As hackers online get more innovative when planning attacks, the need for a robust and comprehensive network security solution rises. It is why it's crucial to understand what is EDR, mainly how it works, what it protects against, and the advantages it can offer. We'll tackle everything in this article for you. Read on.
EDR Definition
EDR is a technology and a security approach defined by Gartner in 2013. The acronym Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) stands for:
- Endpoint - Devices used by organizations (e.g., user workstations, mobile phones, servers, etc.)
- Detection - The practice of identifying attacks on endpoint devices to supply security teams with real-time access to information that can help further evaluate the attack
- Response - Automatic responses to attacks through actions implemented at the device level, such as isolating the endpoint or blocking malicious processes
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is a proactive security approach that offers greater visibility into what's happening on endpoints, which provides context and detailed information on attacks. Utilizing that kind of knowledge to your advantage lets you know if and when an attacker is within your network. It also gives you the ability to determine the path of the attack if it happens, which ultimately lets you deal with incidents in record time.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
Some of the most common features of EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) software include:
- Endpoint visibility - enables you to keep track of activity at all your endpoints, including applications, communications, and processes from a central interface.
- Data collection - gain access to a repository of recorded events that you can use for analytics, understanding attacker behaviors, and preventing future breaches.
- Threat intelligence - analyze how incidents occur and how you can prevent or fix them. It is done by identifying Indicators of Compromise or IoCs and correlating them with threat intelligence to supply further information about attacks and threat actors.
- Automated alerts and forensics - allows you to study the incident in depth through helpful signs, with access to additional context and data.
- Traceback to original breach point - gain more context beyond the currently-affected endpoint through data compilation about the potential entry points for an attack.
- Automated response measures on the endpoint - helps you block network access on an endpoint, disable specific processes, or implement other actions to stop an attack from spreading to other endpoints.
Types of Threats That EDR Detects
Protection against file-less malware, malicious scripts, or stolen user credentials is also what is EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) all about. It is designed to monitor the techniques, tactics, and procedures that attackers use.
Apart from that, Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) also helps you evaluate how attackers break into your network and identify their path of activity, including how they learn about your network, progress to other machines, or attempt to succeed in their goals to attack. Simply put, utilizing a reliable EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) solution protects you against:
- Malware - crimeware, ransomware, etc.
- Fileless attacks
- Misuse of legitimate applications
- Suspicious user activity and behavior
How does EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) Works?
After EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) technology is installed, it uses advanced algorithms to study the behaviors of individual users on your system. It allows the software to remember and connect the users' activities.
EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) is designed to “sense” behavior out of the norm for a given user on your system. Data is collected, then immediately filtered, enriched, and evaluated for signs of malicious behavior. Results may then trigger an alarm, which prompts the investigation to begin.
If malicious activity is deemed to be present, the algorithms trail the path of the attack and build it back to the point of entry. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) then combines all data points into narrow categories called the Malicious Operations or MalOpsTM to make it easier for your security teams to review.
Should it be proven that there's a genuine hit, you will be notified and given actionable response steps, as well as recommendations for further evaluation and advanced forensics. However, if it is a false positive, the alarm is closed, investigation notes are added, and they won't notify you anymore. It keeps your time, effort, and resources from being wasted.
Finding the Right EDR Solution
Managed EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) solutions are also a great option, primarily if your security teams focus on other IT situations. In that case, you'll need to look for specific essential capabilities that ensure the technology will work to meet your business needs. It includes:
- Incident triaging flow - automatically triage suspicious events to prevent alert fatigue. It helps your security teams to prioritize their time and resources for other or more critical investigations.
- EDR Threat hunting - can help you proactively look for threats and potential intrusions.
- Data aggregation and enrichment - this crucial factor provides context, which can help you differentiate between false positives and actual threats.
- EDR Integrated response - allows your teams to review evidence in real-time and immediately respond to security events.
- Multiple response options - Tag it is necessary for implementing appropriate responses to an event.
If you're on the hunt for a solution that can provide you with just that, look no further than Comodo.
