The terms EDR, MDR, and XDR are hot topics in cybersecurity, but they're much more than just buzzwords.
Unfortunately, as often happens with trending technologies, these terms are often used interchangeably without a clear understanding of the key differences between them.
This can leave organizations confused and unsure of which solution is best suited for their needs. Let's break down these acronyms and explore what sets them apart:
EDR, which stands for Endpoint Detection & Response.
MDR, which stands for Managed Detection & Response.
XDR, which stands for eXtended Detection & Response.
1. Endpoint Detection & Respone (EDR)
Any device connected to your network can be a potential entry point for attackers. EDR solutions address this risk by continuously monitoring all your endpoints, including laptops, smartphones, desktops, tablets, printers, IoT devices, servers, and more. While traditional Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP) also performed this function, EDR goes a step further. It incorporates advanced behavioral analysis to detect anomalous activity, allowing it to identify even unknown threats like Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and zero-day exploits. This represents a key limitation of EPP, which could only detect known cyber threats.
With EDR, suspicious activity on an endpoint is continuously monitored and reported. If something is amiss, the endpoint is automatically isolated to prevent the spread of malware or viruses. This isolation also allows for a thorough analysis of the incident. Once the threat is neutralized, the endpoint can be safely returned to service.
Given that 70% of data breaches reportedly start at endpoints, EDR is a crucial component of any robust cybersecurity strategy. It offers an additional layer of protection that seamlessly integrates with existing solutions like anti-virus scanners, DNS Security, and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms. It's important to remember that EDR is an enhancement, not a replacement, for these essential tools.
» Read our blogpost: EDR versus Anti-virus
As with all security solutions, proper integration is critical. Without it, security professionals and IT managers lack essential context to understand the bigger picture. While EDR helps detect suspicious activity on endpoints, it does not provide comprehensive insights into network or cloud activities on its own.
AXS Guard harnesses the capabilities of IBM's AI-based EDR solution, QRadar.
2. Extended Detection & Response (XDR)
An XDR solution takes a comprehensive approach to security by collecting and analyzing a wide range of data and data streams, including logs, network traffic, and user activity. This data originates not only from individual endpoints like laptops and servers, but also from firewalls, email servers, and other network components. By consolidating this information into a central dashboard, XDR provides a holistic view of your security posture.
The central dashboard goes beyond mere transparency. It offers real-time threat visualization, allowing you to identify and respond to incidents more efficiently. Additionally, XDR facilitates the identification of correlations between seemingly isolated events, helping you uncover broader vulnerabilities within your network. This is because XDR breaks down data silos, presenting a unified picture with deeper insights that would be difficult to glean from separate security tools.
In essence, XDR represents a broader approach to security compared to EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response). While EDR excels at protecting individual endpoints, XDR offers a unified view across the entire security landscape, enabling a more comprehensive and proactive approach to threat detection and response.
3. Managed (Extended) Detection & Response
Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Managed eXtended Detection and Response (MXDR) are security services that leverage the power of EDR and XDR technologies, respectively. However, MDR and MXDR go beyond the tools themselves. They provide organizations with the expertise of cybersecurity specialists who continuously monitor and manage your security posture.
These specialists, often from a trusted IT partner like AXS Guard, function as an extension of your internal security team. They operate from a Security Operations Center (SOC), a central hub equipped with advanced tools and expertise to handle your organization's cybersecurity needs.
» SOC (Security Operations Center).
Deciding on MDR or MXDR
Many organizations, especially smaller businesses in the Benelux region, lack the resources to maintain an in-house Security Operations Center (SOC). Even companies with an IT department might have limited cybersecurity expertise. This is where MDR and MXDR solutions come in. They provide access to a team of security specialists who can handle the complexities of threat detection and response, allowing you to focus on your core business activities with greater peace of mind.
Observe & Protect service leverages MDR and MXDR technologies to deliver comprehensive security monitoring and management. Our team of cybersecurity experts provides 24/7 vigilance, ensuring rapid response to incidents and improved threat detection accuracy. By choosing Observe & Protect, you gain a trusted partner who can safeguard your organization's security posture.
EDR / MDR / XDR: Similarities and differences