The DR is in: The Difference Between EDR, MDR, and XDR

In a way, our ever-growing list of security-related acronyms — often the source of jokes and the bane of many a security practitioner's existence — is actually perfect for technologists. In tech, the smallest errors in code, a network map, or even an incident response plan can have a huge impact on entire systems and organizations. 

Similarly, changing even one letter in any of the plethora of tech acronyms can make a huge difference in what process, tool, or device is being referenced. Other times, the difference in an acronym's letters — or flavor of the alphabet soup, if you will — can be small but nonetheless meaningful. 

Which brings us to today's topic: distinguishing between EDR, MDR, and XDR. Though all three are types of threat detection and response, they have different scopes, use different tooling, and have varying levels of complexity.

For end-users as well as for MSPs (Managed Service Providers, to use another acronym 😊) delving into the security space, this matters because which "DR" method you deploy will impact what strategy you use to meet an organization's needs. That, in turn, impacts how other non-security-based services are deployed and integrated as well. 

Introduction to EDR, MDR, and XDR

These three solutions stand out for their ability to protect organizations against a myriad of threats. While Extended Detection and Response (XDR), Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), and Managed Detection and Response (MDR) share some similarities, each offers unique features and benefits tailored to different security needs.

EDR is a specialized cybersecurity technology focused on monitoring endpoints to detect and mitigate malicious activities. By identifying suspicious behavior and advanced persistent threats on devices like laptops, smartphones, and servers, EDR solutions alert administrators to potential issues. Although primarily designed as alerting tools, some EDR solutions can be combined with protection layers, depending on the vendor, to offer a more robust defense.

MDR, on the other hand, is a service provided by external security experts. It encompasses various implementations of Detection and Response, from EDR to Network Detection and Response (NDR) or even XDR. By leveraging the expertise of seasoned security professionals, MDR services manage and enhance an organization’s threat detection and response capabilities, ensuring a more comprehensive security posture.

XDR represents the natural evolution of EDR, broadening its scope to include integrated security across a wider range of products. XDR offers unparalleled flexibility and integration across an enterprise’s existing security tools, covering endpoints, hybrid identities, cloud applications, workloads, email, and data stores. This extended detection capability enables organizations to achieve a more holistic and effective defense against sophisticated threats.

The Differences Between EDR, MDR, and XDR Explained

EDR - Endpoint Detection and Response

Endpoint Detection and Response, as the name suggests, uses sensors or tooling to detect intrusions and other threats at the endpoint (the device, such as a laptop or computer, that is connected to a network or proxy). These tools offer continuous, automated monitoring of devices that include cell phones, IoT (Internet of Things) devices, servers, or any type of mobile device. 

Threats are usually detected in real time, and automated remediation may be suggested. EDR can also identify and block malicious IP addresses to prevent further attacks. An added benefit of an EDR is that it can also simultaneously monitor device health.

EDR is an essential tool used in both MDR and XDR; however, its scope is limited. If you’re an MSP, In fact, deploying just an EDR may not offer sufficient coverage of a client’s threat surface.

MDR - Managed Detection and Response

Managed Detection and Response combines human expertise with security telemetry from a variety of sources, including – but not limited to – endpoints. It’s essentially enterprise-level, automated threat detection or prevention that is then acted upon, either in deploying defensive measures or with incident response, by human experts. A well-trained security team is crucial in effectively utilizing MDR solutions, ensuring swift and accurate threat detection and response.

MDR encompasses several areas of an organization’s tech stack, including possibly the network and any virtual machines or cloud services.

XDR - Extended Detection and Response for Comprehensive Threat Detection

XDR functions as the battlefield command center of an organization’s cybersecurity operations. Extended Detection and Response takes the threat telemetry from an organization – its entire tech stack, from the network and servers to emails and endpoints – analyzes it, prioritizes threats and vulnerabilities, and develops mitigations, responses, and solutions that comprehensively address an organization’s entire threat surface. XDR correlates data from various sources to identify and respond to threats more effectively.

While there are overlapping aspects of all three of these threat detection and response systems, it should be apparent by now they are not the same.

Key Distinctions to Consider

When selecting a cybersecurity solution, understanding the differences between EDR, MDR, and XDR is crucial. 

