As organizations map their growth and discover new ways to leverage the potential of digital to boost their efficiencies, diversify, and contribute towards Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, cyber threats have grown in frequency and complexity. It has become challenging for organizations, especially small and medium businesses, to keep their infrastructure secure against evolving threats and compliant with the tightening regulations. 

With the rising cost and complexity of cybersecurity solutions and the widening skills gap, it has become highly challenging for organizations to take up cybersecurity on their own. 

MDR services offer a viable alternative to organizations that are looking for an affordable way to ensure round-the-clock security of their organization. Let us explore what MDR services are, their key components, and some of the top MDR providers that organizations, whether large or small, across industries can consider in Saudi Arabia.

What is MDR?

Managed Detection and Response is a service that blends human expertise in cybersecurity with technology for proactively addressing, detecting, and responding to cyber risks and threats.  

As opposed to a Security Operations Center that can be in-house, co-managed, or multi-tiered, an MDR service is an entirely outsourced service. 

It is a round-the-clock threat management service in which vendors offer a team that analyzes security data across their organization, including endpoints, cloud, system logs, and network, to identify if there is a cyber incident. 

Why do you need MDR?

It is an affordable service that is used generally by small, medium-sized, and even large-sized businesses for risk management, threat detection, remediation, and prevention. It is a highly customizable service that does not require as much effort to set up compared to taking up cybersecurity on one’s own or setting up a Security Operations Center.  

Some key features to expect from an effective MDR service

Through an MDR service, an organization can comprehensively secure its infrastructure against some of the most sophisticated cyber threats. The best thing about MDR is that it can be customized specifically to an organization’s cybersecurity needs. It combines the capabilities of cybersecurity technology and human experts to offer round-the-clock security.

Round-the-clock monitoring and risk management 

Cybercriminals don’t wait for open hours to orchestrate attacks. Through an MDR service, organizations get round-the-clock security monitoring and support for prompt response to threats and timely identification and management of risks.

Threat hunting and threat intelligence integration 

It offers a team of experts who hunt for threats within the internal and external attack surface and integrate information to keep up with the tactics, techniques, procedures, and Indicators of Compromise and Indicators of attack from industry-trusted sources for swift response to threats. 

Customization  

MDR can offer the flexibility to tailor service to specific technology, workflows, systems, applications, and security setups. It can offer a customizable interface to centralize visibility and quicken decision-making with clear insights across posture.

Scalability 

It can offer businesses the confidence to grow in size, infrastructure, etc., without having to worry about challenges like tech sprawl and limited visibility.

Team of cybersecurity experts with SME and Domain expertise 

Organizations can address the challenge of cybersecurity skills shortage by getting access to a wide range of cybersecurity experts on a round-the-clock basis.  

Advanced threat detection 

The service uses AI and ML, and threat intelligence-based detection of threats for quick and accurate detection and response to threats. 

Top MDR Service providers in Saudi Arabia

SharkStriker – Best Advanced MDR Service Provider in Saudi Arabia

Overview

SharkStriker is a global cybersecurity company that offers holistic, human-led, tech-driven managed security services. With SOCs across 30+ countries, it helps global organizations address their cybersecurity challenges with a blend of human expertise and technology.

SharkStriker’s MDR service offers organizations the people, process, and technological expertise to address cybersecurity challenges like a widening skills gap, limited visibility, and rising compliance risks while helping gain ROI from existing cybersecurity investments.

It adds compliance to the Monitoring, Detection, Investigation, and Response processes of MDR service, helping organizations not just to keep up with evolving threats but also the changing compliance landscape. They offer dedicated expertise to adhere to and improve compliance with regulations like Saudi Arabia’s SAMA framework and NCA guidelines.

The service is delivered by a team of round-the-clock experts with dual expertise in cybersecurity and compliance through a purpose-built compliance centric security platform that unifies security, extends visibility, and centralizes control.

Organizations that have used SharkStriker MDR have observed faster MTTR, enhanced savings in data retention costs, and improved data security.

