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Finding the right security solution for your IT department can seem challenging, especially with all of the acronyms and platforms on the market today. 

Comparing and contrasting options like EDR, XDR and MDR is an important step in determining your needs and possible security solutions. So get your head into cybersecurity mode; it’s time to take a look at XDR vs EDR platforms to gain a deeper understanding of the nuanced differences between these tools. 

What is EDR? 

EDR stands for endpoint detection and response. EDR solutions are focused on endpoint-level devices, where they detect, monitor, and respond to potential threats. In the world of IT, the word “endpoint” refers to devices such as laptop and desktop computers, servers, mobile phones, IoT devices, tablets, and even ancillary devices like printers or modems. EDR solutions provide security controls and visibility for these types of devices. 

As you compare options like EDR vs XDR (extended detection and response), you should consider the scope of the protections that each offers in addition to your department’s ability to successfully manage and deploy it with available resources. 

How does EDR work? 

To understand the difference between XDR vs EDR, first we need to understand how each tool works. EDR is a comprehensive and dynamic approach to endpoint security. Here are some key functions: 

  • Collecting data: EDR tools work 24/7 to gather data from endpoints providing context in case of a breach. 
  • Detecting threats: EDR programs operate at various levels of advancement, using tools like data analysis and anomaly detection to detect potential threats.  
  • Alerting the team to threats: When the EDR tool detects a threat, it alerts IT analysts and shares context based on the data it has collected. Detailed and timely EDR alerts lead to faster and more effective threat responses. 
  • Responding to threats: Advanced EDR tools can be programmed to execute preset response sequences when they detect a known threat. For more complex issues, EDR platforms also typically offer tools that help IT security teams deploy manual response sequences. Setting up these workflows will require in-house IT security expertise. 
  • Analyzing root causes: With the detailed data provided by EDR tools, IT teams can more easily discover the reasons behind a security breach. This helps prevent future attacks and provides a clear picture of the timeline, scope, and impact of a problem. 
  • Implement feedback and improve: EDR insights help teams engage in root cause analysis (RCA) and incorporate feedback that strengthens the organization’s security posture over time. 

Who manages EDR solutions?

An in-house IT security team typically manages and deploys EDR software. These solutions are generally easier to use than XDR options and provide experienced IT pros with the tools that they need to ensure endpoint security. As you learn more about EDR vs XDR options, it is important to keep your implementation budget and resources in mind. 

What is XDR?

XDR stands for extended detection and response. XDR tools expand upon the capabilities of EDR solutions by providing a more integrated security approach that covers a variety of different security vectors. 

While EDR solutions are focused exclusively on endpoint security, XDR solutions enhance threat detection, incident response, and visibility across the whole of an organization’s IT department. Many IT pros think of XDR as a middle ground between EDR and MDR (managed detection and response). How? XDR solutions can normally be deployed by an in-house IT department (like EDR) but offer a wider range of capabilities (like MDR). 

How does XDR work?

XDR works similarly to EDR but expands its reach by including data from a more varied collection of sources. Let’s take a look.

  • Collecting data: A main difference in XDR vs EDR solutions is the sources from which they pull data. XDR tools go beyond endpoint devices to pull from other security solutions, network traffic logs, and more.  
  • Correlating and aggregating data: Since they pull so much disparate data, XDR solutions then gather and normalize data so it can be analyzed effectively.  
  • Detecting threats: Once the data has been compiled and analyzed, the XDR solution can improve upon EDR threat detection and reduce the risks of false positive alerts. 
  • Providing context: Its diverse set of data sources allows XDR tools to provide even richer context than EDR tools, creating a unified attack story that helps analysts access the bigger picture behind a breach and address known, unknown, and persistent threats. 
  • Responding to threats: XDR tools can execute automated threat response tactics like isolating affected systems or blocking malicious traffic. For more advanced threats, XDR tools provide IT teams with the resources they need to respond quickly and effectively. 

Who manages XDR solutions? 

Like EDR solutions, XDR solutions are typically managed by an in-house team. However, since XDR tools are a bit more complex, your team might need additional IT security expertise to make the most of these tools. 

Differences between EDR and XDR

While EDR vs XDR might sound similar, they are not the same. XDR tools represent a newer and more evolved security strategy that goes beyond endpoint protection. While companies implement both EDR and XDR solutions to address security needs and challenges, it is important to examine XDR vs EDR to decide which better reflects your requirements. Let’s break down the differences between EDR and XDR into a few different categories. 

CategoryEDRXDR
ReachEndpoint-focusedBroad scope, covers the entire network
Detection and responseDetects threats with behavioral analysis, machine learning, and signature-based methods; response limited to endpoint isolation and process terminationExpands detection with advanced techniques; offers broader response methods beyond endpoints
Data usage and contextualizationCollects data on an endpoint-by-endpoint basisAggregates and correlates data for quicker threat detection and attack insights
Integration and automationIntegrates with endpoint tools (e.g., antivirus, EPP, SIEM)Integrates across the full security stack and automates workflows via SOAR
Scope of protectionProtects endpoints like laptops, desktops, and serversProtects endpoints, networks, cloud environments, and email systems
ScalabilityLimited scalability as it focuses solely on endpointsScales with the organization, covering diverse environments

Choosing the right security option for your organization

Selecting the right security option for you means exploring all of the options on the market. As you compare the different available solutions, you may be feeling overwhelmed with all of the acronyms and differences. But remember that using an all-in-one option for your IT management and security needs can be more efficient and more secure. 

With the right RMM, patch management, helpdesk, and countless security integrations, you can manage your entire security strategy in one convenient place. If this sounds like it could be the best option for you, feel free to give Atera a try with our 30 day free trial – we’re confident you’ll never look back.

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