EDR vs. XDR: Understanding the Key Differences

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Reading time: 5 min

Cyber-attacks are getting increasingly advanced, and it is every organization's responsibility to protect the sensitive information on their devices.

A core part of any successful cybersecurity strategy is to be able to detect and respond to any malicious actors trying to access your organization’s data or finances and to simultaneously protect your reputation. 

The two key detection and response technologies in the cybersecurity landscape are Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Extended Detection and Response (XDR). While both solutions aim to detect and respond to cyber threats, they differ significantly in scope, functionality, and approach. This article explores their differences and helps organizations determine which solution best fits their security needs. 

What is EDR?

Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) provides organizations with contextual visibility into advanced threats, enabling quick detection and response to targeted attacks through automation and expert guidance. When a breach occurs, EDR offers more than just an alert—it provides details about the attack, helping security teams plan the most effective response. 

Key Features of EDR: 

  • Broad Context Detection™ Mechanisms: Helps quickly stop attacks and provides actionable remediation advice.
  • Automated Threat Response: Enables security teams to act swiftly against detected threats.
  • Advanced Endpoint Security: Monitors and protects endpoints (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android) against malware, ransomware, and fileless attacks.
  • Integration with Security Experts: Organizations can access certified security service providers for complex threat handling. 

What is XDR?

Extended Detection & Response (XDR) is a unified security solution designed to protect modern IT environments by extending beyond endpoints to include identities, emails, cloud services, and collaboration platforms. XDR leverages AI-powered tooling to provide fast detection, investigation, and response across multiple attack vectors.

Key Features of XDR: 

  • Automated Preventative Controls: Reduces attack volumes by blocking lower-level threats before they escalate.
  • AI-Powered Threat Detection and Response that includes the following modules:
    • Comprehensive Endpoint Security: Protect, detect and respond to ransomware, malware, and advanced cyber threats.
    • Microsoft 365 Collaboration Protection: Secures Email, Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint. 
    • Identity-Based Attack Prevention: Detects and responds to compromised accounts and unauthorized access using Microsoft Entra ID.
    • Seamless Cloud Integration: Ensures continuous protection without disrupting email or cloud workflows.

Key Differences Between EDR and XDR

Feature

EDR 

XDR

Scope 

Focuses on endpoint security

Covers endpoints, identities, cloud services, and emails 

Detection

Detects and responds to endpoint threats 

Provides broader visibility across multiple attack vectors

Automation 

Automates response actions at the endpoint level

Uses AI-driven automation for faster cross-environment response 

Integration

Works with existing security tools but focuses on endpointsUnifies multiple security components for a holistic defense strategy

Threat Coverage 

Protects endpoints against malware, ransomware, and fileless attacksIncludes additional protection for cloud applications, emails, and identity-based threats 

Remediation Actions

Provides detailed contextual alerts and automated responses for endpoint threats Offers comprehensive response actions across various IT environments 

Which Solution Should You Choose?

The choice between EDR and XDR depends on the organization’s security needs:

Choose EDR if your primary concern is endpoint security, and you need deep visibility and control over devices. 

Choose XDR if you have a broad IT environment which in turn requires a broader security approach that includes cloud security, email protection, and identity-based attack prevention.

Conclusion

Both EDR and XDR play crucial roles in modern cybersecurity, but they serve different purposes. EDR provides strong endpoint-focused security, while XDR extends protection across a wider IT ecosystem. Organizations should evaluate their infrastructure and threat landscape to determine which solution best fits their cybersecurity strategy. 
 
If you want to expand your knowledge on how XDR is an evolution of EDR, read our insightful ebook on the topic:

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Unlock the Future of Cybersecurity: Download Your Free XDR eBook Today

'Why do I need XDR?' ebook is a comprehensive guide to XDR, Extended Detection and Response, what it is and why the modern threat landscape calls for more comprehensive security.  

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