Cyberattacks happen every 11 seconds around the globe. It’s no surprise that cybersecurity professionals are looking into the best solution that helps them to protect digital assets.
EDR vs XDR
The most common solutions available on the market are Endpoint Detection Tools and the more advanced Extended Detection & Response. Since these two products look very similar, there is a need to understand the EDR vs XDR differences.
What is EDR?
It offers an integrated, layered approach to endpoint security. This software monitors and collects endpoint data for in-depth analysis while offering automated responses based on pre-set rules and criteria.
Endpoint attacks are widespread, making cyber criminals their favorite gateway to the overall organizational network. With the increasing trend of remote workers, it becomes easy for hackers to get unauthorized access to employee IDs and passwords and then crack the code of the entire business network.
How does EDR work?
When it comes to protecting endpoints, EDR offers good security against ransomware, Trojans, and other types of malwares.
Hackers made more than 700 million ransomware attack attempts in 2021.
Your organization can reduce the cost of a breach like ransomware through an Endpoint detection and response tool. It continuously monitors endpoints for malicious activities. If the software finds any anomaly on endpoints, it contains the threat and alerts the system administrator. Criminals won’t be able to access your whole system as their attack is analyzed in a sandbox or isolated environment.
What is XDR?
It is an extended detection and response system that provides comprehensive security on endpoints, networks, and cloud stations. This software is installed on your business network, collects data from multiple security layers, and correlates it. Your security team can detect threats fast as they get complete visibility into the entire IT Infrastructure of your organization. This tool improves their response time with better visibility and investigation techniques.
How Does XDR Work?
Security analysis needs to deal with alerts from different software. They feel overwhelmed with too many false positive investigations, especially with disconnected attack viewpoints. The SOC team will be equipped with a powerful tool, which lets them perform a detailed investigation into any behavioral activity or even on email, server, cloud workloads, networks, and endpoints,
The team can investigate faster without wasting time on manual tasks thanks to automatic XDR analysis. It offers a holistic approach for detection and response throughout your IT infrastructure, and it’s how you can improve your security posture.
EDR vs XDR- What’s Similar?
Here are similar functionalities of both tools.
Preventative Approach: You need a security tool that helps you prevent and stop attacks and incidents. Thankfully, both EDR and XDR solutions are pretty helpful. They collect data and then apply data analytics and threat intelligence so that your team knows where the potential threat lies. It’s easy to prevent a threat before it spreads.
Rapid Threat Response: Both solutions offer threat detection and response automation, which is a big plus. You can minimize the impact of an attack and avoid significant damage through them. An attack on any network or endpoint won’t spread around as a result.
Threat Hunting Support: Today, organizations deal with more sophisticated hackers and threat actors. They know how to bypass legacy systems and antivirus. There is a need to think beyond reactive security.
So, a quick EDR vs XDR analysis lets you understand these tools’ similar functionality; they are proactive security measures. Regardless of what device you get, it offers deep visibility and access to data, so your team can hunt threats proactively.
EDR vs XDR: What’s the Difference Between EDR and XDR
You already know what’s common between XDR and EDR. Now let’s get understand their differences.
EDR only collects data from endpoints, while XDR collects data from the entire IT infrastructure, such as endpoints, workstations, cloud, and networks. Endpoint security is crucial as most cybercriminals attack your organization from this point, but it doesn’t mean you need to overlook other security areas. So, when looking for comprehensive coverage, you can opt for Xtended Detection and Response tool.
Wrap up – EDR vs XDR
Finally, you have to get a comparative analysis of EDR vs XDR. The question is, what solution does your organization need? It’s good to get dedicated endpoint security with an EDR, but extended protection with XDR makes more sense when securing all the aspects of your enterprises.
The battle against cyber threats is an ongoing challenge. Unfortunately, 2023 has proven to be a watershed year for data breaches. Data compromises have surged to an all-time high in the U.S. This is based on data from the first 9 months of the year. Meaning that numbers will only end up higher for the year.
The last data breach record was set in 2021. That year, 1,862 organizations reported data compromises. Through September of 2023, that number was already over 2,100.
