Nobody wants to download malicious software to their computer or other devices unknowingly causing viruses or malware to spread across your network. Without proper security, you could be a victim of this inconvenience and fork out thousands of dollars.
The number of security options that are out in the world to protect your network can be overwhelming at first. With so many advances in technology, this has led to the need for more advanced security options.
Coeo does not offer EDR but we have helped thousands of people secure their network and know what it takes to prevent you from being a victim of malicious software.
We want to help educate you on everything network security so you know how to combat cyber-attacks and malicious software.
By the end of this article, you will know what Endpoint Detection and Response is, the difference between it and Antivirus Protection Software, as well as if Endpoint Detection and Response is something your organization should invest in.
What is Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)?
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is a cybersecurity technology that continually monitors an endpoint so that malicious actors do not enter your network.
EDR detects a threat that exists in your network already, whether it be a software virus or malware, and contains it so it does not spread throughout your network.
Once the threat is contained, EDR analyzes and defines the nature of the threat and notifies your IT team.
Studying the threat will give information on its behavior which can be conveyed to the cyber threat intelligence system so it can help develop and evolve to address and detect future threats.
EDR will give your IT team information on the threat such as the parts of your network that have been affected, what the threat is currently doing, and how to stop the attack altogether.
EDR is constantly monitoring your endpoints and analyzing for threats that may be in your network. EDR does not prevent threats from getting through to your network only it detects and notifies you when a threat enters your network.
Before the system eliminates the malicious software from your computer, it first gathers critical information about the software and the attack.
The system has to figure out where the threat came from originally which can be used to enhance future security measures.
The system also pins down applications and files that have been affected by malicious software. It also checks the malicious software to see if has replicated itself to spread throughout more of your network.
Once the affected files and software are pinned down and the threat is contained, the threat is eliminated and the affected files and software are restored.
EDR vs antivirus software
You may have read all of this information about EDR and thought it is similar to antivirus software. In a lot of ways they are similar and perform a lot of the same tasks but what are the differences?
EDR
● Detection and management
EDR places importance on what to do when you respond to a threat. It provides tools that aid in the investigation of threats and the management of those investigations.
Alarms will show up in a panel and someone will come in and work them using the tools and data present within EDR. It typically will include log management and the monitoring of systems to provide additional detail around an attack.
These logs that EDR provides give data that would correlate events as to how a virus appeared.
For example, it can show you that you received a virus as a result of a user clicking on a specific link that showed up in an email. It would also show other users that received the same email.
Antivirus
● Detection and management
Antivirus software does not go in-depth as EDR does. With antivirus, you may get an alarm that a virus was detected and mitigated by antivirus on an endpoint but that’s about it.
Should you install EDR into your network?
Since antivirus and EDR can be used simultaneously, it is often recommended that both be included in your network for as much protection as possible.
EDR is a newer software so it has a lot more features when it comes to detecting and responding to software than antivirus software.
Antivirus software is a good software but with the continuous advancement of technology, it is recommended that you have EDR as well.
At the end of the day, it is your decision on what to install or not install into your network but this article can be used to help you decide if EDR is right for your organization.
Next steps to better securing your network with EDR
By now you have an idea of what EDR is, the differences between EDR and antivirus software, and if you should install EDR into your network. With the continuous advancement of technology, it can be hard to keep your network secure.
EDR is just another piece of technology on the market to help you not become a victim and keep a safe, secure network. Nobody wants to be a victim and EDR can help you avoid that inconvenience.
Coeo takes pride in being fully transparent with you and giving you all of the information and tools you need to help you avoid becoming a victim of malicious software.
Coeo understands the stress a cyber-attack, malware, or virus can put on an organization. While we don’t offer EDR as a product, we understand its importance and want you to be as prepared and secure as possible.
If you would like to speak with our team to talk about EDR or network security or ask any questions you may have you can schedule an appointment. 
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