NDR vs EDR - Understanding the differences and benefits

As a cybersecurity professional in an industry of evolving and emerging threats, it’s crucial to keep up-to-date with the latest defensive technologies. In today’s crowded cybersecurity market, there multiple options available. Since each serves a different purpose, it can be difficult to know which one to use in your organization. 

For organizations that are looking to stay on top of their cybersecurity strategy, NDR and EDR solutions are among the strongest options to consider. So to help you make the right choice for you and your organization, we’ll go over the “must-know” info when it comes to NDR vs EDR. 

After this article, you’ll be equipped with the info you need to make an informed decision for your organization’s unique security needs. So grab your coffee (or whatever your favorite IT fuel is) and let’s jump into it!

What is NDR?

NDR (Network Detection and Response), is a security system that, as the name suggests, focuses on monitoring, detecting, and reporting potential threats within a network. It’s essentially a high-tech security system that monitors your network looking for unusual activity that may indicate a threat to your network.

Then once it’s identified potential threats, or anomalies that could signify a threat, it does its job by alerting the necessary people to deal with the potential issue before it does irreparable damage.

IT professionals love an NDR cybersecurity solution because it doesn’t just sit around waiting. NDR is a preventive tool that can analyze a large amount of network activity and help IT staff get ahead of potential issues. 

If something on the network looks “wrong” or “out of place”, an NDR system will flag it so a cybersecurity professional can jump in and potentially save their organization $4.8 million if it turns into a data breach (yes, that’s a real IT stat).

The key features that make NDR invaluable to a cybersecurity plan are real-time traffic monitoring, inconsistency detection, threat intelligence integration, and automated response.

What is EDR?

EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) is a security system designed to monitor, detect, and respond to threats that specifically target a network’s endpoints. These can include computers, smartphones, and servers. 

You can imagine EDR as stationing a security guard at every endpoint within your network, dealing with the activity as it’s happening at your endpoints.

EDR solutions continuously monitor endpoint activity, analyzing data to detect unusual behaviors that may signal a security breach. When a potential threat has been identified, the system will make sure that the necessary person knows, allowing them to go into problem-solving mode (if they deem it necessary). 

This real-time responsiveness helps organizations safeguard their digital infrastructure against damage and data loss.

EDR can strengthen an organization’s overall security thanks to the visibility it gives the IT team. It’s especially critical in today’s evolving cybersecurity landscape because endpoints are very often the first line of defense when a network comes under attack.

What are the differences between NDR and EDR?

The main difference between NDR and EDR is the way that they fit into your overall cybersecurity strategy. An NDR system is primarily focused on protecting your organization at the network level, while an EDR system focuses more on security at the individual endpoint level.  

This main difference between NDR and EDR plays out in a variety of different ways, which we’ll go over. Throughout each of these points, consider whether NDR, EDR, or a combination of both may be the better fit within your organization’s overall security strategy. 

After the main differences, we’ll talk about whether NDR, EDR, or a combination of both will work better for your needs. So make sure you stick around! 

Scope of detection

NDR primarily focuses on detecting network-based threats by monitoring network traffic as a whole in order to identify inconsistencies. 

However, EDR identifies server threats by analyzing patterns within the activity at the endpoints themselves. In other words, while NDR provides a wider security solution at the network level, EDR offers a more hyper-focused approach at the endpoint level.

Data sources

NDR analyzes data from the network traffic and uses specific security protocols and activity logs in order to look for potential threats. 

EDR, on the other hand, collects its data directly from the endpoints, like file activity and user behavior patterns. Both systems use many different points of data to enhance how well the systems can detect threats.

Ease of management

Since NDR systems require a network-wide deployment, they’re generally more difficult to manage due to the sheer amount of data to analyze. 

EDR solutions, on the other hand, are generally easier for IT professionals to manage because they focus on a narrower scope of network activity and threat management.

Response capabilities

EDR systems are efficient at quickly responding to endpoint threats by alerting the necessary IT person. Many EDR solutions can even be set up to run through automated security protocol before an IT employee has even seen the alert. These automated responses can include:

• Isolating infected endpoints from the network in an effort to prevent the spread of malware
• Quarantining suspicious files for further analysis, reducing the risk of execution
• Blocking malicious IP addresses or domains to stop ongoing attacks
• Terminating suspicious processes that could compromise system integrity
• Rolling back system changes made by ransomware or other harmful software

NDR, on the other hand, is better at discovering threats to an overall network. But, it’s more limited in performing endpoint-specific responses to threats. Its automated responses are generally limited to the following:

• Blocking malicious IPs or domains to prevent communication with known threat actors
• Restricting access to compromised network segments to contain potential breaches
• Terminating suspicious network sessions detected as part of an attack
• Alerting IT teams with contextual information about unusual traffic patterns or potential breaches

Implementation and cost

Setting up an NDR cybersecurity solution can be more expensive and time-consuming than an EDR system due to the need to cover every aspect of your network. 

Since EDR only needs to focus on the individual endpoints, it usually costs less and is faster to implement. This can make EDR a better option for organizations with budget or time constraints.

When NDR is the better option

NDR is generally a better choice for organizations with large, complex networks that require a detailed, birds-eye view into their network traffic. Especially in industries like finance, healthcare, or retail—where protecting sensitive data is paramount—an NDR system’s ability to monitor a network’s activity and detect possible issues early becomes absolutely crucial. 

It can also be the best choice for businesses facing advanced persistent threats (APTs), as an NDR system’s more sophisticated security does a better job of identifying and protecting against stealthy attacks that traditional endpoint-focused solutions might miss.

When EDR is the better option

EDR can be the better option for organizations with a large number of endpoints. It’s particularly essential in sectors like legal, government, or technology, where endpoint compromise can lead to data breaches that create expensive headaches for everyone. 

If real-time threat hunting, detailed incident investigations, or regulatory compliance are priorities, EDR’s endpoint-focused approach could fit into your security strategy well. 

Not to mention, EDR is also great for smaller teams who are looking for highly automated, user-friendly solutions at affordable prices.

When a combination is best

For most organizations, the best solution is combining both NDR and EDR so your security solution isn’t lacking anywhere. You’re able to protect your network through your NDR, while EDR provides individual defense at the endpoint level. 

Together, they can create a layered security approach, helping enterprises that employ large remote workforces, hybrid infrastructures, or a myriad of other circumstances that leave your organization open to threats of both types (network and endpoint). 

Protect your network with an all-in-one tool

In navigating the details of NDR vs. EDR, it’s clear that both security types offer important aspects of cybersecurity security. Now that you know that the ideal solution involves aspects of both, you may be wondering the best way to implement them both while keeping your investment to a minimum.

We recommend trying out an all-in-one RMM tool like Atera. We offer world-class security integrations to ensure that your organization’s IT infrastructure is protected from all sides, alongside native security capabilities like patch management, AI-powered diagnostics, and more.Get started integrating NDR and EDR within your network using one centralized platform for easy management. Start your free 30-day trial today to experience seamless protection.