In Q3 of 2023, the top data compromises were:
HCA Healthcare
Maximus
The Freecycle Network
IBM Consulting
CareSource
Duolingo
Tampa General Hospital
PH Tech
This data underscores the relentless efforts of cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities. As well as access sensitive information. Let’s take a look at the main drivers of this increase. And the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures.
1. The Size of the Surge
The numbers are staggering. Data breaches in 2023 have reached unprecedented levels. They’ve increased significantly compared to previous years. The scale and frequency of these incidents is concerning. They emphasize the evolving sophistication of cyber threats. As well as the challenges organizations face in safeguarding their digital assets.
2. Healthcare Sector Under Siege
One of the most disturbing trends is the escalating number of breaches in healthcare. Healthcare organizations are the custodians of highly sensitive patient information. As a result, they’ve become prime targets for cybercriminals. The breaches jeopardize patient privacy. They also pose serious risks to the integrity of medical records. This creates a ripple effect that can have long-lasting consequences.
3. Ransomware Reigns Supreme
Ransomware attacks continue to dominate the cybersecurity landscape. Cybercriminals are not merely after data. They are wielding the threat of encrypting valuable information. Then demanding ransom payments for its release. The sophistication of ransomware attacks has increased. Threat actors are employing advanced tactics to infiltrate networks and encrypt data. They are also using many different methods to extort organizations for financial gain.
4. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities Exposed
Modern business ecosystems have an interconnected nature. This has made supply chains a focal point for cyberattacks. The compromise of a single entity within the supply chain can have cascading effects. It can impact several organizations downstream. Cybercriminals are exploiting these interdependencies. They use vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to a network of interconnected businesses.
5. Emergence of Insider Threats
External threats remain a significant concern. But the rise of insider threats is adding a layer of complexity. It’s added to the already complex cybersecurity landscape. Insiders inadvertently contribute to data breaches. Whether through malicious intent or unwitting negligence. Organizations are now grappling with a challenge. They need to distinguish between legitimate user activities and potential insider threats.
6. IoT Devices as Entry Points
The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has expanded the attack surface. There’s been an uptick in data breaches originating from compromised IoT devices. These connected endpoints range from smart home devices to industrial sensors. They are often inadequately secured. This provides cyber criminals with entry points to exploit vulnerabilities within networks.
7. Critical Infrastructure in the Crosshairs
Critical infrastructure has become a target of choice for cyber attackers. This includes energy grids, water supplies, and transportation systems. The potential consequences of a successful breach in these sectors are often financial. But that’s not all. They can also extend to public safety and national security. As cyber threats evolve, safeguarding critical infrastructure has become an urgent imperative.
8. The Role of Nation-State Actors
Geopolitical tensions have spilled into the digital realm. Nation-state actors are increasingly playing a role in sophisticated cyber campaigns. These actors are often driven by political motives. They use advanced techniques to compromise sensitive data and disrupt operations. This is to advance their strategic interests in the global cyber landscape.
9. The Need for a Paradigm Shift in Cybersecurity
The surge in data breaches underscores the need to rethink cybersecurity strategies. It’s no longer a question of if an organization will be targeted but when. Proactive measures include:
Robust cybersecurity frameworks
Continuous monitoring
A culture of cyber awareness
These are essential for mitigating the risks posed by evolving cyber threats.
10. Collaboration and Information Sharing
Collaboration among organizations and information sharing within the cybersecurity community are critical. Especially as cyber threats become more sophisticated. Threat intelligence sharing enables a collective defense against common adversaries. This allows organizations to proactively fortify their defenses. They do this based on insights gained from the broader cybersecurity landscape.
Protect Your Business from Devastating Data Breaches
The surge in data breaches in 2023 serves as a stark reminder. It reminds us of the evolving and pervasive nature of cyber threats. There is an urgent need for heightened cybersecurity awareness and robust defensive measures. As well as a commitment to adapt to the ever-changing tactics of cybercriminals.
Need help protecting your business? Give us a call today to schedule a chat.
