What is EDR vs MDR?

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What is EDR vs MDR

Endpoint detection and response (EDR) and managed detection and response (MDR) are two cybersecurity approaches that leverage technology to detect threats and respond to security incidents in an organization’s IT environment. While they have some similarities, there are important differences between EDR and MDR that organizations should understand when evaluating their cybersecurity strategy.

What is Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)?

Endpoint detection and response refers to a solution comprised of software agents installed on endpoint devices like laptops, desktops, and servers, which monitors activity and traffic on those devices to identify and investigate potential threats and attacks. Key capabilities of EDR include:

  • Monitoring endpoint activity – EDR agents collect detailed information on processes, registry changes, network connections etc. to establish normal baselines and detect anomalies.
  • Real-time threat detection – Machine learning and behavioral analytics spot known and unknown threats and anomalous activity on endpoints.
  • Incident investigation – Forensics tools allow security teams to investigate threats by visualizing detailed endpoint activity timelines to understand root cause.
  • Automated response – EDR can be programmed with rules and logic to automatically isolate infected endpoints, kill malicious processes, and remediate issues.
  • Threat hunting – Users can proactively hunt for IOCs and threats across historical endpoint data.

EDR provides frontline visibility and protection at the endpoint level. It generates high volumes of event data that requires monitoring and analysis by security personnel. EDR platforms are sold as software or appliances installed on-premises.

Key Capabilities of EDR:

  • Detect and respond to threats at the endpoint level
  • Continuously monitor endpoint activity and events
  • Analyze behavior patterns to identify malicious activity
  • Provides visibility into the scope and root cause of threats and incidents
  • Can automate common response actions like isolating endpoints
  • Requires staff to monitor, investigate, and analyze EDR data

What is Managed Detection and Response (MDR)?

Managed detection and response providesthreat monitoring, detection, and response capabilities delivered as a managed service. With MDR, organizations outsource these security operations capabilities to an MDR service provider.

MDR providers deploy a mix of host and network-based sensors across an organization’s IT infrastructure and endpoints. These collect event logs, network traffic, endpoint activity, and other telemetry which is aggregated and analyzed using a combination of analytics, correlation rules, machine learning and threat intelligence to detect incidents and threats.

Key capabilities of MDR include:

  • 24/7 threat monitoring and analysis – The MDR provider acts as a fully outsourced SOC, continuously monitoring the customer’s environment using their technology and specialized security personnel.
  • Advanced threat detection – Leverages analytics, machine learning, behavioral analysis and threat intelligence to identify known and unknown threats.
  • Incident investigation and response – MDR provider investigates and analyzes incidents to determine scope, impact and root cause.
  • Automated and manual response – MDR can provide both automated response as well as manual expert investigation and response.
  • Ongoing tuning – Providers continually tune detection engines and analytics as new threats emerge.

MDR is a fully managed service that provides 24/7 monitoring, detection, and response capabilities that organizations can leverage without having to hire, train and maintain specialized security staff and infrastructure.

Key Capabilities of MDR:

  • Outsourced threat monitoring, detection, investigation and response
  • Leverages security analytics and machine learning for advanced threat detection
  • Provides access to threat intelligence and specialized security expertise
  • Enables faster incident response without DIY overhead
  • Delivered as a fully managed 24/7 security monitoring service

Key Differences Between EDR and MDR

While EDR and MDR both focus on threat detection and response, there are some key differences in their capabilities:

Capabilities EDR MDR
Monitoring Scope Focused on endpoints only Monitors endpoints, network, cloud, etc.
Detection Approach Behavioral analytics and machine learning focused on endpoints Advanced analytics and correlation across multiple data sources
Threat Intelligence Primarily relies on signatures and IOCs Incorporates robust threat intelligence feeds
Required Security Staffing Requires dedicated security personnel for monitoring, analysis and response Delivered as fully managed service
Response Capabilities Can provide automated response and user-driven investigation Combines automated and manual investigation and response
Deployment Model Deployed as on-premises or cloud-based software Hybrid and cloud-based deployment

