MDR, EDR, and XDR: What’s the Difference?

Endpoint: the Start point of the Attacks

Endpoints have become the focal point of many cyberattacks. Hackers are taking advantage of the fact that many users work outside the secure perimeter. They exploit vulnerable endpoints in this distributed environment to spread malware and gain access to the corporate network.

According to Dark Reading’s State of Endpoint Security survey, 84 percent of cybersecurity attacks will generally begin with an endpoint. However, few organizations have complete visibility into all the endpoints on their networks. A recent Cybersecurity Insiders report found that only 58 percent of organizations canidentify every vulnerable device within 24 hours of a critical exploit. 

What is Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)?

Endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions can help close this gap. EDR tools monitor endpoints continuously and use behavioral analysis to detect suspicious files and activity. If a threat is identified, the EDR solution takes action automatically based upon predefined rules. Subsequently, a centralized database for investigation and analysis stores the forensic data. This provides the IT teams with greater visibility and enables them to detect and remediate threats quickly.

Extended detection and response (XDR) and managed detection and response (MDR) go beyond EDR to better protect endpoints. Understanding the distinctions between the three can help organizations select the right solution.

Traditional endpoint security tools are reactive, using malware signatures and known attack patterns to detect threats. However, EDR looks for abnormal behaviors, making it possible to identify new malware strains and advanced persistent threats. Threat intelligence and machine learning enable a predictive approach. On the other hand, leading EDR solutions also have sandboxes that isolate malware, safely detonate, and analyze.

What is XDR in Security?

XDR takes a holistic approach, providing a single-pane-of-glass view of multiple security tools. It collects, correlates, and analyzes data across servers, networking devices, cloud platforms, and many other resources as well as endpoints, using machine learning to sift through events and alerts.

On the surface, that sounds a lot like security information and event management (SIEM). However, there are essential differences:

1. Unless they are tuned precisely, SIEM tools tend to generate a lot of duplicative alerts and false positives, overwhelming IT teams with “noise” that makes it challenging to prioritize remediation activities. On the other hand, on a recent IDC study, 35 percent of security analysts said they ignore alerts due to overload.
2. XDR uses automation and machine learning to sift through events and alerts and conduct contextual analysis, providing IT teams with more actionable intelligence. Certainly, industry-leading solutions are pre-tuned and out-of-the-box integrations across multiple products to improve productivity.

What is Managed Detection and Response (MDR) in Security?

MDR layers managed services on top of EDR technology. Above all, a managed security services provider (MSSP) installs and configures the EDR solution, monitors activity, and responds to security incidents. Best-in-class MSSPs are now delivering XDR capabilities along with SIEM, user and entity behavior analysis (UEBA), network traffic analysis, and vulnerability management. They have Security Operations Centers (SOCs) staffed with highly trained and experienced personnel.

Gartner predicts that by 2025, half of the organizations will be using MDR. In addition, a key driver in MDR adoption is the chronic shortage of cybersecurity professionals. In a recent study by technology recruiter Stott and May, 76 percent of cybersecurity leaders said they struggle to find skilled talent. A Dimensional Research study found that 83 percent of security pros feel overworked, and some are considering leaving the field because of the stress.

MDR services take one of two approaches. In a fully outsourced solution, the MSSP will handle threat containment and remediation on the customer’s behalf. Instead, the MSSP will alert the customer’s IT team and guide them through the process in a co-managed solution.

Adoption of EDR, MDR, and XDR made Easy With Rahi

Given the rising threats targeting endpoints, organizations invest in EDR and XDR technologies and take advantage of fully managed solutions. Contact Rahi and let our team of experts help you evaluate the options and determine the best strategy for protecting your endpoints.