The Beginner’s Guide to Sophos

In this digital age of more connected devices, cloud services, and mobile apps, cybercrime is also on the rise. In response to these threats, businesses of all sizes are investing in security software to protect their sensitive data from cybercriminals. 

However, with so many security solutions on the market – not to mention new vendors emerging almost daily – how do you know which security vendor is right for your business?

Sophos is the solution: the service helps you achieve advanced cyber security outcomes through its proactive threat hunting, investigation, and incident response of your systems and network by taking targeted actions to eliminate threats.

What is Sophos?

Sophos Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is a cyber security threat detection and response service that monitors network devices for malicious activity and reports them to the company as leaks. Threat hunting, detection, and elimination are all provided round the clock by a security team. Malware and other cyber dangers are identified and neutralised as soon as they are discovered on devices, networks, and applications. 

Sophos MDR safeguards against sophisticated computer assaults known as advanced persistent threats (APTs). It monitors for irregular actions and notifies you when a risk is identified. It can also safeguard against APTs by blocking suspicious activity and preventing cyber-attacks from ever taking place.

Sophos MDR is delivered by threat hunters who:

• Proactively hunt for and validate potential threats and incidents
• Use available information and reports to determine threat severity
• Provide insights into the potential impact of the threat or incident
• Proactively remotely disrupt, contain, and neutralise threats
• Provide context when addressing the root cause of recurring incidents

The service is rapidly growing in popularity; Gartner predicted that by 2025, 50% of organisations will be using MDR services for threat monitoring, detection, and response functions that offer threat containment and mitigation capabilities.

What is threat detection and response?

Threat detection and response is the practice of detecting and responding to cyber threats. It encompasses a broad range of activities, including detection, analysis, response, and post-incident analysis and cleanup. 

Threat detection and response strategies can include: 

• Intrusion detection systems
• Log management tools
• Intrusion prevention systems

To be successful, threat detection and response strategies must be implemented on all devices that are connected to the network. This means that every smartphone, computer, printer, and any other device that is connected to the network should be monitored for signs of malicious behaviour. Once a threat is detected, a response plan needs to be put in place. This could include notifying the proper authorities or disabling any compromised devices. 

Post-incident analysis is an important part of Sophos MDR as it allows teams to evaluate what went wrong and how they can improve their defenses in the future.

Conducting threat hunts

A threat hunt is a process by which Sophos MDR security analysts systematically identify and prioritise threats by analysing all relevant data, including intelligence reports, threat databases, network logs, and other sources. Threat hunting can be used to detect and prevent threats at any stage of their lifecycle, from initial reconnaissance through exploitation to exfiltration and lateral movement.

When executed properly, threat hunts are extremely time-effective and result in significant improvements to the overall security posture. They can also have a big impact on user satisfaction by reducing the number of false alarms while also giving users confidence that their information is being protected.

Transparency and control

Sophos MDR gives you complete control and transparency over what response actions are taken and who needs to be included in the incident communications. The security solution gives you three response modes to choose from when communicating with the MDR team during incidents.

Notify: the Sophos MDR team will notify you about a potential incident, including all known details, and guide you on the best prioritisation and responses.

Collaborate: the Sophos MDR team will work alongside your internal team, or external IT security team, to respond to the threat.

Authorise: the Sophos MDR team will neutralise the incident and provide a report after the fact.

Business benefits of Sophos MDR

24/7 monitoring: with your systems and network under surveillance around the clock by your Sophos MDR provider, they will be able to respond to any suspicious activity or threat quickly.

Proactive strategies: active threat hunting and forward-thinking strategies are among the services provided by you Sophos MDR team. Rather than passively waiting for attacks to occur, they will actively seek to increase the defence of your systems.

Vulnerability management: though time-consuming, vulnerability management is nevertheless vital when it comes to identifying susceptible systems. Your Sophos MDR team will take this off your hands and expertly identify the status of your network.

Regulatory compliance: Sophos’ solutions are built to meet applicable laws and regulations, ensuring your compliance.

Discover how Sophos will bring your business advanced security

Cybersecurity threats are all too common these days. Our systems get easily hacked these days, and there is a lot at stake. If a threat were to be successful, it could compromise sensitive information, damage business operations, or even bring down the network. That’s where your Sophos Managed Detection and Response service comes in – it proactively detects and responds to threats, while helping you achieve better protection against them.

The Sophos specialists at Essential Tech can advise you further about arming your business with the advanced detection and response security solution. Talk to them today and ensure the safety of your systems and network.