What is MDR and SOC

MDR = Managed Detection and Response

It’s a security service (not just a tool) that combines:

1. Threat Detection – using tools like EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response), log monitoring, etc.
2. Threat Hunting – looking for signs of sophisticated attacks (e.g., persistence, lateral movement).
3. 24/7 Monitoring – real-time alerting and response around the clock.
4. Incident Response – a team of experts takes action or guides you when a threat is found.

Think of MDR as outsourced cybersecurity experts + tools that actively monitor your environment and help stop attacks before they do major damage.

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SOC = Security Operations Center

It’s the team and facility where cybersecurity analysts:

• Monitor security data (logs, alerts, network traffic)
• Investigate threats
• Coordinate incident response
• Manage security tools and playbooks

A SOC is where MDR services are run from.

A SOC is the “brains” behind MDR — it’s where real people are watching and responding to alerts 24/7.

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Feature	Antivirus/EDR	MDR/SOC
Detect malware	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Detect advanced attacks	❌ Limited	✅ Yes
24/7 human monitoring	❌ No	✅ Yes
Threat hunting	❌ No	✅ Yes
Active incident response	❌ No	✅ Yes
Compliance reporting	❌ Basic	✅ Strong

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Provider	Description
Huntress	Offers MDR with real humans reviewing incidents
Coro	Automated EDR, no full MDR (no SOC team)
Blackpoint	Strong MDR/SOC for MSPs
Sophos MDR	Enterprise-grade, integrates with Sophos tools
Arctic Wolf	High-end MDR/SOC, often used in mid-size businesses

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• If you want human eyes on threats 24/7, you need MDR with SOC.
• If you’re looking for affordability and automation, Coro (without MDR) is fine for most SMBs unless they’re high-risk.
• Huntress gives you real people responding to attacks — a major value-add if you’re worried about ransomware or targeted threats.