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Last year, 66% of organizations experienced increased endpoint security threats. Since most cyberattacks originate from end-user devices such as computers, phones, and tablets, investing in robust endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions is crucial.
EDR solutions play a critical role in identifying and remediating incoming threats before they escalate into full-blown incidents that can cripple the entire network. Organizations can significantly reduce the risk of widespread damage and costly downtime by proactively addressing threats at the endpoint level. EDR should also be supplemented with an expert Security Control Management (SCM) service provider to monitor your security infrastructure for proper functionality and security optimization.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Defined
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools are security controls that focus on monitoring and protecting user-operated endpoints, such as desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, and servers. These EDR solutions enable organizations to track user and device activity, investigate potential cyber threats, and remediate confirmed attacks, effectively safeguarding their IT infrastructure.
As most cyber incidents originate at an endpoint, EDR plays a proactive role by providing real-time monitoring and response capabilities. This proactive approach quickly mitigates and isolates threats, preventing them from spreading throughout the network. Having EDR as part of a layered security program is crucial in the event a first line of defense fails.
For example, suppose a threat actor sends a malware-laced phishing email to a user. The email bypasses the network firewall controls to enter the inbox, and the user negligently opens the email from their desktop computer — ignoring their phishing awareness training. After the initial controls fail, EDR detects the file as malicious and prevents the code from downloading onto the device. If the initial controls fail and the user clicks to download the attachment, EDR will investigate further to determine the extent of the threat.
What Are the Key Components of an EDR Solution?
Various parts of EDR must work in sync to ensure maximum performance and fast threat remediation. The primary components that make up EDR include:
Continuous Monitoring and Analysis
Everything starts with endpoint visibility. EDR provides real-time collection and analysis of endpoint data, such as user activity, file information, network traffic, and system access logs. The initial goal is to identify any events deemed anomalous or potentially threatening to the network.
From there, EDR analyzes and investigates those anomalies automatically to confirm whether or not an attack is underway. This function of EDR is critical because it lets you continuously track for threats to initiate the subsequent steps in the containment process. If an attack is confirmed, then the automated response procedures get triggered.
Automated Response
Upon detecting an attack, EDR immediately triggers automated response procedures. These procedures include notifying personnel, investigating the event further, isolating the affected endpoint, and remediating the threat. Like any automated workflow, putting incident response on auto-pilot gives you faster remediation with less chance of human-prone errors.
For example, suppose a virus is detected on a user computer In that case, EDR automatically isolates that endpoint from the rest of the IT infrastructure and swiftly removes the malicious software before it spreads throughout the network. Because EDR uses automation, there is a much faster incident response time than if the user were to alert IT security personnel have them disconnect the computer from the network by hand, and manually remove the virus.
Integration with Security Tools
EDR cannot function independently and must integrate with other data-sharing and analysis tools as part of a larger security ecosystem. For example:
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): This tool collects network data from numerous sources to find and alert for cyber threats. EDR can integrate with SIEM specifically to supply endpoint data for analysis.
- Security Orchestration Automation and Response (SOAR): SOAR tools initiate automated network threat blocking, investigation, and incident response. Integrated with EDR, it can deploy those same automated response procedures for attacks targeting endpoint devices.
EDR is also, and importantly, optimized when managed through a Security Control Management (SCM) team. SCM provides a centralized view of your security posture and controls, including EDR. This team ensures everything is up and running and that there are no gaps in security across the whole network.
Comprehensive SCM: Treating EDR as a Managed Service
EDR has come a long way since its inception. What started as simple antivirus software detecting known malware can now spot and remediate endpoint threats with unknown signatures. However, this isn’t enough to fully harden your attack surface. Your solution must be able to track for malware AND thoroughly investigate an incident using contextual details like user behaviors and application activity to understand what’s “normal.”
That’s why security tools require more than just purchase and install. Modern threats often outpace standard, off-the-shelf EDR software, which typically struggles with new and complex attacks, self-maintenance, and self-remediation of vulnerabilities. A comprehensive SCM approach is essential to effectively counter these challenges, treating EDR as a managed service. For instance, CyberMaxx extends its services beyond mere procurement and installation of EDR, offering more robust solutions.
Our SCM services provide end-to-end EDR management. We do everything to ensure your security, from endpoint gap audits to providing guidance during security tool deployments, developing detection rules, updating endpoint agents, and managing users. Our services also include ongoing tool administration, policy review, EDR health reporting, and much more, all geared toward finding, containing, and quickly eliminating both current and emerging threats.
Get Advanced Security Control Management support with CyberMaxx
Advanced threat detection systems can give you peace of mind, providing reassurance that you’ll have non-stop threat visibility and automated incident response to quickly prevent attacks from causing havoc across your entire IT network.
As cyber threats continuously evolve, consider partnering with a Security Control Management (SCM) expert like CyberMaxx, who can administer defensive controls like EDR and ensure they operate 24/7 for non-stop network protection. Schedule a call today to learn how our “Offense Fuels Defense” mentality gets you end-to-end coverage that never stops improving.