Beyond the perimeter: Why MDR and Zero Trust are the future of cyber security

With the growing shift toward digitalization, businesses face an increasing demand for robust cyber security measures. To safeguard your critical data, you need a solution that is both dynamic and proactive. Enter – Managed Detection and Response (MDR)+. By integrating MDR with Zero Trust Endpoint Security, MDR+ is purpose-built to meet the needs of globally connected, cloud-first organizations.

What is MDR+?

MDR+ offers a strategic, cost-effective way to enhance cyber security posture without heavy internal investment. By integrating round-the-clock threat detection, response, and investigation services with advanced Zero Trust principles, MDR+ ensures every user, device, and system is continuously verified, never assumed trustworthy, and rigorously monitored.

While MDR+ helps businesses get continuous monitoring of endpoints, networks, cloud services, and more, what truly sets it apart is the human layer of real-life security analysts who actively investigate threats and respond in real time. MDR+ takes MDR to the next level, integrating six global Security Operations Centers (SOCs) to ensure fast, round-the-clock protection.

How does MDR+ work?

Managed Detection and Response (MDR)+ operates at the intersection of technology and human expertise. It continuously gathers and analyzes vast amounts of security data in motion (also known as telemetry) from endpoints, cloud services, network traffic, identity systems, and even third-party integrations. This comprehensive data collection forms the foundation of MDR+’s effectiveness.

First, machine learning models scan for deviations from normal user or system behavior, flagging potential threats like unauthorized access attempts, lateral movement, or the sudden encryption of files, which can indicate a ransomware attack.

But MDR+ isn’t about automation alone. It’s what happens after the alert that sets MDR+ apart. A team of cyber security professionals (supported by six global Security Operations Centers) step in to triage and investigate. They validate alerts, determine the nature of the threat, and take it down.

Here’s what that looks like in real time:

Real-time monitoring: Your entire digital infrastructure (like the endpoints, mobile devices, networks, and cloud workloads) is under continuous surveillance. This always-on visibility means that threats are caught as they emerge. IBM’s 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report found that data breaches with shorter life cycles (less than 200 days) give organizations 23% more savings.

Threat detection: Advanced behavioral analysis goes beyond signature-based antivirus. It identifies unusual patterns, privilege escalations, or shadow IT operations that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Rapid response: Once a threat is confirmed, analysts can remotely take control. They might isolate an infected machine from the network, shut down malicious processes, revoke access tokens, or even roll back changes.

MDR+ also actively works to prevent the next attack. Through proactive threat hunting, security experts analyze evolving attack patterns and hunt for subtle signals that indicate early-stage threats. Combined with weekly and monthly reporting, this ongoing insight empowers organizations to fine-tune their defenses, close security gaps, and continuously improve their overall risk posture.

Why is MDR+ essential today?

The 2023 Identity Theft Resource Center Data Breach Report found that advanced types of cyber-attacks were rampant in 2023. These were the top attack vectors:

The shift to remote work and the widespread use of SaaS applications have dramatically widened the attack surface for most businesses. With data flowing between home networks, personal devices, and cloud platforms, the traditional perimeter has all but disappeared.

And while legacy tools like antivirus software and basic firewalls once offered a reasonable line of defense, they simply aren’t built to handle today’s fast-moving, highly targeted threats. These tools react to known issues. But modern attacks often come without warning or recognizable patterns. MDR+ enables a more precise and proactive approach to cyber security, stopping potential damage before it even has a chance to spread.

MDR+ vs. EDR vs. XDR: What’s the difference?

The cyber security space is full of acronyms, and it’s easy to get them mixed up. Here's a quick breakdown of how EDR, XDR, and MDR+ compare:

EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response): Focuses strictly on endpoints, like laptops, desktops, and servers. It’s great for spotting threats at the device level but lacks visibility across your broader environment.

XDR (Extended Detection and Response): Offers a wider view by pulling in data from networks, email, cloud workloads, and more. It improves detection across multiple layers, but it’s still up to your team to manage and respond.

