As organizations work diligently to expand their approach to cybersecurity for business, it is essential to explore all of the options available to ensure you are properly protected from potential risks. EDR is a term used in the cybersecurity industry, and it stands for Endpoint Detection and Response. If you have security concerns for your organization or are interested in expanding your existing antivirus solutions, it is crucial to work with a team of engineers and technicians who can help you to achieve your goals. At Synivate, we offer a wide range of options to help our clients protect their essential data while expanding their ability to grow a successful business.
What is Endpoint Detection and Response?
The first thing you need to understand is the term endpoint and how it can apply to your organization. Endpoints are devices that connect to your company’s network, including anything from workstations and laptops to mobile devices, servers, and smart peripherals, such as connected printers and other machinery. When considering endpoint detection and response or EDR, everything that connects to your network must be treated as an endpoint. When there are multiple endpoint risks, it is important to understand that each of these devices is an opportunity for attackers to find a way into your essential data. Learning how to manage those endpoints effectively can prevent viruses, malware, and ransomware from infiltrating your network.
With so many organizations implementing work-at-home programs for employees and with increased use of mobile and BYOD (bring your own device) policies, the number of endpoints in the average company has increased significantly. Think about it as adding more doors, windows, and entry points for burglars to get into your home. It is essential to learn how to secure all of those network entry points to prevent cybercriminals from breaching your network and damaging your business. Advanced steps are required to address those multiple endpoint risks to protect the devices, users, and company network as a whole. Taking an EDR approach to cybersecurity and antivirus solutions can be very effective, providing many benefits for companies that have a lot of endpoints, employees, and remote work situations to consider.
EDR and Antivirus Solutions to Consider
An approach that includes endpoint detection and response will consist of comprehensive monitoring of the network to detect, contain, and remediate any threats in real-time as they occur. Antivirus solutions work in a similar way but have distinct differences. Traditionally, antivirus programs and services have relied heavily on signature matching technology to determine potential threats to a particular device. The software used in antivirus solutions compares the flagged files against a database of known viruses, files, and threats. Another method used by software programs is heuristics, which makes predictions based on the behaviors of files as a secondary method of detection to protect the device and user.
In contrast, EDR solutions use behavioral analysis as the primary method of detection to determine threats against the endpoint device. Detected files are flagged and quarantined until they can be confirmed, either as a threat or as a non-threat. By focusing on behavior rather than a database of known files, EDR software is able to act and react more quickly to the advanced threats that come from cyber criminals today. Real-time monitoring and detection of threats that cannot be easily defined by standard antivirus solutions and methods can significantly benefit businesses under threat. Threat patterns can be recognized through data collection and analysis, while forensic capabilities provided through endpoint detection and response can determine the best course of action during an attack.
Which Approach is Right for You?
Synivate has many years of experience working in the Greater Boston area with businesses just like yours to provide EDR and antivirus solutions based on your unique needs, requirements, and industry regulations. Addressing your multiple endpoint risks is essential due to the growing technology and expansion of mobile device use within the organization. If you would like to learn more about using EDR solutions for your security strategy, contact our team at 617-848-1248. We can answer any questions you might have about endpoint detection and response and other methods to protect your network entry points and address your cybersecurity concerns.