What to look for in an MDR service: a checklist for decision-makers

With the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, businesses need more than just security tools—they need expert-driven, proactive defence. Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services provide this, but not all MDR solutions are created equal. Choosing the right provider can mean the difference between efficient threat detection and response or drowning in alert noise and ineffective security measures. 

So, what should you look for in an MDR provider? Use this checklist to ensure you're selecting a service that truly protects your organisation. 

Rapid deployment and seamless integration 

An MDR service should be easy to deploy and integrate with your existing security environment. The faster it’s up and running, the quicker your organisation gains protection. Look for: 

• A turnkey deployment process that minimises delays. 

• Integration with existing log sources and security tools without additional complexity. 

•  Visibility of log ingestion costs 

High-fidelity threat detection with minimal noise 

Alert fatigue is a common challenge for security teams. An effective MDR service must provide accurate and actionable alerts without overwhelming analysts with false positives. Look for: 

• Advanced threat detection engineering that reduces false alarms. 

• A focus on high-fidelity alerts—only real threats should reach your team. 

• MDR ensures only genuine threats are escalated, reducing the noise and letting your team focus on what matters. 

24/7 monitoring and incident response support 

Cyber attacks don’t follow business hours, so neither should your security. Your MDR provider must offer round-the-clock monitoring and immediate response when incidents occur. Look for: 

• A dedicated SOC team providing 24/7/365 monitoring. 

• Live incident response support, ensuring immediate action is taken when needed. 

• Expert-driven analysis that helps you understand and mitigate threats quickly. 

With six global Security Operations Centres, Our MDR services offers true 24/7 protection with a hands-on incident response approach. 

Proactive threat hunting 

Beyond responding to alerts, your MDR provider should actively search for hidden threats within your network. Look for: 

• Analyst-led threat hunting to uncover undetected risks. 

• Continuous improvements in detection rules, ensuring defences evolve with emerging threats. 

• Access to real-time threat intelligence to stay ahead of cyber criminals. 

MDR combines automated threat detection with hands-on expertise, ensuring threats are caught before they become major incidents. 

Proactive threat hunting 

Beyond responding to alerts, your MDR provider should actively search for hidden threats within your network. Look for: 

• Analyst-led threat hunting to uncover undetected risks. 

• Continuous improvements in detection rules, ensuring defences evolve with emerging threats. 

• Access to real-time threat intelligence to stay ahead of cyber criminals. 

MDR combines automated threat detection with hands-on expertise, ensuring threats are caught before they become major incidents. 

Scalability and flexibility 

Your business will evolve, and so will the cyber threat landscape. Your MDR service must scale with your needs and adapt to new risks. Look for: 

• Flexible pricing models that don’t penalise growth. 

• Support for cloud, hybrid, and on-prem environments. 

• A service that improves over time, adding new detection capabilities without extra costs. 

MDR is designed to grow with your organisation, providing consistent protection as your security needs expand. 

Comprehensive reporting and compliance support 

MDR isn’t just about stopping threats—it should also help you meet regulatory requirements. Look for: 

• Clear, executive-level security reports that provide visibility into threats and responses. 

• Support for compliance frameworks such as GDPR, NIS2, and ISO 27001. 

• Automated reporting capabilities, reducing the burden on in-house teams. 

MDR delivers detailed reports and compliance tracking, helping you meet regulatory demands without extra effort. 

Not all MDR providers offer the same level of security, expertise, and operational efficiency. Choosing the right MDR service is about more than just cost—it’s about ensuring your business remains resilient against cyber threats. 

If you’re looking for an MDR service that delivers low-noise, high-accuracy detection, proactive response, and true 24/7 support, MDR is built to provide exactly that. 

Ready to enhance your security? Contact Integrity360 today to see how MDR can protect your organisation.