Features of SharkStriker MDR

EDR/XDR/NDR 

With EDR, XDR, and NDR, SharkStriker MDR services offer round-the-clock protection of infrastructure, including endpoints, network, and cloud. 

Full-Cycle Incident Response

Through the service, organizations can get 24/7 support for incident response for the complete cycle of the incident, from containment to recovery.

Host-Based Vulnerability Assessment

Organizations can proactively identify and address risks across and get detailed information on all the vulnerable hosts with this service. 

Network Vulnerability Assessment (Internal & External)

Their team of network security experts proactively takes action based on continuous scanning and vulnerability assessment of the network for internal and external risks. 

Annual Network Penetration Testing

With this service, organizations can get an annual in-depth assessment of the network for cyber risks using real-world techniques, such as pentesting. 

Security Audit of Controls (EDR, EPP, Cloud)

SharkStriker’s team of security and compliance experts audits security controls, ensuring that they are in line with the regulations and are effective in keeping the endpoints and the rest of the infrastructure secure from cyber threats. 

Security Advisory & Posture Review

With this service, organizations can get security advisories and get their posture reviewed for risks to proactively secure their infrastructure against emerging cyber threats. 

Multi-Sourced Threat Intelligence

Organizations can benefit from multi-sourced threat intelligence from reputed sources and get their defenses tuned as per frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK and DEF3ND. 

Third-Party Tool Integration

The service helps organizations seamlessly integrate their third-party security tools across multiple vendors over a purpose-built security platform for centralized visibility and control. 

Weekly & Monthly Security Reports

They offer weekly and monthly reports based on a comprehensive assessment of security posture. 

Regional data centers  

Organizations get latency optimized services delivered via locally hosted NCA-compliant data centers.

Strengths of SharkStriker MDR

• Offers dual expertise in cybersecurity and compliance with regulations like SAMA, and NCA guidelines 
• Extends visibility, decentralizes cybersecurity control, and offers real-time insights 
• Offers customizable reports 
• Purpose-built security platform, STRIEGO with a vendor-agnostic layer  
• Specialized in proactive risk management and threat hunting 
• Integrates AI and machine learning to detect sophisticated threats 
• Hyper customization options 
• Affordable pricing model 
• Improves compliance with regulations like SAMA and NCA guidelines with data sovereignty (OCI based data centers in Saudi Arabia).
• Localized threat detection, faster failover/recovery, rapid incident response and quicker access to data and threat intelligence. 

Gartner review  

“SharkStrikers MDR service has helped us enhance our threat detection and automated response to threats The platform was easy to use and worked smoothly with multiple vendors providing 360-degree visibility of security operations across the infrastructure. With on-demand expertise in cybersecurity and their highly versatile platform, we were able to address threats and suspicious behavior based activities before they got too big to deal with. Their platform has helped us take control of our defenses, assisting us to quickly evolve our defenses by leveraging best practices, mitigations and global threat intelligence. with this service, we were able to focus better on improving the service experience while keeping what is secure and what is precious to us.” 

2. Cyberani

Overview

Cyberani is a cybersecurity company that is part of Aramco Digital, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s renowned digital solutions and services provider for the energy sector.  It has SOCs in Riyadh and Dhahran. Cyberami’s MDR service enables organizations with 24/7 security against advanced cyber threats.

Features 

Advanced EDR and NDR

It automates threat detection and response, allowing organizations to immediately contain threats while safeguarding the integrity of their network, endpoints, and cloud infrastructure. 

Threat intelligence feeds 

The company integrates high-quality threat intelligence from reputable sources, offering real-time insights on emerging threats and pre-emptive defense against them. 

Integrated Security stack  

Cyberami works with an integrated security stack that includes endpoint protection tools, IPS/IDS systems, and other solutions. 

Customized security protocols 

Their MDR services are tailored as per each organization’s unique security needs, aligned as per their risk profile and objectives. 