Some key differences to highlight:

  • Monitoring scope – EDR focuses on endpoint visibility, while MDR monitors endpoints as well as network, cloud, and other data sources.
  • Detection approach – EDR uses behavioral analytics focused on individual endpoints, while MDR leverages correlation, machine learning, and threat intel across a broader surface area.
  • Required staffing – EDR requires dedicated security personnel, while MDR is a fully managed service.
  • Response capabilities – EDR relies more on automated response, while MDR combines automated and manual expert investigation and response.

EDR vs. MDR: Which is Right for Your Organization?

So which approach is right for your organization – an EDR solution or outsourced MDR? There are several factors to consider:

In-House Security Operations Capabilities

Does your organization have a well-staffed 24/7 security operations center? If not, MDR can provide immediate access to advanced threat monitoring, detection, and response capabilities without having to build an in-house team.

Desired Monitoring Scope

If you only need endpoint visibility, and EDR solution can be sufficient. But if you require broader monitoring across cloud, network, and other assets, MDR will provide more extensive coverage.

Detection Sophistication Requirements

EDR solutions vary in their detection capabilities – behavioral analytics provide a baseline, but machine learning and threat intelligence integration can improve detection. Top MDR providers offer very advanced detection approaches if this is important.

Incident Response Needs

Both MDR and EDR platforms can provide some degree of automated response. MDR combines this with manual investigation and response capabilities that may be beneficial for complex security incidents.

In-House Security Expertise

EDR solutions require staff to monitor, investigate, and analyze detections – requiring data scientists, threat hunters, and incident responders. MDR provides immediate access to this scarce expertise.

Deployment Preferences

If you require or prefer on-premises software deployment, and EDR solution may be better suited. MDR is ideal if you want a cloud-based managed service approach.

Organizations with limited security staffing and expertise can benefit greatly from partnering with an MDR provider. Those with robust internal security operations centers and a focus on endpoints may find EDR solutions sufficient for their needs.

Using EDR and MDR Together for Defense-in-Depth

For maximum security benefit, organizations do not have to choose between EDR and MDR. In fact, many adopt a defense-in-depth strategy using both capabilities together to get the best of both worlds:

  • EDR provides frontline visibility and protection at the endpoint level where threats can gain an initial foothold.
  • MDR enhances this with broader threat detection, centralized monitoring, analysis and response capabilities.

This combination allows organizations to leverage the strengths of both approaches:

  • EDR acts as a first line of defense at the endpoint.
  • MDR provides overlays additional analytics for greater detection power.
  • EDR automates simple blocking and containment tasks.
  • MDR experts perform in-depth investigations and complex response.

Together, EDR and MDR can provide a unified system of detection and response across the threat lifecycle.

Leading EDR and MDR Vendors

There are a variety of vendors that offer EDR and MDR solutions. Some leading options include:

Endpoint Detection & Response

  • CrowdStrike Falcon
  • SentinelOne Singularity
  • Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
  • Trend Micro Apex One
  • Symantec Endpoint Protection
  • Carbon Black Cloud

Managed Detection & Response

  • Sophos MDR
  • Arctic Wolf
  • eSentire MDR
  • Rapid7 InsightIDR
  • Red Canary

Choosing amongst providers involves evaluating detection and response capabilities, endoint vs broader monitoring, cloud vs on-premises offerings, customer support, and pricing.

Conclusion

EDR and MDR take different but complementary approaches to improving threat detection and response. EDR focuses on continuous endpoint monitoring and automation, while MDR provides expanded visibility, detection power, and access to threat expertise as a managed service.

Organizations can choose either an EDR or MDR solution based on their specific capabilities, or implement both EDR and MDR together as part of a defense-in-depth strategy. EDR acts as a first line of defense at the endpoint, while MDR provides overlapping protection and broader response capabilities for maximum security benefit.