Healthcare organizations have faced an unprecedented surge in intrusion attempts, with a 50% increase in attacks compared to the previous year. Managed detection and response (MDR) services offer a transformative solution, enabling healthcare providers to protect their sensitive data and systems with exceptional efficiency.
Understanding MDR
According to Microsoft, “Managed detection and response (MDR) is a cybersecurity service that helps proactively protect organizations from cyber threats using advanced detection and rapid incident response. MDR services include a combination of technology and human expertise to perform cyber threat hunting, monitoring, and response.”
The urgency of rapid incident response
The recent CrowdStrike Falcon OverWatch Threat Hunting Report has revealed a trend – attackers are gaining access to a second system within just an hour and 24 minutes, on average, after their initial breach. The alarmingly swift pace demonstrates the need for a security solution that can match the speed of modern cyber threats.
The most effective MDR services go beyond mere notification and take immediate remedial action to stop the attack in its tracks. The ideal model, as explained by industry experts, is one minute to detect an attack, 10 minutes to investigate it, and 60 minutes to remediate it – a remarkable 13-minute improvement over the average attacker's timeline.
The power of extended detection and response
The lightning-fast incident response relies on the extended detection and response (XDR) platform, which forms the foundation for leading MDR services. Advanced technology gathers incident data from hundreds of sources, consolidating it to provide security analysts with a complete view of suspicious activity. The holistic approach enables them to swiftly identify, analyze, and neutralize threats with unparalleled efficiency.
Bridging the staffing gap in healthcare
Even large healthcare organizations often struggle to maintain a 24/7 incident response capability, a necessary component of modern security. MDR services step in to fill this gap, offering round-the-clock monitoring and response capabilities that would be challenging for many healthcare providers to replicate in-house.
Empowering healthcare IT teams
Partnering with an MDR service provider allows healthcare IT teams to use the expertise and resources of a dedicated security team. The collaboration frees them to focus on core responsibilities and strategic initiatives. Healthcare organizations can enhance their overall security posture without the burden of building and maintaining a specialized security infrastructure.
Addressing the threat
Cybersecurity is constantly changing, with new threats and attack vectors emerging on a regular basis. MDR services stay ahead of these changes by continuously adapting their detection and response capabilities, ensuring healthcare organizations are equipped to defend against the latest threats.
Achieving compliance with confidence
Maintaining compliance with regulations such as HIPAA is a concern for healthcare providers. MDR services can assist in this regard by implementing security controls, conducting regular risk assessments, and providing report mechanisms to demonstrate compliance.
Scalable and cost-effective security
Deploying and managing a security solution can be a large investment for healthcare organizations. MDR services offer a scalable and cost-effective alternative, allowing organizations to access enterprise-grade security capabilities without the need for substantial upfront capital expenditure or ongoing maintenance overhead.
Proactive threat hunting and incident response
Beyond reactive security measures, leading MDR service providers engage in proactive threat hunting, actively searching for and addressing potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Engaging in proactive efforts helps healthcare organizations stay one step ahead of cybercriminals, further strengthening their overall security posture.
Seamless integration with existing infrastructure
MDR services are designed to integrate seamlessly with a healthcare organization's existing security infrastructure, ensuring a smooth and efficient implementation process. Such integration facilitates the consolidation and analysis of security data from multiple sources, enabling an advanced and coordinated security response.
Continuous improvement and optimization
Effective MDR service providers do not simply provide a one-time solution but rather engage in an ongoing process of monitoring, learning, and optimization. They continuously refine their detection and response capabilities, incorporating lessons learned and industry best practices to ensure the highest level of protection for their healthcare clients.
Related: Preventing the spread of cybersecurity attacks in healthcare
In the news
Recognizing the urgent need to bolster cybersecurity resilience across the healthcare industry, the Biden-Harris administration has spearheaded the Health Sector Cyber Initiative. Under this landmark program, tech giants Microsoft and Google have stepped up to the plate, committing to provide rural and critical access hospitals with a lifeline of free and heavily discounted cybersecurity services.
The commitments from Microsoft and Google indicate the private sector's role in supporting the resilience of the rural healthcare system. By providing free and discounted cybersecurity services, these tech giants are stepping up to safeguard the communities that rely on these facilities for their well-being.
As the Biden administration's Health Sector Cyber Initiative continues to drive progress, the collaborative efforts of the public and private sectors will be necessary to ensure every American can access the care they need without the threat of cyberattacks.
See more: Microsoft and Google's cybersecurity lifeline for underserved communities
Farah Amod
