SOC Services vs MDR (Managed Detection & Response)

Introduction

In this article we discuss SOC services vs MDR. SOC services and Managed Detection and Response (MDR) are often positioned as alternatives. In reality, they solve different parts of the same problem: how organisations detect, investigate, and respond to cyber threats in a consistent and scalable way.

Confusion typically arises because both SOC services and MDR involve monitoring and response. However, they operate at different layers. SOC services define the operating model for security operations, while MDR delivers focused detection and response capabilities within that model.

We will cover the difference between SOC services and MDR, explains how they work together in practice, and helps organisations understand when each capability is appropriate. It is designed to complement deeper MDR resources, not replace them.

Also check out our guide to SOC Services.

What SOC Services Are Responsible For

SOC services provide the structure and governance for day-to-day security operations. A Security Operations Centre brings together people, processes, and technology to ensure threats are identified, investigated, and managed in a consistent way.

Rather than focusing on a single tool or attack surface, SOC services aggregate telemetry from across the environment. This includes endpoints, networks, cloud platforms, identity systems, and applications. Analysts then analyse this data to determine what matters and what action is required.

In simple terms, SOC services answer the question: how do our security operations function as a whole?

Core Responsibilities of SOC Services

SOC services typically include:

• Continuous security monitoring across multiple environments
• Alert triage and investigation by security analysts
• Threat detection using correlation, behavioural analytics, and threat intelligence
• Incident coordination, escalation, and communication
• Operational and executive reporting

SOC services provide visibility, consistency, and accountability. They also support governance by producing evidence that security risks are actively monitored and managed.

What Managed Detection and Response Focuses On

Managed Detection and Response concentrates on delivering specific detection and response outcomes. MDR services usually focus on defined telemetry sources such as endpoints, identities, or cloud workloads.

Instead of managing the entire security operations lifecycle, MDR prioritises speed and effectiveness. Analysts detect active threats and take direct action to contain them.

MDR therefore answers a narrower but critical question: how quickly can we detect and stop an active attack?

What MDR Typically Delivers

Managed Detection and Response commonly provides:

• Continuous threat detection across selected platforms
• Analyst-led investigation of high-risk alerts
• Active containment actions such as isolation or account suspension
• Threat hunting and proactive analysis
• Clear incident notifications and response guidance

For organisations new to the concept, a dedicated overview of what MDR includes is often helpful before evaluating how it fits into broader operations.

SOC services vs MDR: The Practical Differences

Although SOC services and MDR overlap in execution, they differ in scope, intent, and governance.

Scope

SOC services span the full security operations lifecycle. They integrate multiple tools and data sources and provide a single operational view.

MDR operates within a narrower scope. It focuses on detecting and responding to threats within specific platforms or attack surfaces.

Operating Model

SOC services define workflows, escalation paths, decision authority, and reporting structures. They ensure that detection and response activities are coordinated and repeatable.

MDR operates inside those workflows. It delivers hands-on detection and response actions as part of the broader SOC-led model.

Governance and Assurance

SOC services support executive oversight by providing metrics, reporting, and audit evidence. This makes them central to governance and compliance alignment.

MDR prioritises execution. While it produces incident data, it does not replace SOC-level governance on its own.

How SOC Services and MDR Work Together

In mature security programs, SOC services and MDR operate together rather than in isolation.

SOC services provide the operating framework. MDR delivers rapid detection and containment within that framework.

In practice:

• SOC services identify, prioritise, and contextualise security events
• MDR executes rapid containment and response actions
• The SOC coordinates communication, escalation, and post-incident review

This model allows organisations to move from visibility to action without fragmentation or duplicated effort.

When SOC Services May Be Enough on Their Own

Some organisations rely primarily on SOC services, particularly when internal teams retain responsibility for response actions.

This approach can be effective when:

• The environment is stable and well understood
• Existing tools already support containment
• Governance and visibility are the primary objectives

In these cases, SOC services provide structure and oversight while internal teams manage execution.

When MDR Alone Is Sometimes Used

In limited scenarios, organisations adopt MDR without broader SOC services.

This typically occurs when:

• The environment is relatively simple
• Speed of containment is the primary concern
• Internal security capability is minimal

However, as environments grow in size and complexity, organisations often find MDR alone lacks the operational context required for long-term maturity.

When Organisations Need Both SOC Services and MDR

For most organisations, combining SOC services and MDR delivers the strongest outcomes.

Together, they provide:

• Continuous visibility across the environment
• Rapid detection and containment of active threats
• Structured investigation and response coordination
• Executive-level reporting and assurance

This integrated approach avoids the trade-offs that come with choosing monitoring or response in isolation.

How to Decide What You Need

When evaluating SOC services and MDR, organisations should consider:

• The complexity of their environment
• Internal security resources and expertise
• Regulatory and governance requirements
• The desired balance between oversight and automation

Rather than asking whether SOC services or MDR are required, a more useful question is how MDR should operate within a SOC-led security model.

Conclusion

SOC services vs MDR is complex as these services address different layers of modern cybersecurity operations.

SOC services define how security operations function, providing visibility, governance, and coordination. MDR delivers focused detection and response actions that reduce dwell time and limit impact.

Used together, SOC services and MDR enable organisations to move from monitoring to decisive action with confidence, while maintaining clear accountability and long-term operational maturity.

Useful Links

• Guide to SOC Services
• What is MDR?
• Managed Detection and Response: A CIO’s guide

Related Services

• Managed Detection & Response
• Incident Response
• Managed Cybersecurity

External Resources

• ASD Strategies to mitigate Security Incidents
• Mitre Att&ck Updates
• NIST Cyber Framework