MDR (Managed Detection and Response) +: Combines the power of detection with the critical piece many businesses lack: 24/7 human expertise. MDR+ providers monitor, investigate, and respond to threats on your behalf, all while layering in Zero Trust Endpoint Security, adding automated access control, proactive threat containment, and advanced analytics. It helps you stay secure without stretching your internal resources.

What does Zero Trust mean?

According to IBM, two-thirds of organizations abide by a Zero Trust policy. Zero Trust’s core principle is to never trust and always verify. With continuous authentication and least-privilege access, it limits what users can do and where they can go.  

This approach blocks lateral movement, reduces the risk of compromised credentials, and helps contain insider threats. Zero Trust ensures security is enforced at every level, keeping your environment secure, no matter where or how work happens.

Why is Zero Trust critical in cyber security?

​Traditional perimeter security models, which rely on firewalls and network boundaries, are increasingly ineffective in today's dynamic IT environments. They struggle to address insider threats and lateral movements by attackers once the perimeter is breached. ​

Zero trust architecture addresses these challenges by enforcing continuous verification of all users and devices, regardless of their location within or outside the network. This approach is particularly beneficial for organizations with remote or hybrid workforces and multi-cloud deployments, as it ensures consistent security measures across diverse environments. ​

Claro's MDR+ solution embodies these principles by incorporating role-based access controls, multi-factor authentication, and proactive threat containment, which enhance overall security posture.

How MDR and Zero Trust complement each other

​Integrating Managed Detection and Response (MDR) with Zero Trust architecture offers organizations a robust defense against evolving cyber threats. This combination provides several key benefits:​

Minimized risk of breaches: Real-time detection and strict access controls significantly reduce vulnerabilities. According to PurpleSec, organizations implementing Zero Trust strategies have saved an average of $1.76 million per breach. ​

Faster threat identification and mitigation: Continuous monitoring across digital and physical environments enables swift detection and response.

Enhanced data security and compliance: Implementing Zero Trust principles ensures comprehensive security monitoring and risk-informed data protection throughout the data lifecycle, aligning with regulatory requirements and enhancing compliance.  

Reduced cyber insurance premiums: Proactive risk mitigation through MDR and Zero Trust can lead to lower cyber insurance costs. Insurers are increasingly mandating these security measures for policy approval, and businesses demonstrating comprehensive incident response plans are receiving more favorable policy terms. ​

By adopting MDR and Zero Trust, organizations strengthen their security posture. Additionally, they achieve financial benefits through cost savings and reduced insurance premiums that can be otherwise costly when these two cyber security measures are combined.

Key features to look for in an MDR solution

True cyber security protection comes from a combination of intelligent automation and human expertise. Look for 24/7 monitoring by live analysts (not just bots) so that threats are verified and addressed in real time.  

AI and machine learning-driven threat detection is essential for catching advanced attacks before they spread. Integration with your existing security tools and cloud environments helps streamline operations. Claro’s MDR+ delivers on all fronts, combining automated threat hunting, Zero Trust enforcement, and hands-on incident response to give you both speed and accuracy.

Choosing the right MDR provider

Picking an MDR+ provider means gauging trust, experience, and responsiveness. You want a partner who understands your risks and knows how to move fast when threats appear. Ask about their support team, how quickly they respond, and how well they’ll integrate with your existing tools. Claro Enterprise Solutions brings global reach, deep cyber security expertise, and a track record of helping businesses stay ahead of threats.  

Final thoughts

Cyber security is the backbone of modern business resilience. With threats growing smarter and more targeted, having the right tools and people in place is non-negotiable. Claro’s MDR+ brings together proactive threat detection, expert-led response, and Zero Trust protections in one powerful solution. It’s designed to help your business stay agile, secure, and one step ahead of whatever comes next.  

MDR+ makes sure you're ready to face all cyber security issues today and tomorrow. Reach out to Claro Enterprise Solutions to request a demo today!