Automated Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)

What is EDR? Automated Endpoint Detection & Real-Time Response to Threats

April 23, 2020

Continuing our theme of decoding abbreviations, EDR means Endpoint Detection & Response, and the age of AI adoption is now mainstream. This automated, real-time endpoint solution ensures that end users can work securely, no matter where in the world they’re located in relation to a firewall.

With EDR, your network defenses constantly scan for the kinds of elusive malware, ransomware, and zero-day threats that signature-based detection platforms miss. In the event a security incident occurs, advanced Endpoint Detection & Response platforms such as Sophos Intercept X Advanced with EDR,  or FortiEDR, stop attacks even if the endpoint is compromised.

EDR’s machine learning systems deter, detect, disarm, dissect, de-escalate, and do away with any cyber threats you can throw its way. This is essential considering the growing threat landscape and the expanding endpoints across remote and hybrid work environments. This article aims to provide actionable answers to the question: What is EDR?

Why EDR Works for Small Businesses

A majority of small businesses find it difficult to hire qualified IT talent, especially talent focused on network security. Second, their budgets often struggle to accommodate the talent they do find. 

Automated endpoint detection and response monitored by 24-hour machine learning intelligence adds just the kind of cybersecurity expertise that SMBs need without a higher employee headcount. On top of that, you’re getting remote security now that EDR is more than capable of protecting remote endpoints. When it comes to comparing on-staff network security and cloud licensing, it becomes obvious which ends up being more cost-efficient. 

It isn’t just about the cost, as operational efficiencies are seen here as well. Automation enables small businesses to do more with less to get the job done. Give the malware expertise and incident response to automation, using it as your network security co-pilot.

1. Sophos Intercept X Advanced with EDR

This Sophos security solution has been a longstanding go-to for network admins looking to add advanced protection to their networks. Sophos Intercept X Advanced also consolidates that industry-leading protection and EDR into a single solution. 

This solution’s advanced malware prevention significantly eases the workload on the EDR component. This allows you to utilize more of the speed and performance you pay your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for.

Here’s a brief look at some of the leading benefits:

  • Minimize staffing by automating IT tasks usually done by skilled experts
  • Prioritize potential threats & automatically detect security incidents
  • Provide visibility into attack scope, root cause, impact, & network health
  • Hunt for indicators of compromise that may leave your network vulnerable

While this is a leading solution in endpoint protection tools, it’s far from your only options here. Fortinet’s FortiEDR is just as relevant to this discussion.

2. Fortinet FortiEDR

An EDR solution purpose-built to detect potential threats, Fortinet’s FortiEDR stops breaches in real time and mitigates the damage of ransomware even on machines that have already been compromised. FortiEDR also extends security to IOT devices with the ability to protect everything from PCs to servers to point-of-sale systems and more.

This is part of what sets FortiEDR apart from other options:

  • Creates a very small network footprint thanks to native cloud infrastructure
  • Enjoy automated EPP with orchestrated response across platforms
  • Stop file-based malware with Fortinet’s kernel-level Next Gen AV engine
  • Eliminate dwell time & reduce post-breach expenses

You can’t consider EDR without taking a look at what SonicWall brings to the table. In this case, we’re taking a look at their Capture Client, a leading option for network defense strategies regarding endpoints.

3. SonicWall Capture Client

Automated endpoint detection & response is a part of SonicWall’s Capture Client, bringing together EDR, advanced threat protection, and integrated network security. Capture Client offers unique ransomware rollback capabilities and intuitive attack visualizations. Additionally, Capture Client offers a comprehensive endpoint protection and EDR environment for any SonicWall network.

The details below are what make this option such a standout solution:

  • Next-generation SentinelOne malware protection engine
  • Advanced threat protection with sandbox integration
  • Behavior-based scanning powered by machine learning
  • Unique attack rollback capabilities to support threat removal policies
  • Install & manage trusted TLS certificates to leverage DPI-SSL

All of these network security providers have something to offer here. Then again, it’s also about finding the best endpoint detection and response solution for your business.

Let’s Wrap Up

EDR provides real-time detection and automated response to malware, ransomware, zero-day threats, and many other evolving cyber threats. With benefits like machine learning, cost efficiency, and a scalable solution for remote environments, modern EDR is a must.

Of course, finding the best EDR solution comes down to your specific network security demands. Get in touch with our team here at Firewalls, and we’ll walk you through the best endpoint detection and response tools for your exact needs.

FAQ

What is XDR vs EDR?

XDR can be looked at as an expansion of EDR by correlating data across multiple security layers. This includes endpoints, network servers, cloud workloads, and more. While EDR, on the other hand, focuses primarily on endpoint-specific threats.

What is EDR and Why is it Important for Businesses?

EDR monitors endpoints in real-time, detects threats, and responds to attacks automatically. This works to protect both on-site and remote devices alike.

How Does EDR Help Small Businesses with Limited IT Resources?

This is a core part of network defense strategies, promising automated monitoring and threat response. In turn, small businesses get enterprise-level protection without needing a large IT team.

Picture of Written by Andrew Harmon

Written by Andrew Harmon

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