What Is MDR (Managed Detection and Response)?

MDR — Managed Detection and Response — is a security service where a team of analysts monitors your EDR software around the clock, investigates alerts, and takes action to contain and remediate threats on your behalf. The key distinction from EDR alone is the human element: MDR adds experienced security analysts who can differentiate a true attack from a false positive and respond within minutes — even at 2 AM on a holiday weekend.

MDR vs. EDR: what's the difference?

• EDR is software — it detects threats and generates alerts but requires humans to investigate and respond to those alerts
• MDR is a service — it includes EDR software plus a 24/7 security operations team that monitors all alerts, investigates suspicious activity, and contains threats before they cause damage
• Response time — EDR without MDR: threats wait until business hours for someone to notice; MDR: average response time of 15-60 minutes, around the clock
• Expertise — most Canadian SMBs don't have security analysts on staff; MDR provides access to a team of specialists for a fraction of the cost of hiring

How MDR works

1. Detection — EDR agents on all your endpoints generate telemetry; MDR analysts receive this telemetry in a Security Operations Centre (SOC)
2. Triage — analysts review alerts 24/7, distinguishing true threats from false positives using threat intelligence, attacker techniques (MITRE ATT&CK framework), and context from your specific environment
3. Containment — when a real threat is confirmed, analysts isolate the affected device, kill malicious processes, or block malicious network connections — without waiting for approval for low-severity containment actions
4. Investigation — full incident investigation to determine scope, attack vector, and affected systems
5. Remediation guidance — detailed remediation steps for your IT team or MSP to restore affected systems
6. Reporting — incident reports for management, compliance documentation, and cyber insurance purposes

MDR pricing in Canada (2026)

• SMB MDR services: $15-30 per endpoint per month for businesses under 100 endpoints
• Mid-market MDR: $20-40 per endpoint per month with enhanced SLAs and threat hunting
• Enterprise MDR: $30-60 per endpoint per month with dedicated analysts and custom threat intelligence

MDR is typically bundled with EDR by MSPs like Outsource IT Canada — the EDR software plus analyst monitoring is included in a comprehensive managed IT or managed security plan rather than quoted separately.

When does a Canadian business need MDR?

MDR is appropriate when:

• Your business handles sensitive regulated data (PHIPA, PIPEDA, OSFI B-13) and needs 24/7 threat monitoring for compliance
• You cannot afford downtime — manufacturing, healthcare, financial services where system outages have immediate operational impact
• Your business doesn't have an in-house security analyst (most businesses under 500 employees)
• You need cyber insurance with lower premiums — MDR is increasingly a preferred control for insurers
• You've experienced a security incident and want confidence that the next threat will be caught faster

Related glossary terms

• EDR — Endpoint Detection and Response
• XDR — Extended Detection and Response
• SIEM — Security Information and Event Management
• MSSP — Managed Security Service Provider
• vCISO — Virtual CISO

How Outsource IT Canada can help

• Managed IT Services — 24/7 monitoring and flat-rate IT support for Canadian businesses
• Cybersecurity Services — EDR, MDR, dark web monitoring, and incident response
• PIPEDA Compliance — privacy impact assessments and breach notification procedures
• Get a free assessment — call (416) 623-9677