The increasing complexity of cyber threats in recent years has made early intervention crucial. The longer an attack goes unnoticed, the more damage they can do – and the more your organization suffers. The best way to prevent this is through modern detection and response techniques, which stop threat actors before they cause a major breach.
However, there are a few different ways to approach this. Without the right knowledge, the terminology and similarities between them quickly become confusing, making it difficult to understand what exactly you are protecting. So what is XDR vs MDR vs EDR in cybersecurity? And which should you invest in first?
Understanding EDR
Endpoint detection and response, or EDR, focuses on protecting your business at the device level. Some examples of an endpoint include desktops, laptops, servers, and tablets. In short, any device within your business that users directly interact with is an endpoint.
EDR solutions are important because these devices are so often compromised. Whether a laptop is stolen on the train, login credentials are taken during a phishing scam, or the OS is not updated in time, the result is the same. Threat actors have access to the endpoint and anything contained within. They can also use these as an entry point to reach other, protected parts of the business.
EDR provides deep visibility into all devices activity, allowing security staff to investigate suspicious activity and quickly isolate potential threats. Endpoints are relatively easy to separate from the company network, as long as the danger is noticed in time. However, this strategy does require heavy monitoring, which may not be sustainable internally.
What is MDR?
Managed detection and response (MDR) builds on many principles of EDR but solves its biggest challenge: the need for continuous monitoring. Instead of attempting this on your own, you outsource it to a third party known as a managed service provider (MSP). These experts perform all necessary monitoring activities for you, and will even respond to potential threats.
When comparing MDR vs EDR, the only real difference is who does the heavy lifting. MDR solutions are valuable for smaller businesses, who may not have the resources to monitor systems correctly or the expertise to stop threats in time. Managed services offer an easier way that reduces overhead costs and improves results.
When comparing MDR vs EDR, the only real difference is who does the heavy lifting. MDR solutions are valuable for smaller businesses, who may not have the resources to monitor systems correctly or the expertise to stop threats in time. Managed services offer an easier way that reduces overhead costs and improves results.
XDR Explained
Extended detection and response (XDR) goes far beyond the endpoint. This is a highly advanced security solution that uses automation to protect your business. AI collects information, identifying anomalies that might indicate an oncoming – or ongoing – attack. Upon detection, incident response procedures are used to disrupt any threat actors and isolate the threat.
The goal of XDR solutions is to provide a clean, unified platform that stops malicious activity almost instantaneously, allowing your staff to take control of the situation without issue. This approach is especially useful for high-risk industries, where milliseconds could make all the difference between a minor and major breach.
EDR vs MDR vs XDR: A Comparison
This reference guide may help you more clearly understand the difference between MDR vs XDR vs EDR:
| Feature | EDR | MDR | XDR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Area of Focus | Endpoints | Endpoints and sometimes all digital assets (depending on service level) | All digital assets |
| Management | In-house | Outsourced | In-house, hybrid, or outsourced |
| Visibility | Endpoints only | Digital assets and threat intelligence | Digital assets |
| Real-Time? | Dependent on available staffing | Yes (manual) | Yes (automated), but requires human supervision |
| Ideal For | Skilled security teams | Small and medium-sized businesses. Organizations with compliance concerns. | Businesses requiring an extremely rapid response time |
Choosing the Right Solution for
Your Business
Comparing XDR vs MDR vs EDR in cybersecurity is difficult, because there is no one-size-fits-all. The right answer depends entirely on you. However, there are certain considerations that can help you decide:
- Do you have a sufficient in-house team to handle self-managed EDR or XDR options?
- What is your current budget? Can you afford to invest in a higher-end solution?
- How complex is your IT infrastructure, and which threats pose the greatest danger?
If you still cannot make up your mind, it might be wise to try MDR services. They provide a lot of flexibility for a fairly low price, allowing you some room to explore your options. The MSP also takes the burden of management off your team’s shoulders, and provides valuable threat intelligence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do all MSPs offer MDR services?
A: No. MDR is only offered as a service by MSPs who specialize in it. If you are uncertain, check their website or ask them directly.
Q: Is XDR better than EDR or MDR?
A: None of these approaches are necessarily “better”, but they each have different strengths. The main benefit of XDR is its layered, automated response.
Q: Can small businesses benefit from XDR?
A: Absolutely. While XDR is often used by larger corporations, smaller organizations may also find significant value in this strategy.
Q: Which solution is the most cost-effective?
A: This will depend on many factors. For example, when comparing the costs of EDR vs MDR, the former is often seen as cheaper. But if you must hire additional staff to leverage it properly, it might actually be more expensive. Consider your options carefully.
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Q: Do I need both EDR and MDR?
A: MDR typically includes EDR. So if you already use managed services, you likely don’t need to worry. However, that does not go both ways.
Threat Detection That Understands What You’re Up Against
Threat detection is essential, but complex. From simple EDR measures to complex, multi-layered XDR, there are a variety of options that each have their own benefits and drawbacks. Making the right decision will require an in-depth understanding of your business, existing risk factors, and current budget. This information will help you choose the solution that best protects you from threats.
As an expert in the IT space, ION247 knows security inside and out. We specialize in helping high-risk businesses prevent breaches, using advanced tactics carefully tailored to their exact needs. If you’d like to start a conversation with us, speak to an expert now. We’re happy to help.
