Task 11: Deploy MDR on Critical Computers
In previous articles, we explained the importance of Managed Detection and Response (MDR)—a critical security layer that combines advanced threat detection with human expertise to monitor, investigate, and respond to threats in real time.
For small businesses, MDR is the best way to achieve enterprise-grade protection without having to hire a full in-house security team. However, not all MDR services are created equal.
Why MDR Deployment Is Critical—Starting with Key Systems
While MDR is an important protection layer for all devices, you should start by securing the systems that matter most:
- Servers
- Externally-facing assets
- Executive and leadership team devices
- Financial and bookkeeping systems
- Laptops and mobile devices used off-site
- Any system storing sensitive customer or business data
These are the devices attackers are most likely to target or use as stepping stones to larger attacks.
A Critical Distinction: MDR Isn’t Always “Managed” the Way You Think
One of the biggest misconceptions about MDR is that the provider will “take care of everything.” The reality is more nuanced.
With most MDR services, the provider:
- Monitors your systems for suspicious activity
- Generates alerts and notifications
- Provides general guidance on what you should do next
But the actual response is often left to you.
This means you need a skilled, available IT/security person ready to pick up the phone at any hour, interpret technical instructions, and take rapid action to contain and remediate the threat.
Some MDR providers include the stipulation that a qualified IT person be ready to take action 24/7 as needed. They may consider it a breach of contract if an incident occurs and a non-IT person answers their call.
For large enterprises with a dedicated IT security team, this works fine.
For small businesses? It’s a recipe for missed alerts, delayed responses, and—too often—disaster.
How Guardian Angel’s MDR Service Is Different
At Guardian Angel, we believe small businesses deserve the same level of protection as the big players, without having to build an internal security team.
That’s why the MDR service included in our Security Essentials™ bundle doesn’t just detect threats—we:
- Respond to incidents on your behalf, in real-time
- Contain and remediate active threats
- Provide a post-incident report with full transparency of what happened, what was done, and any follow-up recommendations
- Notify you only when you want to be notified
Our goal is that 99% of incidents are handled fully without disrupting your business operations.
🔍 MDR Comparison: Typical Provider vs. Security Essentials
| Feature | Typical MDR Provider | Guardian Angel Security Essentials™ |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Threat Monitoring | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Real-Time Alerts | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Human Analysis of Threats | ✅ Usually | ✅ Always |
| Customer Must Respond to Alerts | ⚠️ Often required | ❌ We respond for you |
| Level of Support During Incidents | ⚠️ General guidance only | ✅ Full response + post-incident report |
| Technical Expertise Required by Customer | ⚠️ High – must understand and act on alerts | ❌ None – we handle everything |
| Customer Availability Required | 📞 Yes – must be reachable 24/7 | ❌ No – we take care of it |
| Cost (Typical) | 💰 $20–50+/month per endpoint | 💡 $25/month per endpoint (with more included) |
| Included Services | 🚫 May require add-ons (e.g., DNS security, patching) | ✅ Includes DNS-based security, patching, and more |
Deploying MDR: How-To
1. Choose Your MDR Provider
- For small businesses without dedicated security teams, we recommend choosing a fully-managed MDR provider like Guardian Angel Security Essentials™.
- If you’re considering other MDR vendors (e.g., CrowdStrike, SentinelOne), be very clear on:
- Who is responsible for incident response
- What kind of guidance or support they provide during an active incident
- Whether they’ll act or just advise
- Keep in mind that the actual incident response you get will likely be a reflection of the overall product cost.
2. Deploy the MDR Agent on Critical Devices
Once enrolled:
- You’ll receive an installer or deployment link for the MDR agent.
- Install the agent on all prioritized devices (executive workstations, servers, critical laptops, etc.).
- For Guardian Angel clients, we handle this step with you or for you, ensuring everything is deployed correctly and quickly.
3. Confirm Visibility and Health Checks
- Verify that all endpoints are reporting into the MDR platform.
- Run initial health checks to ensure full visibility and no coverage gaps.
- Perform periodic checks to ensure that all devices remain enrolled and properly configured.
- Guardian Angel monitors and verifies this for all of our clients as part of onboarding for Security Essentials™.
Key Takeaway: Don’t Get Fooled by “DIY MDR”
Many MDR providers sell “detection and response” but offload the actual response to you.
For most small businesses, that’s not realistic.
If you don’t have the resources or expertise to act on alerts 24/7, you need a partner who will act for you. That’s the service we provide—full remediation, minimal disruption, with transparent reporting after the fact.