s 24/7 analysts who investigate and respond | The provider |
| In-house SOC | Your own security operations center, staff and tools | Your team; the highest cost and control |
MDR is usually priced per device or per user per month, sometimes with tiers based on how many data sources are monitored. Ask about onboarding fees, how long logs are kept, and whether incident response hours are included. We line up quotes on the same scope so they can be compared fairly.
Tell us how many users and devices you have, what systems you run and any insurance or compliance requirements. We shortlist MDR providers, line up quotes on the same scope and help you choose.
We’re vendor-neutral. Depending on your environment, options can include:
The provider compensates us, so our guidance is free to you — see how it works.
MDR (managed detection and response) is a security service in which a provider’s analysts monitor your systems 24/7, investigate suspicious activity and take action to contain threats.
Many do. Attackers target smaller businesses because they rarely have someone watching overnight. MDR gives you that coverage without hiring a security team.
Often. Many insurers ask about 24/7 monitoring and endpoint detection when underwriting a policy, and MDR can help meet those requirements. Check your insurer’s questionnaire.
No. MDR focuses on detecting and stopping threats. Your IT team or MSP still manages devices, patching and users, and a good MDR provider works alongside them.
Yes. The provider you select compensates us, so our comparison and sourcing cost you nothing.
Tell us about your users, systems and insurance requirements. We’ll compare MDR providers on the same scope.
Talk to an ExpertExplore more: all solutions · cybersecurity · SASE · disaster recovery.
Product and company names are trademarks of their respective owners. Discover Communications is independent and not affiliated with the providers listed.