Most cyberattacks are launched from an endpoint. Spear phishing emails and other attack vectors take one computer hostage initially. They then use this device or PC to spread across a corporate network.

Due to the rise of telework and remote jobs, endpoint security has become even more important. All business cybersecurity strategies, therefore, incorporate measures to keep endpoints safe and prevent the spread of malware or ransomware across a network.

EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) and XDR (Extended Detection and Response) software tools are used to detect threats automatically and decrease response time through better data visibility. Data analytics and threat intelligence are used to provide greater insight for better prevention.

Since antivirus alone is not sufficient to prevent attacks, companies must invest in other solutions to help protect corporate networks and endpoints.

So, what is the difference between an XDR and EDR? Let’s find out today!

What Is XDR?

XDR, or Extended Detection and Response, was created to aid large enterprise network security management. Even though an endpoint is the main target for cybercriminals and requires proper protection, individual endpoints are only part of the company’s larger IT architecture.

Enterprise networks consist of several systems, various device types, and tons of users. This makes it difficult to implement point solutions and can be taxing for security teams to manage.

An XDR tool comes in and helps security teams by providing greater visibility for all endpoints, company infrastructure, mobile devices, cloud infrastructure, etc. Better visibility means security teams can reinforce a similar security strategy across an enterprise network and not just at one endpoint.

An XDR solution is also responsible for data aggregation. These tools can easily detect distributed and complex attacks. It applies data analytics and threat intelligence to aggregated data to deduce known threats and common trends.

Aggregation reduces the burden on security analysts, which allows them to focus their energy on other important tasks. The best part is that an XDR tool also automates the entire process and can identify threats independently.

Once identified, an XDR will take preventive steps to block malicious code from reaching other systems. XDRs mitigate an attack at a compromised endpoint to prevent malware spread across a company network.

What Is EDR?

EDR or Endpoint Detection and Response solutions were created to provide foolproof endpoint protection. An EDR provides several layers of completely integrated endpoint security.

Real-time monitoring, automatic threat detection, data analytics, and rule-driven response helps mitigate threats to stop the spread.

The main goal of an EDR tool is to provide very deep visibility for a dedicated endpoint. Greater visibility means threats or malicious attempts are blocked straight away, and threat hunting is successful.

The smooth transition to proactive threat management from traditional/responsive security is an EDR’s primary goal.

XDR Vs. EDR: What Makes Them Similar Or Different?

Similarities

Both XDR and EDR tools or solutions were created to replace legacy and response systems as part of the traditional security approach. Both tools are, therefore, quite similar in several ways:

Rapid Threat Response

XDR and EDR both enable automatic threat response and threat detection. These features help a business/organization in reducing damage, attack impact, and security costs caused by a cyberattack. Both XDR and EDR respond automatically and immediately to prevent an attack and take measures to eradicate it.

Prevention

Traditional security tools usually focus on the remediation and managed detection of ongoing threats. However, both EDR and XDR prevent malicious attempts through data collection, analytics applications, and threat intelligence. This allows these systems to identify threats long before they can cause damage.

Threat Hunting Support

Security analysts can make use of threat-hunting support to ensure proactive security. It aids in identifying unknown threats and detecting and remediating before an attacker uses the vulnerability. XDR and EDR provide greater visibility and easier data access. Both these ultimately back up threat-hunting efforts.

Differences

Even though XDR and EDR are similar in a ton of ways, there are still some differences that set them apart. These include:

Solution Integration

EDR solutions provide the best security protection to endpoints. A business or organization can manually integrate an EDR with various other point solutions.

On the other hand, XDR solutions provide better visibility and threat management in a simple software tool. It helps improve and simplify a company’s security infrastructure.

Focus

An EDR tool focuses on endpoint protection and better visibility to provide automated threat detection for a simple device.

XDR tools provide a broader view and security for various endpoints, email, cloud computing, and other solutions.

Is Extended Detection And Response (XDR) Better Than Endpoint Detection And Response (EDR)?

As we discussed earlier, both XDR and EDR may be similar but are not the same. XDR is more evolved than EDR and takes endpoint security to a higher level by providing robust features that are not present in traditional EDR solutions.

EDR protection is limited and only provided on endpoint data. Simply put, XDR is an evolved form of EDR that analyzes various endpoints and sources to prevent, detect and remediate attacks. XDR and EDR, NDR, UEBA, and SIEM tools can be used.

XDR solutions gather all data and alerts into one user interface to aid better visibility and response and simplify investigation. Relying solely on an EDR tool can lead to missed threats, longer investigation periods, and greater false positives.

XDR automates most EDR functions and provides analytics and threat intelligence features. It is an all-in-one tool that enterprises can use for perfect endpoint security and protection.

XDR Is A Better Tool For Cyber Security 

• With its superior detection and response capabilities, XDR can block sophisticated threats before they spread.
• XDR tools can detect malware that was left undetected by an EDR.
• XDR prevents malware spread across a network by noticing the threat beforehand.
• XDR tools that promptly prevent data theft and compromise of user/login credentials.
• XDR aids SOC teams in detecting behavioral anomalies to respond quickly after proper investigation.

Conclusion

Enterprises and organizations must unify threat response capabilities and detection by using XDR with an integrated EDR tool. Investing in modern and more capable technology like an XDR will help you reduce security costs, allow telemetry/remote jobs, enable automated threat detection, and have greater visibility into the company’s IT infrastructure.

An XDR also protects several endpoints, entire networks, and cloud environments. Earlier detection, behavioral analytics, and contextual network understanding give XDR greater leverage over an EDR tool.