As a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME), managing your IT systems can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to protecting your business from cyber threats. Terms like MDR, SIEM, and Ransomware or Exfiltration often pop up in conversations about cybersecurity, but what do they really mean? In this blog, we’ll break down these concepts into plain language, helping you understand how they can benefit your business.
What is MDR?
Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is a cybersecurity service that provides real-time monitoring and response to potential threats. Think of it as having a team of security experts watching over your systems 24/7, looking for any suspicious activity.
MDR services go beyond traditional antivirus programs simply having a “we saved you from an evil file we found” message. They not only detect threats but also actively respond to them. This means that if a cyber threat is identified, the MDR team can take immediate action to contain it, minimise damage, and even start additional scans on other machines. For SMEs, this level of protection can be invaluable, especially if you don’t have the resources to maintain an in-house cybersecurity team.
What is SIEM?
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) is a technology that aggregates and analyses security data from across your IT environment. Imagine it as a central hub that collects logs and security alerts from various systems and applications.
SIEM tools help organisations identify patterns that might indicate a security threat. For example, if multiple failed login attempts occur within a short time or genuine attempts during unusual patterns or normal activity occur, the SIEM system can flag this as suspicious activity. This is then reviewed by a human with all the facts and data in front of them. By using SIEM, SMEs can better understand their security posture and respond quickly to potential issues.
What is Ransomware or an Exfiltration prevention system?
Ransomware or Exfiltration detection focuses on monitoring the endpoints of your network and alerting you to either one of two situations.
Ransomware is an attack tool used by hackers to lock or encrypt data, making it inaccessible and disrupting businesses as a consequence. The hacker then demands a ransom (hence the name) in exchange for a “key” to unlock or decrypt the files. Ransomware is risky as there is an immediate threat (without backups) to permanent data loss, which may lead to the requirement of a full recovery, longer business downtimes, and potential reputation damage.
Data exfiltration means that sensitive or important data is stolen and moved outside your organisation’s control. Unlike ransomware, which locks data, exfiltration focuses on secretly taking a copy of it. This can then be leaked and could clearly lead to other complications.
Multiple hacker gangs now first exfiltrate and then encrypt local data. In the event they cannot extract a ransom, they may threaten to release all of your sensitive data.
Ransomware or Exfiltration detection works by looking for particular changes on systems, or large data uploads. For example, has data been sent to an unusual location or another country? If this is the case, it is reported to the MDR service, who then takes immediate action to prevent further loss following detection.
Why Should SMEs Care?
For SMEs, understanding and implementing MDR, SIEM, and Ransomware or Exfiltration Prevention can enhance your overall cybersecurity strategy. These services help you stay ahead of cyber threats, ensuring your business runs smoothly without the fear of data breaches or system downtime.
Investing in these technologies may seem daunting, but partnering with a trusted IT support provider like Q2Q can make it easier. We can help you navigate the complexities of cybersecurity and implement solutions tailored to your business needs.