How MDR is Redefining the Incident Response Playbook

With more than 70% of businesses facing cyber threats each year, the classic incident response playbook is no longer enough to contain today’s evolving threats. Historically, IR teams would wait for an incident to occur before launching the response plan.

But as threats grow in frequency and sophistication, companies must overhaul their IR frameworks to stay ahead of emerging attack patterns. Integrating managed detection and response (MDR) with existing IR protocols is the key to covering all the bases that traditional IR playbooks miss.

MDR combines 24/7 threat hunting, AI-assisted detection, and human expertise to prevent threats from escalating into full-scale compromise.

Limitations of the Traditional Incident Response Playbook

Incident response (IR) in cybersecurity refers to the process of detecting, investigating, and responding to breaches or cyberattacks.

IR lifecycles typically begin at the planning phase where companies outline the procedures for identifying and handling cybersecurity incidents. While this seems proactive, incident response never really kicks off until internal security tools like Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) alert personnel of potential threats.

This approach to incident response, like most conventional security strategies, is inherently reactive. IR workflows are primarily triggered by known threats, which means attackers can exploit unseen vulnerabilities to launch zero-day attacks, Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and lateral movement within enterprise networks.

Relying solely on IR plans can lead to delayed detection, allowing attacks to escalate and cause significant damage before they are contained.

The complexity of modern cyberattacks requires an equally sophisticated approach, where Managed Detection & Response (MDR) is integrated into the IR playbook, combining continuous threat hunting and structured IR procedures.

An Introduction to Managed Detection and Response

Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is a cybersecurity service that combines advanced monitoring, threat intelligence and expert analysis. It aims to reduce risk and enhance cybersecurity operations by delegating IR to a cybersecurity provider.

Unlike traditional IR, which is triggered after a security incident, MDR combines human expertise with cutting-edge technology to proactively sniff out and respond to cyber threats.

MDR services typically include the following offerings:

• Constant endpoint, network and cloud monitoring.
• Expert-led cyber threat hunting.
• Incident response to contain cyberattacks.
• Root cause analysis to prevent recurring incidents.
• Regular security audits.
• Detailed cybersecurity reports delivered periodically.

Managed Detection and Response does not eliminate the need for an internal IR framework or Security Operations Center. Rather than replacing in-house security teams, it complements them by proactively hunting for unknown threats.

MDR also stands out for its scalability. CISOs can tailor the service to evolving cybersecurity needs, whether that means outsourcing the entire incident response lifecycle, or specific functions, like monitoring.

MDR’s Impact on Incident Response

MDR’s advanced features can transform incident response from a mostly reactive process, into a proactive defense strategy. Here’s how it works:

24/7 threat hunting and detection

Beyond IR alerts, MDR teams use advanced tools like Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), as well as Extended Detection and Response (XDR) systems, to provide round-the-clock coverage. This constant surveillance allows security tools and teams to instantly identify anomalies, ensuring that no suspicious activity goes undetected.

Rapid incident response and containment

Continuous monitoring shortens mean time to respond (MTTR), by identifying security incidents in real-time. Once suspicious activity is spotted within the network, MDR teams immediately launch containment, preventing escalation and minimizing business impact.

In addition to expert-led remediation, MDR providers integrate with client environments, to execute automated containment actions such as blocking malicious IPs, isolating breached endpoints, and disabling compromised accounts.

Advanced threat intelligence

MDR providers rely on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to predict threat patterns and detect anomalous movements within a network.

AI also helps with threat classification, enabling security teams to correctly prioritize responses.

MDR teams subscribe to threat intelligence feeds to access information on emerging attack patterns, ensuring faster detection and response.

Expert-led incident analysis

With all of its automation and AI-powered analytics, MDR relies heavily on human experts for accurate analysis and remediation.

Security analysts in MDR teams investigate each incident from the top down, to determine their root cause and establish protocols to prevent a recurrence.

Key Advantages of Managed Detection and Response

MDR offers several advantages that can enhance companies’ IR capabilities.

• MDR is cost-efficient. Organizations can benefit from enterprise-grade protection without the overhead of an internal SOC.
• Minimized risk. Constant endpoint monitoring reduces the risk of a successful breach, as threats are identified and neutralized in real-time.
• Improved compliance. By preventing cyberattacks, MDR helps companies stay compliant with data privacy regulations.
• Improved operational efficiency. In addition to flagging incidents, MDR prioritizes alerts, allowing IR teams to mitigate the most urgent threats first.
• Comprehensive reporting and insights. MDR services include detailed periodic reports which drive informed decision-making on cybersecurity governance.

Integrating MDR with Your Existing IR Playbook

Integrating MDR’s advanced capabilities into an existing incident response framework can significantly improve companies’ security posture. Instead of replacing IR, MDR complements traditional IR by adding layers of continuous monitoring, AI-driven insights and instant containment.

The first step to integrating MDR with IR is to establish clear communication and response protocols. The CISO must assign distinct functions to the internal team and the MDR team, respectively. Each team must follow a clear escalation procedure when incidents occur, to avoid delays or duplication.

Post-incident reviews are equally crucial for this integration. After major security incidents, whether real or simulated - the IR Lead must evaluate the integrated playbook against key metrics, like MTTD and MTTR. The reviews ensure that internal security protocols evolve with MDR insights.

Conclusion

The traditional IR workflow typically kicks off once a potential breach is identified.

While this is often adequate for known threats, cybercriminals adopt new tactics every day.

Integrating MDR with existing IR protocols creates a proactive security strategy that anticipates and neutralizes both known and unknown threats in real-time.

With expert-led MDR teams like Paratus Cybersecurity, organizations can automate threat detection and response 24/7. Ready to take IR to the next level?

Contact our MDR lead for guidance on next steps.