EDR vs MDR - How to Choose the Right Detection & Response Solution

Today, we are taking a closer look at cybersecurity solutions tailored to the needs of your organization. Whether you choose EDR, MDR, or another option entirely, explore the best security options to ensure your organization maintains a threat-resistant posture. 

What is EDR?

EDR stands for endpoint detection and response. EDR solutions monitor and respond to threats and the endpoint level, meaning that they are looking at devices like laptops, servers, desktops, mobile devices, or even IoT (Internet of Things) devices. Overall, EDR solutions provide security controls and visibility at the endpoint level.

Typically, an in-house IT team or IT security team will manage and deploy EDR software. EDR solutions are generally easier to use and are geared toward providing in-house IT pros with the tools that they need to ensure cybersecurity from an endpoint perspective. As you consider EDR vs MDR options, you’ll want to keep in mind your implementation budget and resources. 

What is MDR?

MDR stands for managed detection and response. MDR services are typically more comprehensive and offer threat detection and responses across an organization’s entire network of data. Sometimes, you will find that EDR can be a subcategory of MDR. Some common MDR offerings include 24/7 monitoring, managed threat investigations, and active threat hunting to proactively support a strong line of cyber defense. 

Often, MDR solutions are implemented and/or managed by a third-party provider. That might be a managed service provider or, more specifically, an MSSP (managed security service provider). This is one big difference between EDR and MDR, as EDR solutions are typically implemented using in-house talent. An MDR provider will typically be responsible for monitoring, detecting, and responding to threats on behalf of the organization. This can be a big upside in the sense that it often reduces the organization’s internal workload. 

What is the main difference between EDR and MDR? 

Both EDR and MDR are cybersecurity solutions focused on detecting and responding to cyber-attacks. However, they differ in their approach and scope. Some companies opt to implement both EDR and MDR solutions to address their unique security needs and challenges – however, it is important to examine MDR vs EDR in order to determine which is better suited for you. Let’s break down the difference between EDR and MDR into a few different categories. 

Reach: While EDR is focused on security at the endpoint level, MDR options encompass a broader scope by providing security solutions across an organization’s entire data network. 

Responsibility: One of the biggest differences with EDR vs MDR security solutions comes down to who is responsible for monitoring and deployment of the solution. EDR solutions are typically managed by an in-house IT team. MDR solutions, on the other hand, are usually fully or partially managed by an external, third-party provider. 

Types of responses: EDR solutions generally consist of incident containment strategies. This might look like a security team isolating infiltrated endpoints or removing malicious files from certain devices. MDR responses, like their overall reach, are typically more comprehensive. MDR responses may include endpoint containment but likely also extend to broader incident responses, investigation, and guidance on reducing the risk of future cybersecurity threats

Monitoring and detection: As you consider MDR vs EDR, you will want to know how they go about creating secure environments. EDR solutions collect and analyze data from endpoints in order to identify behavior as suspicious or malicious. MDR services are often even more advanced and include processes like threat hunting, threat intelligence, and other new-age strategies to detect and respond to issues as quickly as possible. 

Expected costs and payment structure: Anytime you’re making a decision involving EDR, MDR, or any other type of security solution, the cost will certainly play a role. While the exact specifications of costs will depend on the platform or software you choose, we have noticed some patterns. EDR tools are often a one-time purchase, although your team might incur ongoing operational costs. MDR services are more likely to be subscription-based. 

Internal expertise: One of the biggest differences with EDR vs MDR solutions is the level of internal expertise required to properly deploy these products. If you opt for an EDR solution, make sure that you have enough in-house expertise to properly utilize the tools. With an MDR solution, on the other hand, you will get access to their team of cybersecurity experts, reducing the need for this advanced knowledge within your own team. 

What other options are out there? 

As you think about EDR, MDR, and other security solutions, you might have noticed that there’s another common term that comes up often: XDR. Those three letters stand for extended detection and response. For most companies, you’ll have to weigh the differences between EDR vs MDR vs XDR for you and your organization’s needs. 

In short, XDR adds to the capabilities of an EDR solution by providing a more integrated security approach that covers a variety of different security vectors. XDR solutions are known to enhance threat detection, incident response, and visibility across the whole of an organization’s IT department. 

It serves as a sort of middle ground between EDR vs MDR in the sense that it can often be deployed by an in-house IT department (like EDR) but offers a wider range of capabilities (like MDR). That being said, EDR and MDR are still the more common options for most organizations.

How to choose the best security solution for your IT team

Choosing the best security solution for your IT team depends on the unique needs of your IT department – so before you look at EDR vs MDR, it is essential to complete a robust survey of your needs, budget, and areas of in-house expertise. Only then will you be able to make a truly informed decision about the best security solutions. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of EDR vs MDR… 

Benefits of EDR

EDR security solutions offer strong visibility into the activities of your network’s endpoints, which in turn enables rapid threat detection and thus efficient incident response. EDR can also help with regulatory compliance as it offers centralized management, customization options, and often seamless integration with other security tools to create a strong overall security posture. 

Benefits of MDR

With MDR, you will see significant cybersecurity benefits. One of the primary perks of an MDR solution is that you will be outsourcing your threat detection and response needs to specialized experts, lessening the burden on your own in-house team. Usually, you will get around-the-clock monitoring, even outside of business hours, so that vulnerabilities never slip through the cracks. 

Choosing between MDR vs EDR security solutions for your organization depends on a number of factors. You will want to consider, among other items… 

• Your ability to monitor and respond to security threats in-house
• Your budget for outsourcing security management to an MDR provider
• Your in-house expertise to effectively implement an EDR solution
• Your confidence in your in-house team’s abilities and resources
• The level of threat detection and response that you require

These are some of the factors to consider as you look into security options – but EDR and MDR are not the only courses of action out there, either.  

Integrated security solutions

When we talk about EDR, MDR, and even XDR solutions, we are typically talking about software platforms or service providers focused solely on security. However, it is also important to keep in mind that there are also providers on the market who offer an even broader swath of IT tools and capabilities, including the aforementioned security features. 

For example, you might find a remote monitoring and management solution that also offers security provisions. At Atera, we provide a cost-effective, all-in-one solution designed to give you everything you need in one fell swoop. When you’re constantly stacking on product after product, costs can add up fast – that’s why we’ve created a product that has all you need in one convenient package. 
In other words, you have nothing to lose. Try out Atera for free today and see what the fuss is about – we’re confident you’ll never look back.