Improving protection against cyber threats requires modern security tools and better oversight. Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) each address distinct challenges and offer unique approaches to safeguarding systems.
MDR offers proactive monitoring and expert threat analysis, while EDR focuses on identifying and mitigating risks directly at endpoint devices. Together, they represent a strategy to detect, analyze, minimize risk, and respond to incidents before they cause harm to businesses.
According to the stats, the global average cost per data breach was 4.88 million USD as of February 2024. It shows how important it is for an organization to have systems in place such as MDR and EDR. We have put together this detailed guide to help you choose the best solution for your business’ security needs.
What is EDR?
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is a cybersecurity tool that keeps an eye on devices like computers, servers, and phones. It gathers and checks data from these devices to spot harmful activities and deal with possible threats.
Think of it like a security guard for each device in your organization, always on the lookout for anything unusual. EDR doesn’t just find threats, it also gives detailed insights into what happened and helps reduce the impact.
Capabilities of EDR
EDR is a great tool for keeping your business safe. Here’s what it can do:
- Constant Monitoring: EDR watches over all devices, keeping track of things like file changes, network activity, and user actions. It catches unusual behavior as it happens.
- Spotting Threats: By studying patterns and using threat intelligence, EDR can detect things like ransomware, phishing, or unauthorized access.
- Automatic Actions: When it finds a threat, EDR can quarantine the affected device, block harmful processes, and stop the issue from spreading.
- Investigating Incidents: EDR keeps a detailed record of attacks, helping security teams figure out what happened and how to prevent it in the future.
- Detailed Reports: EDR also creates reports that help businesses follow compliance rules and improve their overall security.
This makes EDR an essential tool for staying ahead of potential threats.
Why is EDR Vital for Cybersecurity?
Modern businesses rely on a variety of devices, making them vulnerable to attacks from multiple entry points. EDR plays a critical role by addressing endpoint vulnerabilities directly. Instead of relying solely on perimeter defenses like firewalls, EDR focuses on protecting individual devices, which are often targeted by attackers.
According to the stats, in the last six months of 2024, 422.61 million data records were leaked in data breaches and it impacted millions of individuals worldwide.
How EDR Fits into an Organization's Cybersecurity Strategy
EDR is an essential component of a multi-layered defense system. It works alongside other tools like firewalls, antivirus software, and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems. While these tools protect networks and data at a broader level, EDR focuses on endpoints, which are the devices where data resides and work gets done.
For example, consider an employee’s laptop that becomes the target of a phishing attack. Without EDR, the malicious payload could spread across the network undetected. With EDR, the attack is identified and isolated before it can cause harm, and the IT team gains valuable insight to improve their defenses.
What is MDR?
Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is a cybersecurity service that combines advanced monitoring technology with expert human analysis. It detects, investigates, and responds to cyber threats. Unlike tools that automate threat detection, MDR includes dedicated teams of professionals who work round-the-clock to identify and mitigate attacks.
MDR offers businesses a way to improve their security posture by outsourcing detection and response capabilities to experienced specialists. This is particularly helpful for organizations that lack the resources to build and maintain a full-time, in-house security team.
The Role of MDR
- 24/7 Monitoring: MDR ensures constant vigilance, with analysts continuously reviewing alerts and scanning for malicious activities. This reduces the likelihood of threats going unnoticed during off-hours.
- Threat Intelligence and Analysis: MDR teams leverage up-to-date threat intelligence to detect patterns that automated tools might miss. Human expertise allows them to assess the severity of incidents and determine the appropriate response.
- Incident Response: When a threat is confirmed, MDR providers take swift action to contain and neutralize it. They may isolate affected systems, block malicious connections, and guide businesses on recovery steps.
- Proactive Threat Hunting: Instead of waiting for alerts, MDR teams actively search for hidden threats within the network, increasing the chances of catching advanced attacks before they cause harm.
Bridging the Gap for Businesses Without In-House Security Teams
Cybersecurity is a complex and resource-intensive field. Many organizations, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, cannot afford to maintain a dedicated team of skilled cybersecurity professionals. MDR addresses this gap by providing:
- Access to Experts: Businesses gain access to experienced analysts who can handle sophisticated threats.
- Reduced Overhead: There’s no need to hire, train, or manage a full-time security team.
- Faster Response Times: Around-the-clock monitoring ensures threats are addressed promptly, minimizing damage.