Strengths

• Backed by industry expertise in the energy sector  
• Tier-1 licensed by NCA 

3. SITE – Saudi Information Technology Company

Overview

Saudi Information Technology Company – SITE is owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). It represents a combination of national and global partnerships offering cybersecurity, cloud computing, and system integration services.

SITE’s MDR service combines 24/7 monitoring with proactive threat hunting, SITE Intelligence, and advanced triage for an effective response to threats.

Features 

Threat hunting 

SITE’s threat hunting team monitors the environment for threats and suspicious activities utilizing regional threat intelligence and expertise to effectively detect and respond to cyber threats.

Advanced triage 

Their team engages in advanced triage of threats categorizing them as per severity and frequency of exploitation for efficient security operations.

SITE local and global threat intelligence 

SITE offers insights on ever changing cyber threat landscape with their Cyber Threat Intelligence Platform that offers real time threat feeds, actionable reports and insights. 

Security Automation 

SITE’s team automates aspects of cybersecurity using multiple technologies and methods for efficient security operations.

Multi-signal monitoring 

It uses multi-signal approach to monitor the attack surface using telemetry from multiple sources to detect threats and take prompt action.

Strengths 

• Specializes in working with government entities 
• Offers data sovereignty (SOC in Riyadh)

4. SAMI AEC  

Overview 

SAMI Advanced Electronics Company is a subsidiary of the Saudi Arabia Military Industries group, specializing in cybersecurity, known for its technological solutions in defense, government, and the IT sector. SAMI AEC’s MDR offers a comprehensive threat management and helps enable proactive and continuous defense against threats.

Features 

Threat detection and analysis 

Engages in continuous surveillance of network for threats, performing an in-depth analysis of risks, improving the defenses based on the results.

Log analysis and monitoring  

Monitors and analyzes security logs from multiple security solutions for any signs of suspicious threat activity.

Digital forensics and incident response 

Rapidly responds to cybersecurity incidents based on detection and continuously collects digital forensics as per regulatory requirements.

Security reporting and governance 

SAMI AEC’s MDR offers support for security reporting and governance, offering comprehensive assessments and evaluation of infrastructure.

Strengths 

• Specializes in working with defense sector 
• Offers unified alert management  

5. Sirar by STC 

Overview 

Sirar by STC (Saudi Technology Company) is a Riyadh-based ICT and digital services provider that offers data privacy and cybersecurity services to customers across the KSA. The MDR service offered by the company assists organizations to step up their cybersecurity through centralized management, 24/7 monitoring, and security reporting.

Features 

Centralized management 

Sirar by STC MDR offers a high-level coverage of endpoint security with a dedicated threat intelligence feed. 

24×7 monitoring 

It offers a team of highly talented and experienced SOC analysts who engage in round-the-clock monitoring of the infrastructure for threats and risks.

Security reports 

It offers detailed technical reports specifying mitigation and containment measures for emerging cyber threats. 

Dedicated client portal 

Sirar by STC MDR service offers a dedicated client portal to customers for quick and easy access to security information and reports. 

Strengths

• Integrates with STC telecom for visibility 
• Intelligence from commercial, open source, local, NCA etc. 

6. KEMS Zajil

Overview 

KEMS Zajil is a Kuwait-based telecom, internet, and data services provider in Saudi Arabia that offers managed security services. It is part of the Kalaam Telecom group, which is a renowned telecom group in Kuwait. Zajil MDR offers a bundled service covering security monitoring with access to threat intelligence feeds, periodical threat hunting and an incident response team.   

Features 

Security monitoring 

Zajil offers a team of security experts who perform round the clock security monitoring of the infrastructure.  

Threat intelligence

Through the service, organizations get timely access to threat intelligence allowing them to keep up with local and global cyber threats.

Threat hunting

Their team actively looks for suspicious activities and threats across their infrastructure allowing respond to them.

Incident response

The service offers a team for incident response support with the required tools and expertise needed for IR.  

