Cyber threats targeting public safety agencies are more advanced than ever. 911 centers, emergency communications centers (ECCs), and local government IT teams need real-time threat detection and rapid incident response—this is where Managed Detection and Response (MDR) comes in.

This guide answers the most common questions about MDR, how it works, and why it’s a game-changer for public safety cybersecurity.

What Is Managed Detection and Response (MDR)?

MDR is a cybersecurity service that detects, investigates, and responds to cyber threats in real time. Unlike traditional security tools, MDR provides 24/7 monitoring, expert threat analysis, and rapid incident response to stop attacks before they cause harm.

How Does MDR Work?

MDR solutions combine advanced threat detection technology with human expertise to identify and neutralize cyber threats. Here’s how:

  • Continuous Monitoring – 24/7 surveillance of networks, endpoints, and cloud environments.
  • Threat Detection – Uses AI, machine learning, and threat intelligence to spot suspicious activity.
  • Incident Investigation – Cybersecurity experts analyze alerts to determine if they are real threats.
  • Rapid Response – When a threat is detected, MDR teams contain and neutralize it before it spreads.

How Is MDR Different from Traditional Security Tools?

Feature MDR SIEM EDR

24/7 Monitoring

 ✅ Yes ❌ No ✅ Yes

Threat Hunting

 ✅ Yes ❌ No ❌ No

Automated & Human Response

 ✅ Yes ❌ No ❌ No

Incident Investigation

 ✅ Yes ❌ No ❌ No

Works with in-House SOC

 ✅ Yes ❌ No ❌ No

Unlike SIEM (which just collects logs) or EDR (which focuses only on endpoints), MDR provides full-scale cybersecurity defense with both technology and human expertise.

What’s the Difference Between MDR and XDR?

MDR and XDR are often confused, but they are different:

  • MDR: Managed cybersecurity service that detects and provides guided response to threats for an organization.
  • XDR: Detection and response approach to threat detection and response that combines multiple security sources beyond traditional endpoints.

For public safety agencies, MDR is often the better choice because it includes expert human analysis and response—not just automated alerts.

Considering that a single cyberattack can cost a public safety agency millions in downtime and recovery, MDR is a smart investment.

Why Do Public Safety Agencies Need MDR?

Public safety agencies—especially 911 centers, ECCs, and local government offices—are prime targets for cybercriminals. MDR helps:

✅ Prevent ransomware attacks that could shut down emergency communications.
✅ Ensure compliance with CJIS and other security regulations.
✅ Protect sensitive 911 networks and law enforcement data from cyber threats.
✅ Reduce alert fatigue by filtering out false positives.
✅ Provide 24/7 monitoring without needing an in-house security team.

How Do I Choose the Right MDR Provider?

Not all MDR services are created equal. When evaluating an MDR provider, public safety agencies should look for:

✅ Public Safety Expertise – Do they understand 911 center cybersecurity needs?

✅ 24/7 SOC Monitoring – Is there a dedicated security team always watching your network?

✅ Leveraging AI Machine Learning? – Does the provider use an AI model to help understand and alert to real-time cyber threats, understand the specific threat and avoid false positives?

✅ Passive vs Monitoring Active Monitoring? – Is the provider using passive or active monitoring methods? Sensitive networks such as public safety benefit from passive monitoring with real-time threat detection without slowing down networks—a real risk with active monitoring

✅ Incident Response Capabilities – Do they help contain and stop threats in real-time?

✅ Customizable Service – Is the MDR tailored for public safety operations?

How Can SecuLore Help?

SecuLore specializes in cybersecurity for public safety agencies.

Our MDR solution is designed specifically for 911 centers, ECCs, and local governments, offering:

✔ 24/7 security operations center (SOC) monitored by a real team of experts

✔ Passive monitoring and deep packet inspection
✔ AI-enhanced threat detection and rapid response
✔ Ransomware prevention and incident recovery
✔ Compliance support for CJIS, SOC 2, CCMC 2.0 and more
✔ Expert analysis from cybersecurity professionals with real world knowledge of public safety and critical infrastructure networks

Want to see how MDR can protect your agency?

Contact SecuLore today to learn more.

Discover the Benefits of Managed Detection and Response Services

SecuLore’s Managed Detection & Response (MDR) and security services combine industry-leading cyber technology and expertise to provide powerful risk prevention and response.

Contents

Other Resources

  • Why SOAR Isn’t the Right Cybersecurity Fit for Public Safety
  • World Backup Day: Essential Backup Strategies for Public Safety & Government
  • Managed Detection and Response FAQ: Everything Public Safety Agencies Need to Know
  • What is Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)?
  • Phishing Webinar: Inside the Hacker’s Toolbox