EDR, NDR, XDR, and MDR are terms related to cybersecurity and refer to different approaches and capabilities in detecting and responding to security incidents.
Are you confused yet? Don’t worry. Jason and I were at one point to. In a way, they’re all part of the same cybersecurity family if you think about it.
Here’s an overview of each term:
- EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response): EDR focuses on monitoring and responding to security threats at the endpoint level, such as individual devices like desktops, laptops, servers, or mobile devices. EDR solutions typically involve agent software installed on endpoints that collect and analyze endpoint data to detect malicious activities or anomalies. They provide real-time visibility into endpoint activities, threat detection, and incident response capabilities.
- NDR (Network Detection and Response): NDR focuses on monitoring and analyzing network traffic to identify and respond to security threats. NDR solutions typically deploy sensors or appliances at strategic points within the network infrastructure to capture and analyze network traffic. By analyzing network packets and flow data, NDR tools can detect various types of threats, including malware, intrusions, data exfiltration, and other network-based attacks.
- XDR (Extended Detection and Response): XDR is an evolution of EDR that extends its capabilities beyond endpoints to include other security telemetry sources like network logs, cloud platforms, email, and more. XDR aims to provide broader visibility and context to security operations by aggregating and correlating data from multiple sources. This integrated approach allows for more comprehensive threat detection and response across different attack vectors and environments.
- MDR (Managed Detection and Response): MDR is a service-based offering where a third-party managed security service provider (MSSP) handles the detection, analysis, and response to security incidents on behalf of an organization. MDR combines technology, expertise, and human intervention to provide 24/7 monitoring, threat hunting, incident response, and remediation services. MDR providers typically leverage EDR, NDR, and other security tools to detect and respond to threats effectively.
In summary, EDR focuses on endpoints, NDR focuses on network traffic, XDR extends detection and response across multiple security telemetry sources, and MDR is a managed service offering that combines various detection and response capabilities to provide comprehensive security monitoring and incident response.
Here on the podcast, we released an episode on this topic and break down all of these items in more detail in S2 Episode 007 – Acronym Fatigue Part I with our awesome guest and friend Dr. Aaron Estes (CEO – Ironwood Cyber). Don’t forget to go check it out if you have acronym overload yourself!!