Cybersecurity is an important consideration for all businesses, no matter the size. There are many ways to protect your business from cyber threats, and one business’s strategy will likely look different from another’s. With new technologies, programs, and software coming out so frequently, it can be hard to decipher what strategies are actually worthwhile. EDR and MDR are two cybersecurity solutions designed to help businesses both detect and respond to cyberthreats. While these two technologies have similarities, they also have key differences. Keep reading to learn more about the difference between the two technologies and how they can strengthen your company’s cybersecurity strategy.
If you’re not familiar with the importance of a strong cybersecurity strategy, especially for small businesses, check out these statistics.
What is EDR technology?
EDR stands for endpoint detection and response. Before we get much further, let’s define endpoints. Endpoints are devices, such as laptops, desktop computers, and servers, that connect to and exchange information with a computer network. EDR technology monitors all endpoint activity in an effort to ultimately stop or minimize cyber threats and security breaches. This is critical for a strong cybersecurity defense because most cyber attacks begin at endpoints. (Did you know that nearly 78% of organizations have been the victim of one or more endpoint attacks?)
How does EDR technology work?
EDR technology consists of several layers, including threat protection, threat detection, and threat solutions. When a cyber threat is detected, EDR tools will propose a solution to mitigate it. Such tools have the capability to analyze data and alert the IT team of potential and realized threats.
What is MDR technology?
MDR stands for managed detection and response. It is essentially an outsourced form of EDR, so it offers the same capabilities. However, MDR offers a few things that EDR doesn’t, namely 24/7 managed services from IT and cybersecurity professionals. While EDR can detect endpoint threats and propose solutions, it lacks the human component that is difficult to replace. With MDR, professionals prioritize proactive cybersecurity measures, such as threat hunting, threat intelligence, and managed response.
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How does MDR technology work?
Much like EDR, MDR utilizes technology and tools to identify and mitigate endpoint security threats. In addition, a team of cybersecurity professionals outside of your company oversees a proactive focus on prevention and protection in an effort to keep endpoint threats from occurring in the first place.
Do businesses need EDR and MDR technologies?
As you can see, EDR and MDR technologies are similar in their primary goal of identifying and responding to cybersecurity threats, but they differ in how they solve those threats. Some businesses will benefit from both EDR and MDR, but not every business needs both. So how do you know which strategy makes sense for your business?
EDR might be the best choice for businesses that already have a dedicated IT team with the capacity to take on a more active role in endpoint security. The EDR tools will propose solutions, but the in-house IT team must be ready to act quickly to implement those solutions when needed. With an established and experienced in-house team of cybersecurity professionals, they can offer the insight that an MDR team would provide. With this strategy, companies should ensure that they have a specific employee or team of employees to oversee this task, rather than lumping more responsibilities to an existing employee who might not have the time or resources to manage it well.
EDR and MDR might be a better choice for businesses that want to strengthen their endpoint security strategy but don’t have an in-house IT team who can manage it. This might be the case if you don’t have an in-house IT team at all, or if your team is maxed out and unable to add additional responsibilities to its plate. If you aren’t looking to hire more staff or add a dedicated cybersecurity team to your business at this time, MDR is an excellent option. You will use EDR tools to identify and respond to endpoint threats, while the MDR team will proactively seek out threats before they occur, and act quickly if they do.
Endpoint Management Solutions for Small Businesses
Cardinal Technology Solutions provides endpoint management services to small businesses in Winchester, Virginia and the surrounding areas. If you have any questions about MDR and how it could benefit and protect your business, please don’t hesitate to contact our team. We are here to answer your questions and offer guidance on implementing a cybersecurity strategy that makes sense for your business.
About Cardinal Technology Solutions
Cardinal Technology Solutions is a veteran-owned, small business that has earned the reputation as the go-to provider of IT services for Winchester, Virginia and the surrounding areas. We specialize in network security, network support, change management, and more.