Understanding EDR, MDR, XDR, and what is best for you

One of the most powerful types of cybersecurity is a detection and response platform or service. Companies can select from several types of these solutions, depending on the type of coverage they need. Barracuda offers Managed XDR, which fully protects companies across multiple attack surfaces. Before we get into the Barracuda service, let’s look at the solution types and how they differ.

Endpoint detection and response (EDR)

Endpoint detection and response (EDR) monitors and protects endpoints, such as computers, laptops, and mobile devices. EDR monitors endpoints in real time and uses behavioral analysis and machine learning to provide threat detection and automated response capabilities. It also performs forensic data collection for incident investigation.

Gartner defined EDR in 2013 as endpoint threat detection and response tools that help organizations “speedily investigate security incidents and detect malicious activities.” These tools evolved organically in response to the limitations of antivirus software, and Gartner Analyst Anton Chuvakin coined the EDR term as a generic name for this emerging technology.

Early EDR solutions provided basic monitoring and alerting but later developed advanced analytics and machine learning capabilities. This enabled EDR to detect anomalies and potential threats in real-time, alert security teams, and begin automated response.

Managed endpoint detection and response (MEDR)

MEDR augments EDR with a security operations center (SOC) that provides 24/7 monitoring, threat hunting, and incident response services. This service evolved as a response to the shortage in the cybersecurity workforce in an era when threats were getting more sophisticated and intense. In areas where IT budgets were tight, MEDR allowed companies to reduce employee overhead while maintaining or adding to their cybersecurity posture.

EDR and MEDR only monitor endpoints and are blind to all other attack vectors. This lack of visibility slows detection, prolongs attacker dwell time, and increases risk to your organization.

Managed detection and response (MDR)

MDR is a turnkey detection and response service provided by a specialized type of managed security service provider (MSSP). This service leverages disparate solutions from multiple vendors to monitor endpoints, networks, and possibly other attack surfaces. MDR services typically provide event enrichment correlation and additional security analytics. Like MEDR, MDR is staffed by a 24/7 SOC that may use multiple telemetry sources for threat intelligence.

A company can add MDR to its existing infrastructure using the MDR provider’s connectors and APIs to sync data from the solutions that are already in place. Once connected, the MDR provider can conduct threat hunting, incident response, reporting, and other activities from a unified dashboard.

While MDR monitors and secures more attack vectors than EDR, it works through third-party solutions. MDR providers may not fully support all the client’s existing security tools or systems, leading to gaps in coverage or requiring specialized integration work. Extensive customizations can lead to delays in service and additional costs.

Extended Detection and Response (XDR)

XDR systems protect multiple attack vectors, including endpoints, networks, email systems, etc. Data is collected and stored in a single repository, which makes it possible to identify and respond to threats much faster than MDR.

XDR is typically intended for an internal SOC, MSSP, or even an MDR provider because specialized cybersecurity personnel are required to staff the system. Organizations that lack these resources can use Barracuda Managed XDR.

Barracuda Managed XDR

Barracuda Managed XDR is a unified detection and response service combined with our award-winning 24/7 security operations center. The service captures and analyzes diverse streams of telemetry from multiple threat vectors, which provide actionable data to the SOC team through a single dashboard. The SOC team includes experienced cybersecurity professionals who augment your internal IT team, so you don’t need to hire specialized staff.

Unlike MEDR and MDR, Barracuda Managed XDR leverages the extensive sources of telemetry that are exclusive to XDR, all from one vendor on a unified platform as a single comprehensive service. It also provides threat hunting and incident response capabilities and is scalable and adaptable to meet the requirements of your company. Our website has more details on the features of this service, and you can sign up for a demo to see how it works.

Free e-book

Barracuda has published a new e-book titled XDR explained: A strategic approach to threat management. This e-book explains how XDR streamlines threat detection and incident response, making it faster and more effective. Get your free copy of the ebook here.

Free webinar

This upcoming webinar featuring Barracuda security experts Kaamil El-Rayss (Director, Product Management — XDR) and Adam Searcy (Sr. Technical Product Marketing Manager) will explore cybersecurity offerings such as endpoint detection and response (EDR), managed detection and response (MDR), and extended detection and response (XDR).

EDR, MDR, XDR: What’s your best defense?
November 5, 2024 | 10 AM PST | 1 PM EST

Key takeaways include:

• The unique benefits and drawbacks to EDR, MDR, and XDR

• How to automate and centralize threat hunting and incident response

• How to optimize in-house resources and boost efficiency

• Discover how SOC-as-a-Service can enhance your MSP

Simplify, automate, and improve your approach to cybersecurity. Reserve your spot now!