Selecting a security platform that provides the right level of protection based on the organization’s needs and their IT team’s skillset is vital. A determined attacker can find a way in, whether it’s via stolen or brute-forced credentials, exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities, or leveraging another vector. This is where threat detection and response solutions and practices come in.  

Which detection and response offerings are suitable for your business? 

Security is essential to businesses. Here are the latest:  

• EDR (endpoint detection and response) 
• MDR (managed detection and response) 
• XDR (extended detection and response)  

But which is most suitable for your organization?  

EDR 

EDR is the baseline monitoring and threat detection tool for endpoints, that is, any servers or client devices (e.g., desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones) that connect to a computer network. EDR relies on software agents installed on these endpoints to capture telemetry and send it to a centralized repository for analysis. Depending on the solution, many EDR agents perform real-time analysis to identify risks.  

MDR 

MDR is a managed security service handled by a third party. Gartner defines MDR as a 24/7 threat monitoring, detection, and lightweight response service to customers leveraging a combination of technologies.   

MDR provides a turnkey service by leveraging a curated stack of security technologies melded together. It’s frequently an all-or-nothing service.  

XDR 

Extended detection and response is a platform that, like MDR, is also a turnkey. Unlike most MDR services, XDR offers security orchestration, automation and response (SOAR) functionality and more extensively integrates with commonly used security tools, resulting in a cohesive security operations platform.  

All three solutions, EDR, MDR, and XDR, have various similarities. Each option includes threat detection and response functions. They also provide some form of automated responses based on data input and threat intelligence. Yet, there are critical differences between them. For example, EDR is explicitly designed to protect endpoints. For effective cybersecurity, it must be combined with additional tools that protect other parts of each customer’s network; therefore, EDR is not enough for most organizations. While MDR offers more complete coverage than EDR alone, the all-or-nothing packaging can make the service prohibitively expensive or misaligned with the level of service. For organizations who want complete coverage, similar to MDR but with greater integrations, continued ownership of the customer relationship, and a centralized view, XDR is a better fit. 

These options can seem overwhelming, but Access Tech’s expertise can make the decision easy. Contact us to schedule a complimentary 15-minute call where we can assess your assets and help you implement the best security for your business.