XDR (extended detection response) and EDR (endpoint detection response) are vital components of modern threat detection services and are imperative in threat detection and cyber security practices.
To fully understand the strengths, weaknesses and evolution of these two products, it is essential to take a deeper look at the key features of XDR vs EDR.
What Are the Key Features of XDR?
XDR or extended detection response integrates a multitude of data sources, such as the data from an array of security tools, including endpoint detection response, and it also includes network traffic analysis and cloud security analysis.
This aggregated approach to data analysis aids cyber security in gleaning more significant insights into potential threats across the organizational network. Advanced analytics and machine learning set XDR apart from other threat detection services.
The advanced analytics function, utilizing machine learning, can detect both known and unknown threats based upon already identified key suspicious and malicious actions.
Anyone with experience in cyber security knows the importance of monitoring assets and networks in real time.
XDR continuously monitors network activity and traffic, all endpoint threats and the total cloud environment; this is done in real-time.
The strength of this approach enables the rapid detection of malicious activity and immediate remedy of the known threat. Overall, this reduces what is known as the “dwell time.”
Another fantastic feature of XDR is the “active hunting” methodology through which a security analyst can proactively seek malicious threats throughout their organizational networks.
Using machine learning, a security analyst can create custom queries and utilize extended search capabilities to search for veiled threats.
Alongside the excellent capabilities to support “active hunting,” XDR also includes the feature of automated response capabilities, which are triggered when threats are detected.
This computerized response doesn’t require any manual intervention by cyber security experts and, therefore, adds another security layer to networks.
XDR integrates with other advanced threat detection feeds and databases, which enables the platform to keep abreast of emergency trends, risks, and cyber threats. This contextual security information is then integrated back into the platform to ensure that all threats are correctly identified.
Unfortunately, despite all the best efforts, security breaches can happen. In the event of a security incident, XDR offers in-depth analysis, investigation, and digital forensics.
This is imperative for a security team to analyze and identify the root cause of incidents. Similarly, if regulatory and compliance data is needed to be submitted, XDR can assist with this process, too.
It is easy to forget that IT directors’ scope of work can range far beyond the network infrastructure and cover all employee endpoints.
Endpoint security includes laptops, phones, servers, mobile devices such as tablets and iPads, servers, and all cloud-based devices. XDR’s multi-faceted approach ensures that all networks and endpoint protection have comprehensive and ubiquitous coverage.
No company ever wants to consider that one of their internal employees poses a security risk; however, the sad fact is that this consideration is very plausible. XDR features UEBA capabilities, which stands for user and entity behaviour analytics.
This feature monitors employee behaviour and can highlight an anomaly or potential threat. This would be a great asset to a company that works in a highly competitive or confidential environment.
Key Features of EDR
As mentioned, EDR stands for endpoint detection response, a program that actively monitors all network endpoint devices. In modern cyber-security practices, companies must monitor all endpoint devices.
In a recent study published by Verizon, they found that over 70% of corporate cyber attacks originated from employees’ endpoint devices. That is a staggering statistic and clearly illustrates the need for comprehensive EDR.
Like XDR, EDR also continuously monitors all endpoint assets in real-time. This data captured includes network connections and all system updates/alterations.
The benefit of this approach is that any changes that could be possibly derived from malicious activity are identified as quickly as possible.
The substantial Colonial Pipeline attack in 2021 led to the shutdown of critical services on the East Coast of the USA. It declared a state of emergency due to a compromised password from an endpoint device.
Similar to XDR, EDR also utilizes the advanced detection techniques available, such as behavioural analysis and machine learning, to identify known and unknown threats. EDR advanced detection techniques can identify malware, ransomware, suspicious processes, and other malicious actions.
Unfortunately, since malware attacks are so frequent and increasingly clever, they will likely be a reality for all business organizations.
Once a breach does occur, EDR enables the cyber teams to investigate and provide detailed analytics of the root cause of attacks. This can help refine process and training and also comprehend the magnitude of the breach.
Once the breach is resolved, EDR allows security operations to go further in their analysis of the issues. The tool can gather further evidence, trace malware sources, and share vital intelligence on the TTP (tactics, techniques, and procedures) used by the attackers.
Data is key – and relaying information back to teams to shape security processes is a huge benefit to companies.
EDR allows IT departments to custom tailor company-wide policies regarding cyber safety and security dependent upon companies’ specific rules and regulations. This is very helpful for identifying threats that are unique to the environment.
In both large and small organizations, it is essential to have complete visibility across all endpoint devices that are accessing private and corporate networks. Full visibility in real-time is imperative for the monitoring, detection, and response to suspicious activity.
Which Tool Is the Best Fit for My Organization?
Both an EDR and XDR tool are incredibly powerful and comprehensive tools that allow a network security team to feel assured that their digital infrastructure is protected.
Should your budget allow for it, many companies prefer to run the two tools simultaneously to support one another, which is an enormous perk.
EDR solely focuses on endpoint detection and is crucial for protecting these assets. An XDR solution, on the other hand, takes a more comprehensive approach and monitors cloud, network, and endpoint devices, making it a better fit for organizations.
FAQs
Does XDR and EDR monitor in real-time?
Yes, both tools operate in real-time, which ensures that an active or potential threat is identified immediately and remedied.
Can XDR monitor devices?
Yes, an XDR tool can monitor devices, the cloud, and the network. EDR can only monitor the endpoint devices.