According to Statista, the global average cost of a data breach in 2023 was $4.45 million, with many breaches occurring due to delayed detection.
The Core Differences Between EDR and MDR
Feature | EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) | MDR (Managed Detection and Response) |
Cost | Typically lower as it’s a tool, but it requires an in-house team to manage. | Higher upfront cost but includes ongoing expert management and response. |
Expertise Required | Relies on in-house IT/security teams to interpret alerts and act. | Includes access to skilled analysts who handle detection and response. |
Response Time | Depends on the availability and skill of internal teams. | Faster, with 24/7 monitoring and proactive threat hunting by experts. |
Scalability | Limited to the capabilities of the internal team. | Scalable with external resources that adapt to your needs. |
The Role of Human Expertise in MDR
Managed Detection and Response (MDR) combines advanced tools with professional analysts who work continuously to identify and mitigate threats. These experts monitor systems, evaluate risks, and take action when something suspicious occurs.
Unlike automated solutions that follow predefined rules, human intervention adds a level of adaptability that is crucial in identifying and responding to complex threats.
The Advantage of Human Intervention
- Quick Decision-Making
During a high-risk attack, timing is critical. Cybersecurity professionals can interpret multiple data points simultaneously, assess the context of the threat, and decide on the best course of action. For example, in a ransomware attack, a trained analyst might quickly isolate infected systems to prevent the malware from spreading further, minimizing damage to the organization. - False Positive Management
Automated systems often generate large volumes of alerts, many of which are not actual threats. Human experts review these alerts to separate real dangers from false positives. This ensures that the security team focuses on genuine issues instead of wasting time on a harmless activity. - Understanding Complex Threats
Certain attacks involve multiple steps and strategies, such as gaining access to one system and then moving laterally to others. Analysts use their knowledge to track these steps, identify the attacker's objectives, and stop the attack before it reaches its target. - Customized Responses
Every organization has unique infrastructure, applications, and workflows. MDR professionals adapt their responses to fit the specific environment of their clients. This flexibility makes it possible to contain threats more effectively while avoiding disruption to business operations.
Human involvement in MDR improves detection, ensures faster responses, and reduces the overall impact of cyberattacks. The ability to adapt, analyze, and act swiftly during a security incident makes cybersecurity professionals an essential part of the MDR process.
When EDR is Enough?
In certain situations, EDR by itself can meet the needs of a business without the additional support of a managed service.
1. Tech Companies with Dedicated Security Teams
Technology companies often have skilled IT staff and cybersecurity experts who can monitor and manage EDR systems effectively. These teams are capable of interpreting alerts, analyzing threats, and responding quickly to incidents.
2. Financial Institutions with High-Security Standards
Banks and other financial organizations that already have well-established security infrastructures often integrate EDR as part of their overall cybersecurity strategy. Their in-house teams are trained to handle complex threat scenarios and use EDR for real-time monitoring.
3. Educational Institutions with Local IT Staff
Universities and schools with on-site IT departments can also benefit from EDR without needing additional services. These teams typically manage endpoint security for faculty and students, ensuring that devices remain secure while connected to the institution's network.
4. Manufacturing Companies with Controlled Environments
Manufacturing plants often operate in controlled environments with limited internet connectivity for many devices. EDR is sufficient in such cases because the exposure to external threats is lower, and the in-house team can monitor and secure endpoints without needing outside assistance.
5. Small Businesses with a Focused Security Scope
Small businesses with straightforward operations and fewer endpoints may find EDR to be adequate. These businesses can rely on EDR’s automated features and a small IT team to keep devices secure.
Advantages in These Situations
- EDR reduces reliance on external services by automating threat detection and response.
- It provides detailed incident data, helping internal teams investigate issues and improve their defenses.
- Costs remain manageable because there is no need for outsourcing or hiring additional support.
Common Pitfalls When Implementing EDR or MDR
- Over-reliance on Automation
Businesses often trust EDR systems to handle all threats automatically, assuming minimal human oversight is needed. While EDR tools are excellent at detection, they require skilled personnel to interpret alerts and manage responses effectively. Without proper oversight, genuine risks may go unnoticed. It’s imperative to train internal teams to analyze EDR alerts and maintain a clear response plan to handle detected threats.
- Underestimating Configuration Needs
Improperly configured EDR tools may lead to missed detections or overwhelming alerts. Organizations sometimes deploy EDR without tailoring it to their environment, resulting in reduced effectiveness. Regular reviews and adjusting configurations based on organizational needs, system changes, and evolving threats.
