Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is an advanced security service that combines technology, threat intelligence, and human expertise to detect, investigate, and actively respond to threats on behalf of client organizations. Unlike traditional MSSPs that primarily monitor and alert, MDR providers take direct response actions -- isolating compromised endpoints, blocking malicious connections, and containing threats -- reducing the burden on internal security teams to execute time-critical containment steps.
MDR providers deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) agents, network sensors, and cloud connectors across the client environment. Telemetry flows to the MDR platform where automated detection engines and human analysts work in concert. When threats are identified, MDR analysts investigate the full scope of the incident and execute pre-authorized response actions. Response capabilities are defined in a letter of authorization that specifies which actions the MDR provider can take autonomously versus which require client approval. MDR services typically include 24/7 threat monitoring, proactive threat hunting, incident investigation, guided and active response, and regular threat briefings.
MDR addresses the response gap that traditional MSSP monitoring creates. Detecting a threat is insufficient if the organization lacks the expertise or availability to respond quickly. MDR providers compress the detection-to-response timeline from hours or days to minutes. Gartner projects that by 2027, 60% of organizations will use MDR services, reflecting the market's recognition that combining detection with active response delivers significantly better security outcomes than monitoring alone.
CDA's mission-based approach shares MDR's emphasis on outcomes over alerts. Theater engagements build detection and response capabilities that the client ultimately owns and operates, combining the immediate protection of MDR with the long-term capability building that prevents permanent dependency on external providers.