Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) has become an increasingly important tool in the cybersecurity industry, especially for businesses and organizations that require enhanced security measures. In this blog, we'll delve into what EDR is, how it differs from traditional antivirus software, and why it's so essential in today's threat landscape.

At its core, EDR is an evolution of antivirus software. Whereas traditional antivirus tools rely on signature-based scanning to detect known malicious files, EDR takes a more comprehensive approach. It collects detailed data on every aspect of how files and processes are working on a device, including their behaviors, sub-processes, and interactions with other systems. By centralizing this data in a single location, responders can get a big-picture view of what's happening on the device in question.

For instance, if a user downloads a malicious file that triggers a series of commands, A good example of this is an end user downloads a malicious file, an Excel spreadsheet with the macros enabled, and the person clicks the button to enable it. At this point, Excel is now executing a script which launches command prompt or PowerShell. PowerShell then begins to run a series of commands to do malicious things, such as maybe reaching out to an external server to download an actual malware payload, or it may just begin to adjust permissions and move from there. EDR can not only identify the file but also track the entire chain of events, including the subprocesses launched and the network connections made. This information can be used to both detect and respond to threats effectively.

EDR vendors can differ in terms of the level of data collection they provide. Some tools only offer limited data collection, while others, like the open-source EDR tool allow users to view code execution and specific commands as they happen in real-time.

In addition to EDR, some organizations may use Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services, to help filter through the data collected by EDR tools and determine whether events are malicious or legitimate. MDR services can also take action in response to identified threats, such as isolating infected machines and initiating cleanup procedures.

As the threat landscape continues to evolve, EDR and MDR are becoming increasingly essential for businesses and organizations of all sizes. By providing a comprehensive view of device activity and enabling quick and effective responses to potential threats, these tools can help protect sensitive data and prevent cyberattacks from causing significant damage.

Please contact us if you have any questions about EDR.

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