- Ignoring Long-Term Maintenance
EDR systems require updates and adjustments to remain effective against new threats. Some businesses deploy EDR but fail to allocate resources for ongoing management. Assign dedicated personnel or a team responsible for maintaining and updating the EDR system.
Mistakes When Using MDR
- Outsourcing Without Understanding the Service
Many businesses think MDR providers will take care of everything, but they don’t always fully understand what’s included. This can leave security gaps if certain tasks aren’t covered. It’s important to talk with the MDR provider, figure out what they’re responsible for, and make sure their services match what your organization needs.
- Delayed Response to MDR Recommendations
MDR teams help by advising to reduce risks, but businesses sometimes take too long to act on it. This can leave weak spots unprotected. It’s important to treat suggestions from MDR analysts as urgent and take care of them quickly.
- Lack of Communication with the MDR Team
Some organizations fail to provide MDR teams with enough context about their infrastructure, leading to inefficiencies in threat detection. Regular communication with the MDR provider is very necessary. Share updates about any changes to your systems.
The Cost Factor: Balancing Budget and Security
Cost Implications of EDR
- Upfront Costs: EDR is typically more affordable initially since it’s a tool rather than a service. However, hidden costs include the need to hire or train staff to manage alerts and responses effectively.
- Ongoing Expenses: Regular updates, software maintenance, and incident investigations can add to the long-term costs.
Cost Implications of MDR
- Higher Initial Costs: MDR services are priced higher upfront because they include 24/7 monitoring and expert analysis.
- Cost Savings Over Time: MDR reduces the need for in-house security teams, minimizing the expenses associated with hiring, training, and retaining cybersecurity staff.
Hidden Costs to Consider
- For EDR
Organizations need to budget for the salaries of cybersecurity people who keep an eye on alerts and respond when something goes wrong. If issues aren’t fixed quickly, it could cause bigger problems and unexpected costs.
- For MDR
There might be costs for setting up the MDR service and hooking it into what you already use. But the good news? MDR can help you bounce back faster and avoid losing money from long-lasting security problems.
Understanding Their Role in Zero Trust Security
EDR and Zero Trust
EDR plays an important role in making Zero Trust work by keeping an eye on device activity and spotting anything out of the ordinary. It checks devices asking for access to resources and flags anything suspicious right away.
If an employee’s laptop starts looking at sensitive files it normally doesn’t touch, the EDR system can pick up on this strange behavior and notify the security team to check it out.
MDR and Zero Trust
MDR adds a human touch to the Zero Trust approach. While Zero Trust focuses on “never trust, always verify,” MDR analysts actively search for threats and keep an eye on the entire network.
They might spot a bunch of failed login attempts on different devices, which could point to a brute-force attack. They can act quickly to stop the attacker and block further attempts.
How EDR and MDR Reinforce Zero Trust Together
Least-Privilege Access: Both EDR and MDR ensure that only authorized devices and users can access resources. EDR monitors device behavior, while MDR analysts review alerts and hunt for potential abuses of access.
Continuous Monitoring: EDR provides real-time data about endpoints, while MDR ensures this data is interpreted and acted upon without delay.
Can EDR and MDR Work Together? The Perfect Duo
EDR focuses on monitoring and protecting endpoints, providing visibility into activities occurring on devices such as laptops, desktops, and servers. However, EDR relies on skilled personnel to interpret data, manage alerts, and respond effectively. MDR bridges this gap by adding expert human analysis and 24/7 monitoring, turning data from EDR into actionable insights.
Together, EDR and MDR provide an end-to-end approach to cybersecurity. EDR detects and blocks threats at the endpoint level, while MDR professionals investigate incidents, hunt for hidden risks, and take action during emergencies. This combination ensures both proactive and reactive measures are in place.
Final Thoughts
Choosing and implementing the right security solution can be complex, but you don't have to navigate it alone. The Scarlett Group specializes in both MDR and EDR solutions, helping organizations like yours build robust security strategies that protect against modern cyber threats. Our security experts can assess your needs, recommend the right approach, and provide ongoing support to keep your systems secure.
Ready to strengthen your cybersecurity posture? Contact The Scarlett Group today to discuss how we can help you implement the perfect managed detection and response solution for your business needs. Let us handle your security so you can focus on what matters most - growing your business.
