EPP vs. EDR - comparing top endpoint security options

Both EPP and EDR are key cybersecurity technologies focused on protection at the endpoint level. But which option is the right fit for you and your organization? Explore the similarities and differences between EPP and EDR to decide which is best for you based on the scope, function, use cases, and required resources within your organization. 

What is EPP?

EPP stands for endpoint protection platform. EPPs help prevent damage to endpoints that come from sources like malware, zero-day vulnerabilities, and fileless attacks. EPP software agents are usually deployed on endpoints, but they are also often equipped with a cloud-based management component that collects and analyzes data, which IT pros can then access from a centralized interface. 

You can look at endpoint protection platforms as the front line of defense against cyber threats. Most cybersecurity measures use the “assume breach” model, meaning that their functionality is highest once a breach has occurred and they take quick steps to confine and then remediate the issue. EPPs, on the other hand, aim to stop threats from hitting endpoints altogether. 

After a breach has occurred, your organization will need to implement additional security measures to respond to the issue and mitigate any effects that have occurred.

Today, EPP and EDR solutions are often packaged together,but it’s still worth comparing EPP and EDR to discover which you should put the emphasis on within your organization. On the whole, EPP solutions are considered a lower-effort alternative for teams that do not have the resources to effectively execute a more advanced EDR program. 

How do EPPs work? 

EPPs uses several threat detection methods to discover and prevent attacks. They offer a proactive model that focuses mostly on the front end of cyber defenses. Here are some of the tactics you can expect from an EPP, which help protect against threats like malware, basic phishing scams, and automated attacks: 

• Signature detection: An EPP utilizes threat signatures, a traditional antivirus capability, which allows the platform to detect threats by matching them with known malware signatures from a large database. 
• Ongoing static analysis: Advanced EPPs run constantly in the background to analyze and search for specific files. This typically involves using machine learning tactics to detect common malicious features or patterns. 
• Whitelisting and blacklisting: EPPs can block or allow access to specific URLs, IP addresses, or applications based on known threats or set administrator controls. 
• Sandbox testing: EPPs can test files for malicious behavior by running them in a controlled virtual environment (called a “sandbox”) before allowing those files to run as normal on an endpoint device. 
• Advanced methods: As with any cybersecurity tactic, not all EPPs are created equal. More advanced platforms will use behavioral analysis, machine learning, and even artificial intelligence (AI) to detect and report on suspicious endpoint activity. 

What is EDR?

EDR, or endpoint detection and response is a strategy to monitor and remediate threats and the endpoint level, including items such as laptops, desktops, servers, mobile devices, or even IoT (Internet of Things) devices. 

How does EDR work? 

Throughout your search for the ideal security option, you’ll likely compare options like EPP vs EDR. With that in mind, it’s crucial to understand how both tools work. EDR is seen as a more comprehensive and dynamic approach to endpoint security and provides functions like:  

• Data collection: EDR tools work around the clock to gather data from endpoints in a more diverse and sophisticated way than your typical EPPs can. 
• Threat detection: Through advanced tactics like behavioral analysis, anomaly detection, and even cyber threat intelligence, EDR programs are able to identify potential cyber threats. 
• Notifications and alerts: When a threat is detected, an EDR tool alerts IT analysts, providing plentiful context from the wealth of data accrued. These detailed and timely notifications contribute to faster response times and more effective resolutions. 
• Threat response: Most EDR tools can be set up to initiate predefined response sequences when they detect a given type of threat. For more complex or unusual issues, EDR platforms also offer tools for IT security teams to deploy manual response sequences. Of course, setting up these workflows requires security expertise from the team in the first place. 
• Root cause analysis: A key difference between EDR and EPP tools is the ability of EDR options to provide detailed data that helps IT teams discover the reasonsbehind a security breach. This helps prevent future attacks and allows teams to better grasp the scope, timeline, and impact of an issue. 
• Improvement and feedback: With the insight gained from an EDR tool, teams can engage in root cause analysis (RCA) and incorporate feedback that strengthens the organization’s security posture over time. 

What is the difference between EPP and EDR? 

The difference between EPP and EDR boils down to a few factors: use cases, resources required, and methodology. While these two strategies are both intended to protect endpoints, they go about doing so in very different ways. 

• Purpose: Both EPP and EDR tactics are focused on endpoint protection, although they do so in  different ways. 
• Methods: EPPsuse threat detection strategies like sandbox testing, white- and blacklisting, and signature detection to prevent attacks from reaching endpoints. EDR solutions can monitor, detect, and respond to issues and can help teams learn more about root causes to improve overall security posture. 
• Response: EPP options offer a largely proactive strategy, but when they do find an issue, they can quarantine that problem and alert the team to take further action. On the other hand, EPP tools can mitigate issues on their own in some cases by executing pre-set workflows. 
• Use cases: One of the biggest differences between EPPs and EDR tools is their use cases. EPPs  are used as a front line of defense to prevent attacks from ever reaching endpoints. They can help block malware, phishing, and automated attacks from known actors. On the other hand, EDR tools have a broader swath of use cases, but can also help remediate issues after they occur. 
• Resources: The most crucial distinction between EDR and EPP boils down to the internal resources needed to successfully deploy each solution. EPP tools typically run passively and need little to no human interaction once set up. EPP solutions, conversely, require manpower and expertise from a security-oriented IT team in order to function effectively and get the most out of the software’s capabilities. 

Choosing between EDR andEPP solutions

As you examine a range of cybersecurity solutions like EPP and EDR, you’ll quickly discover there are subtle differences that set them apart. It’s important to conduct a robust audit of your organization’s needs, resources, and budget in order to determine which is the best fit for your organization. If you have the budget for a more advanced solution but lack the manpower to properly implement it, you might consider an externally managed tool like an MDR program. 

Want to learn more about the different endpoint security options available? Check out Atera’s library of blog posts focused on endpoint security to learn more about how you can make the right choice for you and your organization.