Every Second Counts
When it comes to cyberattacks, the difference between real-time detection and delayed response can mean the difference between a contained threat and a full-blown breach. In a landscape where attackers move fast — often within minutes of gaining access — organisations need systems and strategies that react even faster.
That’s where real-time incident detection becomes a critical pillar of modern cybersecurity.
What Is Real-Time Incident Detection?
Real-time incident detection refers to the continuous monitoring of systems, networks, and endpoints to immediately identify suspicious or malicious activity. Rather than relying on periodic scans or batch log analysis, real-time systems:
Ingest and process logs continuously
Correlate data across endpoints, firewalls, cloud systems, and users
Trigger alerts within seconds of anomalous behavior
Often integrate automated response playbooks
This shift from reactive to proactive monitoring significantly reduces an attacker’s window of opportunity.
How It Works at DOT
At DOT, we use a layered approach to real-time detection:
Telemetry Collection
We continuously ingest security events from endpoints, network devices, identity providers, and cloud platforms.
Behavioral Analytics & Threat Intelligence
Using both rule-based and machine learning-driven detection, we identify deviations from known-good patterns and correlate them with the latest threat intelligence.
24/7 SOC Monitoring
Our UK-based Security Operations Center is staffed around the clock. Analysts investigate alerts, escalate incidents, and coordinate response actions.
Automated Triage & Containment
In many cases, our systems automatically quarantine affected endpoints, disable compromised accounts, or block malicious IPs — buying precious time for human decision-making.
Real-World Impact
In Q1 2025, a client’s cloud environment triggered a real-time alert for credential stuffing. Within 40 seconds, DOT systems flagged the anomaly, disabled the compromised user, and alerted the client’s IT lead.
The attacker failed to move laterally — and the business avoided what could have been a costly breach.
Best Practices for Real-Time Detection
Whether you’re building internal capabilities or partnering with a provider like DOT, here are a few principles to follow:
Centralise your logs using a SIEM or cloud-native tools
Baseline normal behavior so anomalies stand out
Invest in automation — response time matters more than ever
Test your detections with red-teaming or simulated incidents
Ensure human oversight — context is key to correct escalation
Don’t Just Detect — Disrupt
Real-time detection is no longer optional. It’s the minimum required to stay ahead of today’s adversaries.
DOT’s Managed Detection & Response (MDR) service is built to respond in seconds, not hours — giving you time, context, and clarity when it matters most.