MDR vs SOC as a Service: choosing the right security solution for your organisation

With cyber security threats on the rise, and more complex methods being used to target businesses, organisations are prioritising advanced threat detection and response services to safeguard their networks.

Two of the most prominent solutions are Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Security Operations Centre as a Service (SOCaaS).

This guide will explore the differences between MDR and SOC as a Service, analyse their strengths, and help you determine the best fit for your organisation’s unique requirements.

 

Understanding MDR and SOC as a Service

Understanding the nuances of MDR vs SOC as a Service is essential for businesses seeking robust, scalable protection with both serving the same goal to enhance an organisation’s security posture.

However, they offer distinct capabilities, and service scopes, as well as have differing key components.

Let’s start with MDR.

What is managed detection and response (MDR)?

Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is a security service that focuses on real-time threat detection, analysis, and response. MDR providers deliver high-level expertise, advanced tools, and continuous monitoring to identify and mitigate cyber threats as they emerge. MDR’s core strength lies in its emphasis on actionable incident response, providing expert intervention to halt and resolve cyber incidents swiftly.

With MDR services, organisations gain access to a dedicated team of cyber security professionals who actively monitor and respond to threats, often working as an extension of an internal security team.

Key Components of MDR:

• 24/7 threat monitoring
• Real-time threat detection and response
• Advanced threat intelligence and analytics
• Hands-on, expert-led incident response
• Proactive threat hunting

What is SOC as a Service (SOCaaS)?

As opposed to MDR, Security Operations Centre as a Service (SOCaaS) provides a comprehensive, outsourced security operations model that covers monitoring, detection and incident management. SOCaaS offers the capabilities of a traditional in-house SOC but on a subscription basis, eliminating the need for organisations to maintain their own physical infrastructure or security team.

SOCaaS covers a broader scope of services compared to MDR, typically including compliance reporting, vulnerability management, and asset monitoring, all coordinated by a team of experts who work remotely to provide continuous protection.

Key Components of SOCaaS:

• Centralised security monitoring and logging
• Threat detection across networks, systems, and endpoints
• Vulnerability assessments and compliance reporting
• Automated threat intelligence updates
• Incident analysis and investigation

 

MDR vs SOC as a Service: core differences

Understanding the differences between Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Security Operations Centre as a Service (SOCaaS) is essential for cyber security success. With the right choice, organisations can address their specific security needs more effectively, enhancing resilience against sophisticated cyber threats.

The 5 key differences between them are:

1. Focus and approach
   MDR is tailored for organisations prioritising real-time threat response, with a focus on detecting and resolving active threats through hands-on intervention. MDR providers emphasise fast, proactive response, particularly for businesses needing immediate action to mitigate risks.SOC as a Service, however, operates as a virtual extension of a traditional SOC strategy, focusing on monitoring, detecting, and analysing security events across the organisation’s infrastructure. While SOCaaS provides alerts and analysis, its response capabilities are often more limited than MDR, relying on automated workflows rather than direct incident intervention.
2. Threat detection capabilities

   MDR leverages behavioural analytics, endpoint detection and network analysis to pinpoint and respond to sophisticated threats.

   SOC as a Service is built on centralised logging and event correlation, capturing security data from various sources to identify anomalies. While comprehensive, SOCaaS may be slower to respond to live threats due to its focus on event analysis and logging. /p>

3. Incident response and remediation
   For organisations requiring a hands-on approach, MDR excels in its proactive, expert-driven incident response. MDR providers typically have a rapid incident resolution focus, helping contain and eliminate threats.In contrast, SOC as a Service primarily alerts and advises. While SOCaaS can assist with incident analysis and suggest remediation steps, it may not provide the immediate, actionable response that MDR delivers.
4. Resource and infrastructure requirements

   MDR integrates closely with an organisation’s existing infrastructure, providing flexibility but often requiring compatible technology stacks.

   SOC as a Service offers an end-to-end solution, with all monitoring and analysis managed remotely, making it a plug-and-play option for organisations without an in-house security team.

5. Compliance and reportingCompliance is a crucial area where SOC as a Service stands out. SOCaaS providers typically offer extensive compliance monitoring, reporting capabilities and vulnerability assessments, making it ideal for organisations needing detailed, ongoing compliance assurance.MDR, while robust in detection and response, may have limited compliance features compared to SOCaaS. MDR’s focus remains on threat management, so organisations looking for regulatory compliance may find SOCaaS a more comprehensive option.

 

SOC as a Service vs MDR: which one is right for your organisation?

The decision between SOCaaS and MDR often depends on your organisation’s unique security needs:

• Choose MDR if your priority is active, rapid response to threats and you have some in-house security infrastructure. MDR is particularly effective for businesses facing high-stakes threats, where swift response is crucial.
• Choose SOC as a Service if you require broad, centralised security monitoring with detailed compliance reporting. SOCaaS is an optimal choice for organisations seeking extensive visibility across all security events without needing to invest in in-house teams or technology.

 

Benefits of implementing MDR

1. Proactive Threat Response: MDR teams provide immediate action to contain and eliminate threats.
2. Advanced Threat Hunting: MDR includes proactive threat-hunting to identify emerging risks.
3. Scalability and Flexibility: MDR adapts to changing security landscapes and can scale with organisational growth.

 

Benefits of implementing SOC as a Service

1. Holistic Security Monitoring: SOCaaS provides a broad view of an organisation’s security status.
2. Lower Operational Costs: It eliminates the need for a full, in-house SOC, making it more cost-effective.
3. Detailed Compliance Management: SOCaaS’s reporting functions simplify regulatory compliance efforts, supporting audits and assessments.

 

How MDR and SOC as a Service complement each other

Some organisations find that combining MDR and SOC as a Service offers a more robust security framework, especially when they have diverse and complex security needs. The two services can work together as a layered security approach, with SOCaaS providing wide-ranging monitoring and MDR delivering targeted threat response. This integration can enhance an organisation’s resilience, providing end-to-end protection across all stages of a cyber incident.

For an organisation looking to establish a cohesive cyber security strategy with comprehensive coverage, Ekco’s SOC as a Service offering provides a scalable solution that can work seamlessly alongside our MDR services.

 

Conclusion

The choice between MDR vs SOC as a Service hinges on your organisation’s primary security goals, threat landscape, and in-house resources. MDR shines in rapid, expert-led threat response, ideal for companies that need swift containment of active threats. SOC as a Service offers a broader monitoring and compliance-focused solution, making it suitable for organisations seeking wide-ranging visibility and regulatory assurance.

As cyber threats evolve, both MDR and SOCaaS remain invaluable for securing organisations against rising risks. Investing in the right service can be pivotal to safeguarding data, ensuring regulatory compliance, and establishing a proactive defence against threats.

For expert guidance and tailored security solutions, contact us today.