To kick things off this week, let’s talk about Managed Detection and Response, or MDR.
MDR is a cybersecurity service that provides continuous threat monitoring, proactive threat hunting and rapid incident response. Unlike legacy security tools that rely heavily on automated alerts and static defenses, MDR combines advanced technology with human expertise to detect and neutralize threats before they cause damage.
What makes MDR particularly valuable is its ability to adapt to evolving threats. MDR providers employ skilled analysts who continuously investigate threats, using a mix of automation, AI and hands-on expertise to identify anomalies and take action. Another key advantage of MDR is its proactive stance on security. Instead of waiting for an attack to occur, MDR actively searches for signs of compromise, often detecting threats in their earliest stages.
The market is embracing MDR as a clear means to deliver positive cybersecurity outcomes, and this has meant rapid growth in the category. Companies recognize that traditional security approaches are no longer enough in the face of sophisticated and persistent cyber threats. MDR offers a results-driven model. It shifts cybersecurity from a reactive necessity to a proactive advantage.
Businesses face heightened risks from ransomware, data breaches and nation-state attacks. MDR’s ability to deliver measurable security improvements makes it an attractive investment.
Sophos understands this, which is why it went out and acquired Secureworks.
Sophos is a channel-first cybersecurity provider that is committed to delivering cutting-edge security services and technologies that empower its global community of resellers, MSPs and MSSPs. This includes expanding their reach, enhancing operational scalability and providing stronger defenses to the countless organizations that need the ability to effectively defend against today’s constant and complex cyberattacks.
Secureworks is a cybersecurity company that specializes in threat intelligence, MDR and incident response services. Secureworks leverages advanced analytics, AI and human expertise to help businesses detect, prevent and respond to cyber threats.
The acquisition positions Sophos as a top provider of MDR services, supporting more than 28,000 organizations of all sizes worldwide. The combination allows Sophos to deliver a platform that features hundreds of built-in integrations for adaptive protection, detection and response for mitigating cyberattacks.
The open and scalable platform helps organizations, especially those with diverse IT estates, safeguard current and future technology investments. Sophos X-Ops is also expanding its threat intelligence and security services capabilities with the addition of the Secureworks Counter Threat Unit and security operations and advisory teams.
“With the integration of Secureworks, our expanded services and product portfolio will provide even stronger end-to-end security solutions that will include identity threat detection and response (ITDR), next-gen SIEM and managed risk, all in a single open platform,” said Joe Levy, CEO, Sophos. “We will also be able to further advance our AI, threat intelligence and attack research through more diverse and deeper global telemetry that is analyst-tuned for the real-world. At every level, we are very excited about this next accelerated chapter for Sophos.”
Under the terms of the agreement, according to the official announcent, Sophos acquired Secureworks in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $859 million. Secureworks shareholders, including Dell Technologies , will receive $8.50 per share in cash. This represents a 28% premium to the unaffected 90-day volume-weighted average price.
To learn how you can take your MSP to the next level, don’t miss MSP Expo 2025. Taking place from February 11-13 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, MSP Expo is the premier event for MSPs, offering a three-day experience combining conference education focused on growth strategies, networking opportunities, an exhibit hall full of the latest technologies and solutions to help MSPs build their businesses.
Edited by
Alex Passett
