EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) and MDR (Managed Detection and Response) are solutions that strengthen an enterprise security infrastructure by making use of advanced security technologies.

Both EDR and MDR, however, differ in focus. This means that each tool solves security threats and challenges using different strategies.

So, which one out of EDR and MDR is better for your company or business? Let’s find out below!

What Is Endpoint Detection And Response?

EDR or Endpoint Detection and Response solutions are designed to provide ample endpoint protection. EDRs make use of multiple layers to provide completely integrated endpoint security.

Data analytics, real-time security monitoring, automatic threat detection, and rule-driven response help an EDR mitigate threats to prevent malware spread across entire corporate networks.

The main goal of an EDR tool is to provide security teams with greater visibility. It focuses on one dedicated endpoint to allow better visibility to prioritize threats or malicious attempts so they can be blocked immediately. This makes threat hunting successful.

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

Let us look at the main EDR capabilities below:

Log Aggregation

EDR tools can access application logs produced by endpoints and also have access to various systems.

Data is collected and aggregated from each source to form a bigger picture and understand the current state of the endpoint in question.

Analyst Support

EDR tools collect huge chunks of data from endpoints regarding status. This is further aggregated and analyzed to produce data insights.

Data insights allow security analysts to improve response time, react appropriately, and engage in digital forensics activities.

Endpoint Protection

Endpoint protection is essential as cybercriminals use these major vulnerabilities to launch malware and ransomware attacks. Remote employees, telework, and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies have also made endpoints increasingly vulnerable.

All of this means that EDR solutions that help provide threat detection and response capabilities are necessary tools for any corporate network.

Machine Learning

New EDR solutions also use ML (Machine Learning) capabilities to collect and analyze data from endpoints, log files, and other sources.

Data analytics allows the EDR system to detect behavioral anomalies and suspicious trends. Detecting these can help block potential threats and intrusions, or other problems with an endpoint.

An EDR is an effective and comprehensive tool to help protect endpoints against cyber threats.

What Is Managed Detection And Response?

MDR, or Managed Detection and Response, is a managed service offering for security events. The main goal of an MDR tool is to help an organization or company expand/replace their in-house SOC (Security Operations Center) with a 3rd party service.

MDR solutions offer all the required personnel, tools, and expertise that an enterprise needs to keep itself protected against cyberattacks. Therefore, MDR is considered a comprehensive security service.

MDR advantages include:

Specialized Expertise

The demand for cybersecurity professionals is quite high. This has created a shortage, and many companies face difficulty retaining and attracting the most suitable professionals.

Specialties like malware analysis and cloud security are experiencing even greater shortages, making cybersecurity implementation much more difficult.

MDR providers and tools come in to eradicate this issue. An MDR solution has the scale to attract the most suitable security professionals and is also readily available for customer use.

24/7 Monitoring 

Cyberattacks can be launched anytime, making constant security monitoring super crucial. MDR providers help with this issue by monitoring an enterprise network 24/7 for each day of the year.

This helps security teams take notice of triage alerts, detect security issues and check whether an alert is a real security threat.

Managed Response

Quick threat response and detection are key to minimizing the damage caused by malware or other cybersecurity threats.

MDR providers offer fully trained threat response teams that respond immediately to security incidents. They have the appropriate knowledge and expertise to detect and eradicate any kind of malicious attempts.

Threat Hunting

Threat hunting is a great feature that allows an organization to detect unknown endpoint threats that have already entered an IT infrastructure.

An MDR provider offers threat hunting as a core feature that helps them offer superb protection for any enterprise and a shorter reaction time to potential advanced threats.

An MDR tool is perfect for companies that require a full security system in one tool to help ward off cyber attacks.

MDR Vs. EDR: Are They Different?

EDR and MDR have been created to help organizations practice better protection against cyber security threats by offering top-notch security solutions.

Both aid better visibility and can be easily integrated with an existing network to improve an organization’s security posture. An EDR is deployed at a dedicated endpoint, while an MDR is a service that helps an organization monitor security and practice management through an IT infrastructure.

Some MDR providers also offer EDR solutions as a tool kit. Since both MDR and EDR are so important, companies must make use of both. A fully equipped MDR tool is probably the best choice.

MDR Vs. EDR -The Major Difference 

• An EDR tool works like an alarm system that sends alerts immediately after an intruder is detected. However, these may not always be noticed, and some alerts may only occur once intrusion has occurred.
• When you compare an MDR Vs. EDR, an MDR emerges as a security guard instead of an alert system. Not only does it prevent intrusion, but it detects and eradicates any malicious code. MDR solutions are a part of the Security Operations Center As A Service (SOCaaS) environment that constantly monitors a network for potential threats.

True MDR Has An EDR Component

• Security teams and MDR analysts use EDR system data to detect, assess and respond to threats.
• Threat prioritization can be done using EDR data to determine which threats must be dealt with immediately. This allows the MDR to log out users, remove files, and shut or quarantine systems that have been impacted. This blocks the threat and prevents widespread damage.
• MDR is perfect for small to medium-sized companies that cannot hire in-house cybersecurity teams that deal with, respond to, and identify threats detected by an EDR system.
• MDR service providers offer different tools and services that can be combined to form a package that fits your organization’s needs perfectly. This can also ensure added security by bringing your in-house security team on board.

Conclusion

MDR and EDR are helpful tools that can improve an organization’s security posture and prevent potential threats.

However, both of these are vastly different from each other. An MDR is a complete service, while an EDR is a tool used to protect and monitor a dedicated endpoint. A great MDR tool will also offer an EDR component to provide foolproof security.