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What is Managed Detection and Response (MDR)?

A security service that combines continuous monitoring, threat investigation, and hands-on response into a single managed outcome.

Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is what most organizations now buy instead of building an in-house security operations team. An MDR provider watches your environment around the clock, investigates suspicious activity, and acts to contain confirmed threats — typically across endpoints, network, cloud, and identity. The defining feature is response: an MDR provider does not just send alerts, they investigate and take action (or guide your team to take it) within an agreed window. Compare this with traditional managed security services, which often stop at notification.

  • Covers the full cycle: 24/7 monitoring, threat investigation, and active containment — not just alerting.
  • Typically spans endpoints, network, cloud, and identity from a single service.
  • Replaces the need to hire, train, and retain an in-house 24/7 security team.

En français

Détection et réponse gérées (MDR)

Un service de sécurité qui combine surveillance continue, investigation des menaces et intervention concrète en un seul résultat géré.

La détection et réponse gérées (MDR) est ce que la plupart des organisations achètent désormais au lieu de bâtir une équipe interne d'opérations de sécurité. Un fournisseur MDR surveille votre environnement en tout temps, enquête sur les activités suspectes et agit pour contenir les menaces confirmées — généralement sur les terminaux, le réseau, l'infonuagique et les identités. L'élément déterminant est l'intervention : un fournisseur MDR ne se contente pas d'envoyer des alertes, il enquête et agit (ou guide votre équipe) dans un délai convenu.

Managed Detection and Response (MDR): frequently asked questions

What is the difference between MDR and a SOC?

A SOC is the team and tooling that monitors and investigates threats; MDR is a way to buy that capability as a managed service. Most MDR providers run a SOC on your behalf, so you get SOC-level coverage without building one yourself.

Is MDR the same as managed antivirus?

No. Antivirus (or even EDR) is software that runs on devices; MDR is a service where human analysts monitor those tools around the clock, investigate alerts, and respond to confirmed threats. The technology is only half of MDR — the people are the other half.

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