Forrester’s Q1 2025 Wave report has evaluated the leading managed detection and response (MDR) services, identifying CrowdStrike, Expel, and Red Canary as Leaders, while eSentire and Binary Defense are recognized as Strong Performers. This evaluation highlights the unique requirements for enterprises operating in industrial environments, where monitoring programmable logic controllers (PLCs) without disruption is crucial.
The distinction between IT and operational technology (OT) environments is significant, as availability is prioritized over confidentiality in industrial settings. Unlike IT, where compromised hosts can be isolated, OT environments risk unsafe conditions and costly downtimes if controllers are interrupted. Additionally, standard vulnerability scanning methods can crash critical equipment, necessitating a passive monitoring approach tailored to specific industrial protocols.
As compliance with regulations like the EU’s NIS2 directive becomes essential, operators must ensure asset visibility on OT networks. This shift emphasizes the importance of understanding obligations beyond vendor summaries. Furthermore, cybersecurity insurance programs are increasingly incorporating EDR, XDR, and MDR services, with zero-day coverage becoming a key consideration for underwriters.
Editor's Note
The evolving landscape of cybersecurity in industrial operations underscores the need for specialized managed detection and response services. As enterprises navigate compliance and operational risks, the integration of proactive monitoring and incident response tailored to operational technology is critical. Understanding the unique challenges of OT environments will be essential for decision-makers in selecting appropriate security solutions.
Leave a comment