EDR: End Point Detection and Response

EDR is becoming increasingly common in IT jargon, but is still relatively unknown among end users. This article will help you understand how EDR works and why many professionals choose to use it.

Have you ever heard of EDR? It's the new buzzword in the IT world. We're hearing more and more about it, but it's sometimes difficult to keep up with all the new technological trends without getting lost! So, we'll explain everything in this article.

Although this term was coined in 2013 when Gartner defined “Endpoint Threat Detection & Response” which would later be shortened to the acronym we know today, this term is still unknown to many people.

What is EDR? How does it differ from traditional antivirus software? What are the benefits of EDR? All your questions will be answered!

Definition

EDR stands for Endpoint Detection and Response. There's no official translation in French, but it could be translated as "endpoint detection and response service." But that term probably doesn't mean much to you, so what is EDR?

An EDR is a tool for protecting against all types of cyberattacks. Its goal is to detect them before they can occur in order to isolate the target device (the "endpoint") and prevent the threat from spreading throughout the network. It keeps the device isolated until the threat is dealt with.

But then you have to wonder how it compares to a classic antivirus, and you're right to ask!

EDR vs Antivirus

As you can see, EDR is a much more advanced and complex technology than traditional antivirus. This type of technology is increasingly necessary: ​​with artificial intelligence, threats are becoming increasingly complex and therefore difficult for traditional antivirus programs to detect. EDR is then able to detect what antivirus programs might miss.

Antivirus software isn't becoming completely obsolete, but new, complex threats are emerging daily, and databases can't keep up.

The advantages of EDR

Using an EDR has several advantages. For the end user, of course, but also for us as a managed IT service provider.

User Benefits

For the user, EDR offers the advantage of ensuring greater IT security through its complex capabilities. But it also has the advantage, as a proactive tool, of being able to detect and respond to a threat in record time. Indeed, since EDR does not need to consult a database to identify the threat and uses artificial intelligence, the time savings are considerable and allow for rapid action. This time saving also results in a gain in terms of security, as the user is in danger for a shorter period of time.

Using an EDR also has the advantage of centralizing protections. Indeed, most EDRs integrate anti-malware and antivirus features. Finally, since EDR isolates the threat, it minimizes risks within the company's IT network. This is one of the major strengths of this software compared to antivirus software.

For Nexxo

For us, as a managed service provider, EDR allows us to have a quick overview of the status of the different terminals (endpoints): is it up to date? are there any slowdowns? registry changes?

This allows us to act accordingly without having to question the user about the status of their device. This in turn saves considerable time!

That's why, at Nexxo, we've decided to offer this service free of charge to all our managed services clients. To learn more, you can contact us via the contact form or by phone at 514-548-3466.

In summary

An EDR is a tool for detecting and responding to computer threats. It works using artificial intelligence and is proactive, unlike an antivirus program, which is reactive. These features give it a leg up on traditional antivirus programs, which quickly become obsolete.

About Nexxo

Nexxo Computer Solutions specializes in providing IT and technology services to Quebec businesses. Its mission is to offer Quebec companies IT services tailored to their needs. Acting as an external IT department, it handles all of a company's IT tasks, allowing it to focus on its business activities. It achieves this by collaborating closely with its clients and putting their interests at the center of its concerns.