Managed SOC vs MDR
Compare threat response with broader day-to-day SOC operations.
| Compare | Managed SOC | MDR |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Run or co-run security operations. | Detect, investigate and respond to threats. |
| Provider handles | Monitoring, detection tuning, reporting and incident coordination. SIEM operations may be included. | Alert investigation and threat hunting. Containment depends on the service and agreed permissions. |
| You still own | Risk decisions, business approvals and internal remediation. Confirm who authorizes response. | Your security program, tools outside the service and incident decisions not pre-authorized. |
| Useful when | You need help running the daily SOC workflow. | You need investigation and response capacity around your existing tools. |
Before you choose
- Who tunes detections and operates the SIEM?
- Which containment actions can the provider take without waiting for your team?
- Who coordinates the incident and completes remediation?