Endpoints. They’re everywhere in your organization—laptops, phones, servers. Each one is a doorway that could potentially allow bad actors to gain access to your system.
Did you know 68% of organizations have faced endpoint attacks? With risks like these, basic security measures are no longer enough.
That’s where Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) come in. Both are designed to help you monitor your endpoints, identify threats, and act quickly to neutralize them. But which one is the right fit for your organization?
What is EDR?
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is a security tool that monitors devices like laptops, smartphones, and servers. It tracks suspicious activity across your network and identifies threats before they cause harm. With EDR, your team can quickly isolate risks and prevent damage to keep your system secure.
EDR systems collect data from devices, monitoring behaviors and identifying any unusual patterns. When a threat is detected, they alert the security team and can automatically isolate affected devices. The result is faster response times and a stronger defense against potential breaches.
What is MDR?
MDR is a managed security service that uses advanced tools and expert oversight to monitor your network, endpoints, and cloud systems for threats. When it detects a risk, security professionals analyze the situation and take immediate action to neutralize the threat. They also provide continuous updates, ensuring your organization stays protected around the clock.
MDR removes the need for an in-house team to manage complex cybersecurity operations. It also provides detailed reports and insights to help companies understand security events and trends. Organizations using MDR gain a dedicated security operations center (SOC) that maintains a high level of cybersecurity.
What is The Difference Between MDR and EDR?
When comparing EDR and MDR, the main difference comes down to who’s managing your security. With EDR, your team stays in charge of monitoring devices and responding to threats. It gives you the tools to detect issues, but you need to handle everything yourself. MDR, on the other hand, takes that weight off your shoulders. You get a team of experts monitoring your network 24/7, ready to respond if anything goes wrong.
There are other key differences in how each solution operates and the level of support they offer. Here’s a closer look:
- Management: EDR requires your internal team to monitor and respond to threats, while MDR gives you access to a dedicated team of experts who handle it all for you.
- Scope: EDR focuses on protecting endpoints like laptops and phones, while MDR covers your entire IT environment, including networks and cloud systems.
- Threat Detection: EDR detects known threats at the device level, while MDR proactively hunts for potential threats across your entire environment.
- Response Time: With EDR, your team manages response times. MDR offers faster, round-the-clock response thanks to continuous monitoring by cybersecurity professionals.
- Expertise: EDR requires skilled in-house cybersecurity professionals, while MDR provides a team of dedicated security experts.
- Cost: EDR may seem less expensive upfront, but it requires significant in-house resources. MDR includes expert support and can be more cost-effective for businesses without dedicated IT security teams.
If your organization doesn’t have the resources or expertise to manage security in-house, MDR is the better fit. With proactive threat hunting and continuous oversight, it covers more ground than EDR, securing your endpoints, network, and cloud systems.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing MDR or EDR
Internal Expertise and Resources
When selecting a security solution, consider the expertise of your internal team. EDR gives you powerful tools for monitoring and response, but it also requires skilled professionals to interpret alerts and manage threats. If you have a well-equipped cybersecurity team, EDR might be a good fit. On the other hand, MDR provides a fully managed service, so it’s ideal for organizations without in-house security experts.
24/7 Monitoring
One of the notable features of MDR is continuous, round-the-clock threat monitoring. With cyberattacks happening at all hours, MDR ensures you’re covered even during non-business hours. An IT support company takes on the task of monitoring and responding to threats, letting your internal team focus on other priorities. EDR, while effective, requires your team to be available to respond to threats in real-time.
Threat Hunting Capabilities
Proactive threat hunting is something you’ll primarily find with MDR services. If your organization deals with advanced, persistent threats, having professionals actively searching for potential risks can make a significant difference. EDR, while strong at detecting known threats, doesn’t offer this proactive approach.
Cost and Budget
Cost is always a critical factor. EDR generally comes with a lower upfront cost since it’s primarily a software-based solution. However, you’ll need to factor in the cost of maintaining and training your internal team. MDR, while more expensive, includes expert support and 24/7 monitoring. For organizations without the internal resources, MDR might be the most cost-efficient long-term option.
Leveraging MDR
Why leave your endpoints exposed when you can secure them with MDR? MDR offers the protection you need to detect and mitigate threats early. For seamless setup and ongoing support, consider partnering with a managed IT services provider who understands the benefits of MDR to help you keep your business safe from evolving cybercrime.
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Endpoints like laptops and servers can be entry points for threats. Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) monitor and address these risks. Check out the infographic for key factors to consider when choosing between them.
