Microsoft Incident Response (Microsoft IR).

Microsoft Incident Response (IR) is a specialized cybersecurity service that supports organizations during active security incidents and helps them recover, secure, and strengthen their environments against future attacks. Delivered by Microsoft’s security experts and formerly branded as DART (Detection and Response Team) or CRSP, Microsoft IR includes both reactive breach response and proactive security services like vulnerability assessments and threat hunting. This service is offered as a standalone product and is no longer tied to Microsoft Unified Support or Enterprise Agreements (EA), allowing broader access across Microsoft’s customer base.

Microsoft IR is known for its:

• Global threat response expertise
• 24/7 availability during incidents
• Phased response model (including containment, investigation, recovery, and post-incident improvement)
• Deep integration with Microsoft’s security ecosystem and research

Yet many organizations discover that while the initial response may be swift, implementation of recommendations and long-term support often require internal resources—or additional Microsoft add-ons. That’s where third-party support providers like US Cloud step in to fill critical gaps in remediation, planning, and cost control.

Below are some of the main capabilities behind the Microsoft IR service.

Reactive Incident Response

• Immediate containment of active threats
• Forensic analysis and root cause determination
• Malware analysis and attacker eviction
• Coordination with in-house teams and law enforcement where necessary

Proactive Services

• Security posture assessments
• Threat intelligence briefings
• Threat hunting within your environment
• Simulation exercises to test readiness

Microsoft IR engagements typically follow four phases:

• Initial Containment
• Investigation and Analysis
• Eradication and Recovery
• Post-Incident Review and Hardening

These phases help structure the response effort, but depending on the complexity of your environment, execution can vary significantly.

Microsoft IR often depends on the enterprise’s internal capabilities to execute necessary security measures whereas, with support through US Cloud, engineers can both provide the assessment and proactively support your team through system hardening.

Contrary to outdated assumptions, Microsoft IR can be directly purchased without:

• A Microsoft Unified Support agreement
• A Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA)

This standalone model allows Microsoft-dependent organizations to engage Microsoft IR hourly or through a retainer, which guarantees a two-hour response time. This is especially relevant for enterprise IT and security leaders who have moved off Unified Support to save costs but still want access to premium Microsoft cybersecurity services.

At US Cloud, we ensure our clients can retain full access to Microsoft IR while escaping the high costs and lock-in of Microsoft’s Unified Support model.

US Cloud helps organizations simplify their Microsoft relationship while maintaining top-tier cybersecurity readiness. Here’s how we enhance the Microsoft IR experience:

• Faster Remediation: While Microsoft responds to incidents, we guide your team through implementation of recovery plans and system hardening.
• Security Advisory + Support: We don’t stop at analysis. Our team ensures real, operational improvements are made post-incident.
• Booz Allen Hamilton Partnership: Our clients gain access to elite incident response capabilities at 50% less cost—backed by national security-grade expertise.

Whether you’re preparing for the next threat or responding to today’s crisis, US Cloud ensures you have the right partner and plan in place—without overcommitting to Microsoft licensing or support models.

Microsoft IR (Incident Response) is a powerful tool for enterprises facing active cybersecurity threats—but it works best when paired with an experienced support partner who can help execute the recommendations and prevent repeat incidents.

With US Cloud, you get the best of both worlds: access to Microsoft’s global security response capabilities and the practical, hands-on support needed to secure your environment faster and more effectively.

Skip the bloated contracts and cost escalations of Unified Support—protect your enterprise the smart way with US Cloud.