EDR vs Antivirus: Understanding the Benefits of Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
As cyber threats continue to evolve, traditional signature based antivirus software is no longer sufficient in protecting organizations against advanced attacks and unknown threats. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is a new endpoint protection security solution that offers additional layers of protection beyond traditional antivirus software. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between EDR and traditional antivirus solutions.
Traditional Antivirus Programs
Antivirus software has been the go-to solution for many years in protecting organizations from malicious software. Antivirus software typically uses signature-based detection to identify and block known malware. This approach has been successful in identifying and blocking known malware, but it has limitations when it comes to detecting advanced threats.
One of the biggest limitations of traditional antivirus software solutions is that it relies on known signatures to identify threats. This means that it relies on a protection model that only prevents threats that have been seen before but is unable to block unknown threats. These unknown threats are also called zero-day attacks which are dangerous because they exploit vulnerabilities that are not yet known or patched. When a zero-day attack wreaks havoc on IT networks, organizations with traditional antivirus programs are left vulnerable leading to ransomware or worse. Simply put, businesses with traditional endpoint security are simply not prepared for modern cyber security threats.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is the next-gen antivirus solution built to provide advanced threat detection and response capabilities. When comparing EDR vs Antivirus, EDR solutions are specifically designed to identify and respond to advanced threats that signature-based antivirus software cannot detect. EDR solutions use a combination of traditional AV signatures as well as behavioral analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to identify malware and alert your team to threats in real-time.
EDR solutions often include additional features such as threat hunting, endpoint detection, and response, and vulnerability management. These features can help organizations to proactively identify and remediate vulnerabilities before they are exploited by attackers. These additional features are typically laid out in an easy-to-use dashboard to help your security analysts mitigate threats before they occur.
Managed Detection and Response
Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is a security service that provides advanced threat detection and response capabilities by utilizing EDR solutions. A MDR service go beyond traditional antivirus and EDR tools to provide a fully managed proactive service, 24/7 monitoring and management of security threats. MDR combines advanced technologies, such as behavioral analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, with human expertise to provide a comprehensive security solution.
By utilizing an MDR solution, your security provider is responsible for monitoring and managing your security infrastructure, detecting and responding to threats, and ensuring that your organization is protected against potential cyber-attacks. If a security incident were to occur, the MDR would be responsible for remediating the incident and assisting with the aftermath, whatever that may entail.
MDR is particularly useful for businesses that do not have a dedicated security team or lack the resources to invest in advanced security tools and technologies. With MDR, businesses can rely on experienced security professionals who have access to the latest technologies and can provide 24/7 monitoring and management of their security infrastructure. This can help businesses to improve their security posture, reduce the risk of cyber attacks, and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while antivirus software has been the traditional solution for protecting organizations from malware, it has limitations in detecting advanced threats and zero-day attacks. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions provide additional layers of protection by using advanced technologies to detect and respond to threats in real time. EDR solutions provide visibility into all endpoints within an organization’s network, making them ideal for organizations with remote workers or BYOD policies. By utilizing an MDR service, you will also receive continuous monitoring, analysis of endpoint activity, vulnerability management and threat hunting to provide a faster response to security incidents.
If you’re looking for more information on EDR or a Managed Detection and Response, reach out to our team at Sirius.
