Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) has emerged as a game-changer in combating modern cybersecurity threats. Combining managed services with a technology platform, MXDR offers an encompassing, automated, scalable, and cost-effective solution incorporating real-time threat intelligence. Discover how MXDR compares to other cybersecurity offerings, its core components, and pricing models in this blog.
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In the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape, organizations face the daunting task of safeguarding their digital assets against countless threats. With the increasing sophistication of cyber attacks, traditional security measures often fall short.
To counter this, various threat detection and response offerings have emerged over the years, including Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Network Detection and Response (NDR), Managed Detection and Response (MDR), Extended Detection and Response (XDR), and, most recently, Managed Extended Detection and Response or MXDR.
While these offerings are closely related, they differ in the following fundamental ways:
| Offering
|
EDR | NDR | MDR | XDR | MXDR |
| Endpoint detection and response | Network Detection and Response | Managed Detection and Response | Extended Detection and Response | Managed Extended Detection and Response | |
| Type | Technology platform | Technology platform | Managed service | Technology platform | Managed service plus technology platform |
| Definition | Protect endpoints and servers from malicious activity through continuous monitoring and behavioral analytics | Analyze network traffic to stop network threats through machine learning and behavioral analytics | Modern security operations center (SOC) capabilities to rapidly detect, analyze, investigate, and actively respond to threats | Provides a holistic view of the threat landscape by analyzing telemetry from multiple sources such as endpoints, network devices, cloud workloads, third-party data, etc. | Combines MDR and XDR |
Although these cybersecurity solutions are effective, they are limited by being either a managed service or a specifically focused technology platform. This is where MXDR has emerged as a game-changer, offering a unique and holistic cybersecurity approach by integrating technology with managed services. As a result, MXDR currently stands out as the most comprehensive cybersecurity offering available.
Driving factors behind the evolution to MXDR
An MXDR solution always incorporates an XDR platform that integrates with a data lake to gather data from distinct sources. It employs Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) and analytics to correlate the data and generate alerts that threat hunters subsequently investigate.
Given the threat landscape’s constant evolution and the expansion of attack surfaces, the industry is naturally transitioning from MDR to MXDR. Essentially, MXDR provides a “Managed XDR” solution, delivering around-the-clock threat management services.
Primary features that should define any MXDR solution include:
- A modern, remotely delivered 24/7 SOC with around-the-clock monitoring capability
- Threat hunting and analysis, which involves searching for undetected intrusions in an organization’s environment
- Investigation of alerts and incidents generated by the XDR platform using telemetry gathered from various sources like endpoints, cloud workloads, networks, identities, etc.
While service providers or vendors may define their MXDR solutions in distinct ways, these solutions typically encompass the following core services and technological components:
Some providers offer optional additional services in their MXDR solution, such as vulnerability scanning, onsite incident response and digital forensics, threat detection for OT environments, etc.
The MXDR vendor space is also quite diverse, ranging from global service integrators who partner with technology players to create MXDR offerings to specialized security providers who leverage deep cybersecurity expertise to develop MXDR offerings.
Let’s explore the different MXDR pricing models
While MXDR pricing models are still evolving, the following are the most frequently used:
- Unit-based tiered pricing – Specialized security providers commonly bill customers according to specific units, such as the number of assets, endpoints, or IT users. Providers often establish distinct pricing tiers with varying unit prices. For example, they may set a per-unit price for environments with 2,000-5,000 assets and a different unit price for those with 10,000-15,000 assets
- Fixed fee pricing – Global systems integrators (GSIs) typically follow this model that charges the MXDR fee based on the number of endpoints, servers, network devices, data processed, etc.
In a few cases, we also see hybrid pricing, such as per-unit pricing for some MXDR components and fixed fees for other elements.
While traditional detection and response solutions have played a crucial role in the cybersecurity landscape, the emergence of MXDR signifies a paradigm shift towards a more integrated, automated, and adaptive approach. Its holistic nature, automated capabilities, scalability, continuous monitoring, cost-efficiency, and integration of real-time threat intelligence position MXDR as a formidable response to today’s cyber threats.
As organizations strive to fortify their digital defenses and look to select an MXDR vendor, they should consider various factors like current needs, IT landscape, and existing technological investments.
For a more detailed analysis and assistance on MXDR services and pricing, please reach out to [email protected].
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