XDR? EDR? MDR? What does it all mean? Well, they all have ‘detection and response’ in their names, meaning they are all solutions that help you detect and responds to anomalies within your systems, but they each provide a different level or scope of protection. Think of them as stepping stones in your cyber security journey.
What is Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)?
EDR is the first stepping stone, focusing specifically on endpoint protection. It monitors devices like laptops, desktops, servers, and mobile devices to detect suspicious activity, providing tools to investigate threats and respond in real-time. The best market offerings automate responses such as isolating a laptop or server in real time. However, EDR scope is limited to individual endpoints rather than the broader network environment.
What is Extended Detection and Response (XDR)?
XDR is the natural evolution from EDR, broadening detection and response capabilities beyond endpoints. It encompasses monitoring of networks, cloud workloads, and even email systems. By correlating data across multiple security layers, XDR delivers a holistic view of threats, allowing faster detection and response. It helps you move from isolated endpoint protection to a more unified approach, integrating multiple systems for better threat visibility and control.
What is Managed Detection and Response (MDR)?
MDR is the final, most comprehensive step in the journey. It builds upon the capabilities of both EDR and XDR but adds a fully managed approach (people) with a Security Operations Centre (SOC) overlay. Instead of just delivering tools, MDR provides 24/7 monitoring, threat hunting, and incident response performed by experienced security professionals. With MDR, you gain the expertise and support necessary to handle advanced threats, that go beyond the technology-only intervention and, additionally, escalates to a fully trained human. This tends to be an outsourced or co-managed solution.
| SOC/Managed service | |||
| Managed Service | MDR | ||
| Managed service | XDR | XDR | |
| EDR | EDR | EDR | EDR |
| RMM | RMM | RMM | RMM |
| Anti Virus | Anti Virus | Anti Virus | Anti Virus |
| Patch Management | Patch Management | Patch Management | Patch Management |
| Vulnerability Management | Vulnerability Management | Vulnerability Management | Vulnerability Management |
| Email Security | Email Security | Email Security | Email Security |
| Web Filtering | Web Filtering | Web Filtering | Web Filtering |
| Data Loss Prevention | Data Loss Prevention | Data Loss Prevention | Data Loss Prevention |
| 365 Backup | 365 Backup | 365 Backup | 365 Backup |
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 |
Unsure where to start?
Understanding this progression is key to building a mature cyber security strategy. While EDR provides a necessary foundation, XDR expands coverage, and MDR ensures complete, expertly managed security. Wherever you are in your cyber security journey, it's all about progressing towards a safer, more resilient environment.
Speak to us today - whether you're just getting started with EDR, looking to expand to XDR, or ready to leverage the full potential of MDR, our experts are here to assist you.