Here are some key distinctions to consider:

• Scope: EDR is primarily focused on endpoint security, monitoring devices like laptops, smartphones, and servers. In contrast, XDR provides integrated security across a broader range of products, including network traffic, cloud applications, and email. MDR, as a service, manages various implementations of Detection and Response, offering a more comprehensive approach to security.
• Integration: XDR excels in integrating with an enterprise’s existing portfolio of security tools, creating a unified defense system. EDR and MDR, while effective, may require additional integrations to achieve the same level of cohesion.
• Automation: XDR leverages automation and machine learning to rapidly identify and respond to threats, reducing the need for manual intervention. EDR and MDR, while capable of automated responses, often rely more heavily on human analysts to manage and interpret threat data.
• Threat Detection: XDR offers comprehensive threat detection capabilities, utilizing advanced analytics and correlation to identify and prioritize threats across the entire security infrastructure. EDR and MDR, while effective in their own right, may have more limited threat detection capabilities, focusing primarily on specific areas of the tech stack.

XDR Use Cases

XDR is a versatile cybersecurity solution that can be applied in various scenarios to enhance an organization’s security posture. Here are some common use cases for XDR:

• Cyber Threat Hunting: XDR automates the proactive search for unknown or undetected threats across an organization’s security environment, enabling security teams to stay ahead of potential attacks.
• Security Incident Investigation: By automatically collecting data across multiple attack surfaces, XDR correlates abnormal alerts and performs root-cause analysis, streamlining the investigation process for security analysts.
• Threat Intelligence and Analytics: XDR provides organizations with access to vast amounts of raw data about emerging or existing threats. This data, combined with advanced analytics, helps in identifying and mitigating sophisticated threats.
• Email Phishing and Malware: XDR’s automation and AI capabilities enable security teams to proactively detect and contain malware, including phishing attempts, before they can cause significant damage.
• Insider Threats: Using behavior analytics, XDR identifies suspicious online activities that could signal insider threats, allowing organizations to take preventive measures.
• Endpoint Device Monitoring: XDR enables security teams to automatically perform health checks on endpoint devices, determining the origin of threats and ensuring comprehensive protection.

By understanding the differences between EDR, MDR, and XDR, organizations can make informed decisions when selecting a cybersecurity solution. XDR’s comprehensive threat detection capabilities, automation, and integration with existing security tools make it an attractive option for organizations looking to enhance their security operations and protect against a wide range of security threats.

Important Differences to Note for MSPs and Security Teams

For an MSP to offer or recommend an effective threat defense service, understanding the difference between these “DRs” and what a client specifically needs is essential.

For example, a company may only have EDR in place. The mobile devices used by employees, network servers, and any other physical device equipped with EDR sensors are now protected to the extent the EDR tooling is able to detect, predict, prevent, and respond to attacks. The telemetry is device-specific, but there is a certain degree of flexibility offered in how it is deployed.

If the company expands to MDR, however, the EDR becomes merely one tool used by human analysts and just one part of the overall detection response strategy. Now, in addition to automated monitoring of endpoints, other parts of the company’s tech stack are monitored as well, such as any virtual machines, cloud-based databases, or other technical assets. The scope of the threat telemetry expands significantly.

Additionally, mitigations and responses to threats become more comprehensive as the data becomes a tool leveraged by human analysts. Unlike EDR, where the tool’s programming will have an automated response to detected threats and some preventative capabilities, an MDR’s human resources may provide additional forward-looking analysis that helps bolster defenses against potential threats. It is a more robust and proactive approach to security.

Let’s say the company decides to expand to XDR. In addition to everything mentioned above, the company’s entire tech stack is now part of the threat telemetry. Endpoints, network traffic, email exchanges, cell phones, and anything else are all now monitored, analyzed, and protected based on threat prioritization protocols.

XDR excels in integrating with an enterprise’s existing portfolio of security tools, creating a unified defense system. Threat intelligence sharing enhances the effectiveness of XDR by providing access to a wide array of data from various sources. This collaboration not only aids in generating insights into the activities of cybercriminals but also fosters better coordination among security teams.

That large data pool enables analysts to correctly identify and prioritize threat surfaces and deploy protective strategies and tooling in a targeted way. Additionally, the ability to build more robust incident response protocols or develop threat protection increases. Finally, any response protocols or mitigations will encompass all relevant parts of an organization’s tech stack.

Leverage Advanced Technologies, But Rely on the Human Expertise of CyVent 

CyVent is built on a foundational tenet of offering holistic cybersecurity that uses the most advanced technologies available. However, the most advanced technology isn’t always appropriate for each business.

That's where our vast trove of industry expertise comes into play. Our team of cybersecurity technologists, former CISOs, academic and industry thought leaders, and experienced professionals are able to discern what customized solutions will best protect against your organization's specific threats – and we know the ins and outs of EDR, MDR, and XDR, so you don’t have to fret about the nuances.

Contact CyVent today for a free consultation, and rest assured that the protection you need is the protection you'll have.