A common method of ensuring network protection from threats is by maintaining endpoint security. Avoiding malware and attacks to endpoints is the optimal way to protect these issues from reaching the main network, where they can cause severe damage.
Protecting end-user devices (or endpoints) should be an organization’s first line of defense against network security breaches. Endpoint detection and response tools help ensure security by monitoring network endpoints to avoid and resolve threats.
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Table of Contents
What Is EDR?
EDR, or endpoint detection and response, refers to a type of security tool that collects and tests the data gathered from a network’s endpoints, scanning for potential threats and protecting against attacks.
IT security teams often use EDR security tools to detect, locate, and resolve risks and attacks quickly and efficiently.
These automated tools continuously monitor and record the activities that occur at endpoints across the network and use advanced analytics to detect any unusual or suspicious activities within their findings.
IT security teams often use endpoint detection and response security tools to detect, locate, and resolve risks and attacks quickly and efficiently.
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Top EDR Tools
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Types of EDR Tools
There are numerous types of EDR tools that are available for network security purposes. One main differentiator of endpoint detection and response technology is their use of agents, or lack thereof. Agents are the software components that some EDR systems install within a network’s endpoint devices.
These agent-based EDR tools use agents to capture extensive details and data from the endpoints. Agentless tools do not use agents, but can monitor endpoints that may be difficult to install agents onto. Hybrid devices use both of the technologies used by agent-based and agentless tools to cover more of a network’s endpoints effectively.
Most EDR software solutions can also integrate with EPP or XDR tools as an extra layer of security.
The ways in which EDR tools work with an organization’s network and tools can also differentiate them. Standalone software in endpoint detection and response products are offered by some vendors as a solution that can be installed into monitor endpoints.
Most EDR software solutions can also integrate with endpoint protection platforms (EPP) or XDR tools as an extra layer of security to prevent and detect threats from individual network devices. For instance, XDR, or extended detection and response, uses EDR technology to secure endpoints and other workloads of different network and cloud platforms.
Deployment platforms are also available, and operate from proprietary appliances containing the hardware, software, and connection points. However, most EDR solutions are now accessed as software through the cloud or other network platforms.
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Standard Features
All EDR features play into their purpose as an endpoint tool since they handle present attacks and defend against future threats. Standard features of EDR systems include continuous monitoring of endpoints across a network for threat detection, and incident management to resolve security threats and attacks.
Standard features of EDR systems include continuous monitoring of endpoints across a network and incident management.
In addition, effective endpoint detection and response systems should automatically respond to any detected threats by removing or detaining them and notifying the organization’s security personnel.
Finally, a key component of EDR tools is their integration with other security tools to work together and increase network security. EDRs have similarities between other endpoint features and tools. However, there are several factors of their functionality that make them unique.
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What Makes EDR Unique?
Endpoint detection and response systems are one of few network security tools that focus solely on ensuring the protection of endpoint devices. Since a large portion of network security breaches begin at these endpoint devices, securing them can protect form further damage to the network as a whole.
Antivirus software usually does not support machine learning or artificial intelligence, both of which EDR uses to facilitate endpoint security.
Endpoint detection and response also works differently than other endpoint security tools. For example, you’ve probably heard of antivirus protection, which monitors for incoming threats, scans new software for suspicious behavior, and inspects files for corruption. But antivirus software usually does not support machine learning (ML) or artificial intelligence (AI), both of which EDR uses to facilitate endpoint security.
EDR is also unlike EPPs, which use antivirus features to analyze behaviors, detect network vulnerabilities, and prevent attacks. This is because EDR systems use ML, AI, behavior analytics, and threat intelligence to detect threats and take the additional step of acting to eradicate threats and neutralize existing attacks.
Of course, using EDR alongside other systems like antivirus and EPP tools can help to increase security by covering more bases within a network. As a result, many organizations have chosen to implement EDR within their broader security strategy.
Read more on eSecurity Planet: Antivirus vs. EPP vs. EDR: How to Secure Your Endpoints
Developing an Enterprise Security Strategy
By using endpoint detection and response tools along with other enterprise security strategies, organizations can increase their network security from multiple angles.
While EPP systems protect networks by scanning for vulnerabilities and attacks, EDR protects networks further by acting on these threats, eradicating and resolving security issues.
Smaller organizations may defend their networks with antivirus security alone, but most large enterprises with highly sensitive data can benefit from using both EPP and EDR systems to ensure their network security.
You can’t be too careful when it comes to organizational security, so it is essential to utilize the best security software options available to protect your networks before and during attacks.
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