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Contents:
Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) have emerged as key players among these solutions. This article will explore why MDR is better than EDR in the battle against cyber threats.
First off, let’s start by explaining what these solutions are.
What Is EDR?
Endpoint detection and response (EDR) is a cybersecurity solution that captures all endpoint activity and uses advanced analytics to provide real-time visibility into the health of all endpoints, detect anomalous activity, alert the information security (Infosec) team to events, and provide remediation suggestions and capabilities to respond to, stop, or limit the spread of an attack.
EDR solutions include the following features:
- Event recording and endpoint monitoring;
- Data mining, inquiry, and threat detection;
- Validation of suspicious activity or alert triage;
- Suspicious activity monitoring;
- Data analysis;
- Intelligence that can be used to support reaction;
- Remediation.
EDR solutions typically rely on advanced technologies, such as machine learning and behavioral analytics, to detect and respond to threats in real-time.
These systems collect data from endpoints, analyze it, and provide alerts or automated responses when suspicious activities are detected.
While EDR is a valuable component of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, it has some limitations that make it less effective when used in isolation, such as the following:
- Limited scope: EDR primarily focuses on individual endpoints. It may need to provide a holistic view of an organization’s security posture. Threats originating in one part of the network may go unnoticed until they reach an endpoint.
- Lack of context: EDR tools often lack the context necessary to understand the broader attack landscape. They can identify anomalies but may struggle to piece together the complete story of an attack.
- Resource intensive: EDR solutions can generate a high volume of alerts, which can overwhelm security teams and lead to alert fatigue. This can result in critical alerts being missed or ignored.
What Is MDR?
Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is a cybersecurity service organizations use to enhance their ability to detect and respond to cybersecurity threats and incidents. MDR is typically offered by third-party cybersecurity providers specializing in monitoring and protecting their clients’ IT environments.
Here are the key components and features of MDR:
- Continuous monitoring;
- Threat hunting;
- Prioritization of threats and alerts;
- Managed investigation services;
- Guided response;
- Managed remediation.
MDR is particularly beneficial for organizations that may not have the in-house resources or expertise to effectively detect and respond to evolving cyber threats. By outsourcing these functions to MDR providers, organizations can bolster their cybersecurity defenses and minimize the potential impact of security incidents.
So, now the obvious question: why is MDR better than EDR?
MDR’s Superiority Over EDR
Managed Detection and Response (MDR) takes a more proactive and comprehensive approach to cybersecurity. As its name suggests, it is a managed service combining technology, human expertise, and threat intelligence to monitor and respond rapidly to cyber threats continuously.
Here’s why MDR is often considered better than EDR:
Comprehensive Coverage
EDR focuses primarily on endpoint-level threats, monitoring, and protecting individual devices within an organization’s network. While EDR provides valuable insights into these endpoints, it lacks the holistic view to detect and respond to advanced, multi-vector threats.
On the other hand, MDR combines EDR with network monitoring, log analysis, and threat intelligence to provide a more comprehensive approach to threat detection and response.
This means that MDR can identify threats at the endpoint and across the entire network infrastructure, allowing for more effective and proactive threat mitigation.
Threat Context
MDR services provide valuable context by integrating threat intelligence and leveraging the expertise of cybersecurity analysts. This enables them to understand the broader threat landscape and identify sophisticated, multi-stage attacks.
24/7 Monitoring
EDR, while effective in identifying known threats and suspicious activities, often needs a more proactive aspect of threat hunting. MDR’s real-time threat hunting can help organizations stay ahead of cybercriminals and minimize potential damage.
MDR services operate around the clock, providing continuous monitoring and rapid response to threats. This is crucial in an era where cyberattacks can occur at any time.
Human Expertise
MDR services employ skilled cybersecurity professionals who can investigate alerts, provide context, and take swift action to mitigate threats. This human element is a significant advantage over purely automated EDR solutions.
Scalability
As organizations grow, their security needs evolve. MDR services can quickly scale to accommodate the changing threat landscape and the expanding network infrastructure.
This scalability ensures that organizations can adapt their cybersecurity measures to meet their specific needs, whether dealing with a small-scale attack or a large-scale breach.
EDR solutions may need help to keep pace with rapidly changing security requirements, potentially leaving gaps in an organization’s defense strategy.
In short, this means that MDR services can scale with an organization’s needs, making them suitable for businesses of all sizes. They can adapt to changing threats and evolving IT environments.
Reduced Alert Fatigue
MDR services can filter out false positives and prioritize genuine threats by combining technology with human expertise. This helps security teams focus on the most critical issues and reduces alert fatigue.
Conclusion
While Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) plays a vital role in cybersecurity, it should not be modern organizations’ sole line of defense. Managed Detection and Response (MDR) offers a more comprehensive and proactive approach to cybersecurity by combining technology, human expertise, threat intelligence, and 24/7 monitoring.
MDR’s ability to provide context, scalability, and reduced alert fatigue makes it a superior choice for organizations looking to enhance their cybersecurity posture and stay one step ahead of evolving cyber threats.
In today’s cyber landscape, MDR is not just better than EDR; it’s a critical component of a robust cybersecurity strategy.
How Can Heimdal® Help?
Many of the functions of an MDR service are available in Heimdal’s Extended Detection and Response powered SOC Service, which ensures:
- Constant monitoring, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; reduced reaction times and increased production;
- Total network visibility;
- In the case of an infection or assault, receive real-time phone or email warnings;
- Management of false positives, event assessment, and “noise” reduction
- Comprehensive, systematic reports on potential threats, malware, and vulnerabilities;
- Advice on how to improve your security policies and practices;
- Inspection of policy settings to ensure maximum compliance.
Morten Kjaersgaard, CEO of Heimdal, explains:
By utilizing a structured mix of network and endpoint monitoring, behavioral analysis, Machine Learning tools, and threat intelligence, Heimdal’s XDR/SOC acts as a central hub for security intelligence, gathering and dynamically comparing input from multiple sources (endpoints, networks, cloud workloads) to detect threats faster and ramp up response times.
[….]
Our XDR solution comprises some of our most critical modules (Threat Prevention, Patch and Asset Management, Next-Gen Antivirus, Ransomware Encryption Protection, Privileged Access Management, Application Control), which work together to provide a seamless experience and are available through a unified, intuitive, dashboard, and it can also be used by Heimdal resellers and distributors for their clients.
- End-to-end consolidated cybersecurity;
- Complete visibility across your entire IT infrastructure;
- Faster and more accurate threat detection and response;
- Efficient one-click automated and assisted actioning
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Gabriella is the Social Media Manager and Cybersecurity Communications Officer at Heimdal®, where she orchestrates the strategy and content creation for the company's social media channels. Her contributions amplify the brand's voice and foster a strong, engaging online community. Outside work, you can find her exploring the outdoors with her dog.
