Edinburgh Airport partnered with Acumen Cyber to implement a Managed eXtended Detection & Response for Endpoints service, combining leading technologies with expert 24/7 monitoring from our UK based, CREST accredited Security Operations Centre.
A stretched IT team ran a self-managed EDR platform with no round-the-clock cover - leaving critical systems exposed after hours.
Acumen Cyber’s UK-based, CREST-accredited 24/7 SOC deployed a managed MXDR for Endpoints service across every laptop, desktop and server.
Continuous detection, hands-on response and dramatically lower alert noise give the Airport renewed confidence in its cyber resilience.
As Scotland’s busiest airport and main travel hub, Edinburgh Airport serves up to 56,000 passengers per day during peak summer. As a critical national asset operating 365 days a year, safeguarding the IT infrastructure that enables this is paramount. Its complex, interdependent systems support everything from check-in and security to airfield operations, requiring robust IT solutions where reliability and resilience are non-negotiable.
Lack of 24/7 security operations
In-house monitoring stopped at close of business, so overnight incidents could run unchecked.
Self-managed, high-cost EDR
The legacy platform demanded constant tuning yet still missed real-world threats.
Alert fatigue
A barrage of low-value notifications drowned genuine signals, sapping IT focus.
Need for Local, Trusted Expertise
As a piece of UK Critical National Infrastructure, the Airport required vetted, onshore engineers able to work seamlessly with onsite teams.
Mean Time
to Contain cut from
Untriaged alerts
reduced by
Acumen Cyber rolled out its Managed eXtended Detection & Response (MXDR) for Endpoints service airport-wide:
| Component | Role |
|---|---|
| CrowdStrike Falcon | Critical server-estate protection |
| SentinelOne Singularity Complete | Endpoint detection for laptops/desktops |
| Integrated threat intelligence | Higher-fidelity detections, faster triage |
| Bespoke hyper-automation | Consistent response actions, significantly reduced time to contain |
| Built-in DFIR | Full digital forensics & incident response as part of the service in the event of major incidents |
Engineer-led SOC
Every alert is touched by a certified UK security engineer - never left solely to automation.
Rules-of-Engagement framework
Pre-agreed containment actions ensure decisive response without red tape.
Named SOC Client Lead & Principal Consultant
Continuous optimisation and monthly, tailored reporting extend the Airport’s own team.
Endpoint protection
TCO lowered by
while adding full
SOC coverage
The engagement with Acumen Cyber delivered measurable improvements to Edinburgh Airport’s cyber security posture and operational resilience:
Around-the-clock coverage
Continuous monitoring and human-led response across all endpoints.
Reduction in alert fatigue
Engineers investigate and close routine alerts, escalating only genuine threats.
Stronger compliance posture
CREST-accredited 24/7 SOC aligns with UK CNI requirements.
Improved incident readiness
Clear rules of engagement and DFIR access in the event of a major incident.
Rapid containment
Mean Time to Contain slashed.
Better value for money
A fully managed service at only a marginal uplift to the previous licence-only model.
Increased confidence in endpoint security
Underpinned by market-leading EDR platforms.
Dedicated technical oversight
Named SOC Client Lead providing tailored reporting and internal team support.
Denis McIlroy, Head of IT, Edinburgh Airport
Edinburgh Airport selected Acumen Cyber for its engineering led approach, local expertise, and ability to deliver a tailored, fully managed service that met the demands of a critical national infrastructure facility.
Unlike large, offshore based providers, Acumen offered direct access to named UK based security engineers, providing not just technology, but a partnership built on responsiveness, deep technical expertise, and a commitment to understanding the Airport’s unique operational environment.
By replacing a resource-intensive, self-managed platform with Acumen Cyber’s managed MXDR, Edinburgh Airport now enjoys 24/7 visibility, faster incident containment and a leaner total cost of ownership - ensuring its critical IT ecosystem stays resilient against ever-evolving threats.
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