Strengths 

• Offers specialized expertise for finance, healthcare, and retail 

7. Help AG

Overview 

Help AG is a cybersecurity company that is part of the e& company or the Etisalat Group. It offers information security solutions to government and enterprises.  It offers an MDR service that is tailored to the specific needs of government organizations and enterprises that comprises real time threat monitoring and instantaneous response to threats. It leverages advanced analysis for the rapid response and containment of threats.  

Features 

On-demand access to expertise 

With this service, organizations can benefit from on-demand access to expertise, advanced technology and 24/7 security their infrastructure. 

Advanced analytics 

It utilizes advanced threat analytics from multiple parts of their infrastructure to proactively mitigate risks and respond to and contain threats.

Expert analysts 

Help AG offers a team of analysts who help organizations address risks and improve their resilience against threats.

Data security  

It helps organizations improve their data security as per the data protection and privacy regulations of Saudi Arabia.

Strengths 

• Offers data sovereignty with SOC in the UAE and KSA 
• Security automation 
• Integrated CREST Certified DFIR 

8. STS – A Zaintech Company

Overview 

STS is a Jordan-based digital transformation solutions provider that offers hybrid cloud solutions and cybersecurity offerings. 

Its MDR service helps organizations instantly detect and respond to advanced threats and enable round-the-clock security with certified security experts.  It helps them make use of advanced behaviour analytics and intelligence-driven services to keep their infrastructure secure from cyber threats.  

Features 

SOC operations and monitoring 

STS MDR service offers a SOC team that works towards offering round-the-clock security while reducing false positives through monitoring.  

Incident response and malware analysis 

It offers additional capabilities for incident management, forensic, and malware analysis through the STS security team.  

High fidelity threat intelligence 

The service utilizes up-to-date open and closed-source threat intelligence services, assisting organizations in keeping up with evolving cyber threats.  

Threat hunting  

Organizations can improve their detection and response mechanisms through threat hunting and analytics with this service.

Strengths

• Offers customization options 

9. Trend Micro

Overview

TrendMicro is a US based global cybersecurity company that offers cloud and enterprise cybersecurity solutions and services. It has a SOC in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  

TrendMicro MDR offers organization a holistic service to maximize their detection and response capabiltioeis by taking advantage of superior threat expertise, intelligence, and analytics and dedicated SOC support.  

Features

Security monitoring 

Trend Micro MDR offers 24/7 analysis and monitoring where data from different parts of infrastructure including endpoints, servers, and cloud are analyzed for signs of threat for maximum security.

Threat intelligence integration 

It offers threat analysts who use the threat intelligence feeds to improve security and take proactive action to defend an organization’s infrastructure from cyber threats

Incident response 

Through the service organizations get a dedicated team of cybersecurity experts to identify, investigate and respond to cyber threats.

Deeper analysis 

Trend Micro offers experts who are skilled at analyzing and determining context of data from reputed cybersecurity solutions

Strengths

• Multi-vector coverage 
• Preferred cybersecurity partner for banks 

10. Mandiant

Overview  

Mandiant is a United States-based cybersecurity company that is a subsidiary of Google Cloud. It is known globally for its cloud security solutions and services.  

Its MDR service offers a round the clock access to frontline experts for threat hunting, discovery, and investigation of cyber threats and prevention of data breaches.

Features

Detection  

Mandiant combines threat intelligence with frontline expertise to offer its customers quick protection against cyber threats with superior detection.

Threat response 

Their team takes response action based on a detailed investigation of threats and risks, enabling organizations to quickly defend against threats.

Security Guidance 

It offers a team of security experts from Mandiant for detailed guidance on security based on experience.

Incident response  

With the service, organizations get a team of certified incident response experts who can help them respond to sophisticated threats.

Strengths 

• reputed globally for its IR expertise with sophisticated attacks 

List of Top 10 MDR Service providers in Saudi Arabia

1. SharkStriker

2. Cyberani

3. SITE – Saudi Information Technology Company

4. SAMI Advanced Electronics Company

5. Sirar by STC (Saudi Technology Company)

6. KEMS Zajil

7. Help AG

8. STS – A Zaintech Company

9. Trend Micro

10. Mandiant