EDR vs. Antivirus - which is the right fit for you?

Endpoint security is an important piece of your organization’s overall security posture, but what factors should you consider when choosing the right  cybersecurity tool for your team? In this article, we dive into the differences between EDR and antivirus tools, covering topics like the scope of their defenses, response tactics, threat detection abilities, and the resources needed to properly manage them. 

What is EDR?

EDR, or endpoint detection and response, classifies a set of solutions tasked with monitoring and responding to threats at the endpoint level. In other words, EDR tools offer security controls and visibility on devices like laptops, desktops, servers, mobile phones, or even IoT (internet of things) devices. EDR tools are normally managed and deployed by an in-house IT team or specialized IT security team within the organization. When compared with other security options like MDR (managed detection and response) tools, EDR options are normally considered easier to use. They provide in-house IT pros with the tools they need to ensure endpoint security. 

As you compare security options like endpoint detection and response vis-à-vis  antivirus software, it’s important to keep in mind the scope of any tool’s defenses as well as your in-house resources to successfully manage and deploy the tool in question. 

How does EDR work? 

Throughout your search for the ideal security option for your organization, you’l likely compare options like EDR and antivirus. Thus, it’s essential to understand how both tools work. EDR is typically considered a more dynamic and comprehensive approach to endpoint security. Here are some of the functions that EDR tools provide: 

• Gathering data: EDR tools are able to continuously collect data from endpoints in a more diverse and sophisticated way than antivirus tools can. 
• Detecting threats: Through methods like behavioral analysis, anomaly detection, and threat intelligence integrations, EDR programs can detect potential threats. 
• Sending alerts: When an EDR tool detects a threat, it’ll send an alert to IT analysts with plentiful context, leading to quicker response times and more effective tactics. 
• Deploying responses: Most EDR tools can execute predefined response sequences when a specific type of threat is detected. However, these platforms also provide tools for IT security teams to deploy manual response sequences for more complex or unusual issues. 
• Investigating root causes: One of the biggest differences betweenEDR and antivirus tools is the ability to provide forensic data that helps IT teams uncover the ultimate why behind a security breach. EDR programs can help teams better understand the scope, severity, and timeline of an incident. 
• Improving continuously: With the insights gained from an EDR tool, teams are better equipped to incorporate feedback and improve an organization’s security over time. 

What is antivirus software? 

Antivirus (AV) software is an IT security tool that focuses on preventing malware attacks at the endpoint level. Both AV and EDR solutions operate at the endpoint level, but they are different in their scope as well as the strategies they employ. 

Traditional antivirus typically focuses on known threats. It can prevent, detect, and remove malicious software such as viruses, worms, and even Trojans. EDR solutions offer a more comprehensive security posture with data gathering, threat detection, response deployment, and future improvement abilities. 

How does antivirus software work? 

Antivirus tools employ three primary methods to detect malware:

• Signature-based: This is the most traditional detection method of antivirus, but it requires regular database updates in order to remain current. Basically, the antivirus tool looks for “signatures”, unique code sequences, or data strings that are typical to specific malware threats. When a file contains a signature that matches one in the malware database, the antivirus program will flag that file as malicious. 
• Heuristic-based: Some specific forms of malware have not yet been identified or added to the database. That’s where heuristic-based detection comes into play. This method involves searching for patterns of behavior that are typical of malicious software, such as attempts at hiding its presence or attempts to modify system files.If these actions are detected, an antivirus program can flag the software as malicious.
• Behavior-based: Somewhat similar to the heuristic method, this detection approach monitors programs and files in real-time, looking for suspicious behavior. If a program is not found in the signature database, the antivirus can still detect it as potential malware and send an alert to the IT security team. 

Antivirus programs run in the background on each device they are deployed to, actively scanning files as they are downloaded, opened, or created. As you look for a strong antivirus program, ensure that you choose an option that includes web shields. Web shields scan and block downloads from malicious websites before they can cause issues to begin with. 

Antivirus can also perform removal and quarantine tasks, meaning it can relocate an infected file to a “quarantine” area, where it cannot do any more damage. Some programs can even remove the malicious content from a file while preserving its original data. 

Advanced antivirus tools can typically be configured to perform system scans at regular intervals—and users can also initiate additional manual scans as desired. This helps maintain a proactive security stance. 

Antivirus vs. EDR: Similarities and differences

Many people wonder about the difference between endpoint security and antivirus software, but the fact remains that antivirus tools are part of a comprehensive endpoint security package. Both EDR and antivirus are endpoint-oriented, whereas other solutions like MDR software go beyond the endpoint level. Here are some areas where the scope of these tools differs: 

Purpose: The purpose of each type of tool is slightly different. While both address endpoint security, antivirus is focused on targeting known malware, typically through signature-based detection. EDR monitors, detects, and responds to a broader range of threats. 

Methods: Traditionally, antivirus uses signature-based detection, although new-age antivirus tools can include other tactics like heuristic-based and behavior-based detection. EDR options often incorporate more advanced methods like behavioral analysis and anomaly detection. 

Response: Antivirus tools are focused on removing malware. EDR response options go a bit further, with capabilities like real-time containment and root cause investigation tools. 

Scope: While antivirus programs focus on file and program integrity, EDR programs offer broader threat detection tools that span the entire IT environment. 

Resources: The biggest difference between EDR and AV tools is the level of internal resources needed to successfully deploy the software. Antivirus software largely runs in the background, meaning IT teams don’t have to interact with it much on a day-to-day basis. EDR tools, on the other hand, typically need a more skilled set of IT security techs to successfully deploy the protection strategy and make the most of their offerings. 

Choosing the right endpoint security option for your organization

Differentiating between different cybersecurity options, like EDR and antivirus, can be a daunting task, especially for those IT pros who do not specialize in the security space. 

Consider your budget as well as resource allocation constraints. While EDR offers more advanced protections than antivirus software, ask yourself if your in-house IT team has the manpower to effectively execute an EDR solution before opting for this direction. 

If you have the budget for a more robust offering but don’t have the human resources to support it, you could also consider a cybersecurity strategy that is managed externally, through an MDR or XDR software. 

Another option is using an all-in-one RMM tool with security integrations (like Atera). It’s important to conduct a robust audit of what your organization needs and what level of in-house implementation it can support in order to make an informed and strategic choiceThe world of cybersecurity software and programs is virtually endless,but finding the right solution starts with building a strong understanding of your organization’s needs and how each platform works. If you’d like to try out an industry-leading RMM with world-class cybersecurity integrations, consider signing up for Atera’s free 30-day trial.