Sophos XDR/MDR Implementation Guide

Modern cybersecurity requires more than just antivirus protection. Sophos Extended Detection and Response (XDR) and Managed Detection and Response (MDR) offer advanced tools and services to detect, investigate, and respond to today’s sophisticated threats. This implementation guide outlines the step-by-step process for successful deployment of Sophos XDR or MDR with maximum protection and minimal disruption.

Purpose

This guide provides a structured deployment process for Sophos XDR/MDR, ensuring consistent configuration and comprehensive endpoint protection across your organization.

Scope

Applies to environments deploying Sophos Central-based XDR or MDR, offering full technical guidance from planning to verification.

1. Initial Client Planning

1.1 Security Assessment

• Evaluate existing security gaps
• Identify compliance mandates (e.g., HIPAA, PCI-DSS)
• Document devices and endpoint count
• Log special concerns (BYOD, legacy systems)

1.2 Solution Planning

• Choose between XDR (self-managed detection tools) or MDR (Sophos-managed threat response)
• Define rollout plan (phased or full deployment)
• Get internal approval for the scope

2. Sophos Portal Access

• Log into the Sophos Central Admin Console
• Confirm access to relevant customer and partner resources

3. Account Creation

3.1 Add Customer Account

• In Sophos Central, go to Manage Sophos Central > Customers > Add Customer
• Enter company name, contact details, and assign a license
• Enable Sophos Central management access

3.2 Assign Licenses

• Allocate correct number of XDR or MDR licenses
• Document license type and expiration

4. Organization Configuration

4.1 Basic Settings

• Set organization timezone, alerts, and reporting preferences
• Enable email notifications

4.2 Admin Setup

• Navigate to Settings > Administrators
• Add users with appropriate roles (Admin, Helpdesk, Read-only)
• Assign MFA and document contacts

4.3 Policy Configuration

• Navigate to Endpoint Protection > Policies
• Define or clone policies for:
  • Malware Protection
  • Web Filtering
  • Device Control
  • Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

Create separate policies per department or device role if needed.

5. XDR/MDR Configuration

5.1 XDR Setup

• Enable XDR data sources:
  • Endpoint
  • Server
  • Cloud
  • Email
• Configure alert thresholds and retention

5.2 MDR Setup

• Navigate to Overview > Sophos MDR
• Choose Threat Response Mode:
  • Notify
  • Collaborate
  • Authorize
• Set authorized responders and escalation rules

6. Deployment Strategy

6.1 Strategy Development

• Manual: For small orgs
• Group Policy: For AD-linked orgs
• RMM: For MSPs or larger IT environments
• Email link: For remote workers

Document plan and assign pilot group.

6.2 Download Installers

• In Devices > Installers, select appropriate OS:
  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Server
• Download or generate secure links

7. Agent Deployment

7.1 Upgrade Existing Sophos Clients

• Go to Devices > Computers or Servers
• Select target devices > Manage Software
• Switch to XDR or MDR protection

7.2 Manual Installation

• Run installer with admin rights
• Confirm post-installation device appears in dashboard

7.3 Group Policy Deployment

• Create GPO for MSI package deployment
• Link to appropriate OUs and monitor

7.4 RMM Deployment

• Create silent install package
• Push to all enrolled endpoints

8. Deployment Verification

8.1 Confirm Protection

• In Devices > Computers/Servers, confirm status = “Protected”
• Ensure XDR/MDR features show as enabled

8.2 Test Functionality

• Run malware test file (EICAR)
• Verify alerts, dashboards, and reporting
• Document test outcomes

9. Monitoring and Reporting

9.1 Dashboards

• Customize widgets and KPI panels in Central Dashboard
• Configure based on department or executive visibility

9.2 Reporting

• Schedule:
  • Daily/weekly threat summaries
  • Protection status
  • Policy compliance reports
• Assign recipients (IT admins, security leaders)

10. Training and Knowledge Transfer

10.1 Admin Training

• Walk through Sophos Central UI
• Review alert handling and reporting tools

10.2 End-User Training

• Phishing recognition
• Reporting suspicious activity
• Secure device usage

10.3 Documentation

• Maintain internal SOPs and deployment logs
• Store escalation and remediation processes securely

11. Ongoing Management

11.1 Maintenance Tasks

• Schedule quarterly policy and license reviews
• Monitor performance metrics and apply software updates

11.2 Incident Response Plan

• Document alert triage
• Assign internal response teams
• Schedule annual tabletop exercises

Why ITECS?

Partnering with ITECS ensures your Sophos XDR or MDR deployment is:

• Technically precise: Implemented by Sophos-certified engineers
• Customized: Mapped to your industry’s compliance needs
• Efficient: Deployed with minimal end-user disruption
• Proactive: Tuned for evolving cyber threats

Contact ITECS to deploy advanced threat protection with confidence.