Cybersecurity is one of the most prominent issues facing organizations today. After all the hard work it took to build your company from the ground up, it can seem like there is always a fight to protect it. Cyber threats can damage your organization’s reputation and put client information at risk. For this reason, you invest in the best security technologies. However, in order to leverage your technologies for maximum security, you need to first understand what those benefits are.
If you’ve recently ventured into the world of endpoint detection and response, NetWitness is here to provide you with the ultimate guide. If you would like to understand what EDR is, the benefits of the technology, and how to leverage it for better business practices, you’ve come to the right place.
What Is EDR?
Endpoint detection and response, better known as EDR, is a cybersecurity technology that protects IT systems like PCs and servers. It can analyze data in real time and provide continuous threat detection. EDRs are known to be effective and dependable because they are able to detect and respond to threats that you might miss with centralized solutions like SIEM or network tools. When used together, however, unrivaled visibility is achieved.
Endpoint detection and response work by monitoring activity on all the devices on a network. When it detects a cyber threat like malware, it takes the appropriate action to contain and eliminate the threat. With the help of other security solutions like antiviruses and firewalls, endpoint detection software can enhance a network’s security capabilities.
The “open” in open source EDR refers to the fact that it is distributed with a source code that makes it available to use and modify with all its original rights. In comparison, proprietary EDR software requires companies to obtain a commercial license. It is copyrighted technology and typically not available for free use.
Types of EDRs
While it may seem like all EDRs do the same thing, there are slight differences when it comes to what they can do.
Signature-based EDR- This type of endpoint detection can catch previously seen malware. When it spots these types of malware, it raises an alert so the threat can be addressed immediately.
Heuristics-based EDR- Heuristics-based EDR solutions are generally used in addition to signature-based EDRs. They examine code with the goal of detecting suspicious activity that may indicate a virus is present.
Machine learning-based EDR- The machine learning-based can determine how severe a threat is and analyze it accordingly. These EDR solutions can determine what normal behavior looks like on a network so it does not raise unnecessary red flags. This is done through different algorithms.
Benefits of Endpoint Detection and Response
Endpoint detection and response software are beneficial for several reasons. Here are a few.
Improved Security
A significant benefit of endpoint detection is that it enhances network security. EDR solutions provide information that is useful in identifying potential threats. Only the most critical data is provided so that threats can be handled quickly. This allows network security teams to conduct productive investigations.
With the help of endpoint detection software, security teams can be more efficient. This technology automates tasks and places data in an area that allows multiple teams to have access to it. Because of this, communication is made more accessible across security teams.
Providing Ongoing Security
EDR solutions are constantly detecting and reacting to cyber threats in real-time. This constant monitoring reduces the risks of security breaches and other threats. Ongoing security makes it easy to identify issues before they occur. When problems arise, security teams can quickly point out which part of the network is the source of the problem.
All in all, the endpoint detection and response software strengthens the security of the organization. When security teams are given the ability to be proactive, organizations are put at a lesser risk for more serious cyber attacks.
Detecting All Endpoint Threats
EDR solutions detect all endpoint threats, no matter how minor they may seem. The EDR software detects things that the naked eye may look past. This type of accuracy is one of the main benefits of endpoint detection and response technologies.
Organizations can quickly identify and communicate threats with EDR technology. They search for outside threats and track suspicious activity within the network. For large organizations, this is especially beneficial because, otherwise, it would be challenging to keep such a keen eye on user activity.
Reduced False Positives
Your EDR software will conduct its own investigation before alerting the security team. It will comb through the details of the suspicious activity and will only alert the security team for serious issues. This will take some stress off your security team’s shoulders and save them some time investigating benign threats.
If the EDR solution finds that a flagged event is not a threat after all, the investigation is closed, and the security team will not have to worry about it.
Cost-Effective
Having a strong infrastructure costs organizations less in the long run. This is because it is cheaper to be proactive than to clean up the mess after an attack.
With the help of EDR software, the workload of the security team is lessened. This gives them more time to manage less mundane tasks.
How Do Open Source EDR Solutions Differ From NetWitness’s Proprietary EDR?
NetWitness Endpoint is unlike any other software on the market. While many antivirus solutions also detect malware, they are substantially different from our EDR design, which is optimized for the threat detection, investigation, and response use case. Here are a few reasons why:
Robust Support for Troubleshooting:
One of the glaring distinctions between open source EDR solutions and NetWitness Endpoint is the level of support available. When you hit a roadblock with an open-source EDR solution, you may find yourself navigating the multitude of online forums in search of answers. This quest for solutions can be time-consuming and frustrating.
In contrast, NetWitness Endpoint comes equipped with dedicated support teams that stand ready to assist you in troubleshooting and resolving issues promptly. This invaluable support infrastructure ensures that you’re never alone in your battle against cyber threats.
Sharper Focus on Advanced Threats:
While traditional antivirus solutions primarily focus on detecting known malware, NetWitness Endpoint takes a more advanced and comprehensive approach. It is finely tuned to spot and mitigate sophisticated cyber threats, including emerging malware strains and multi-stage attacks that evade the radar of conventional antivirus software. This ability to detect and defend against cutting-edge threats, such as ransomware and advanced malware, is one of the primary strengths of NetWitness Endpoint. It’s your first line of defense against the ever-evolving landscape of cyberattacks.
Integration for Maximum Security:
NetWitness Endpoint operates as a force multiplier in your security arsenal. Unlike standalone open source EDR solutions, NetWitness Endpoint is designed to seamlessly integrate with a wide range of security solutions, such as next-generation firewalls and security information and event management (SIEM) systems and network detection and response (NDR) systems. This synergy transforms NetWitness Endpoint into a catalyst for achieving the highest level of security. The interoperability of NetWitness Endpoint with various security components ensures that your security infrastructure is robust and interconnected, covering all facets of threat detection and response.
Overall, NetWitness Endpoint isn’t just a cybersecurity solution; it’s a specialized, comprehensive, and well-supported answer to the evolving cyber threats organizations face. With its robust support, advanced threat detection capabilities, and seamless integration with other security tools, it empowers organizations to stay ahead of cyber adversaries and protect their digital assets effectively.
When you choose NetWitness Endpoint, you’re not just acquiring software; you’re gaining a powerful partner in the ongoing battle for cybersecurity.
Elevating Security Resilience with Netwitness Endpoint
No organization likes the idea of an unstable security system. With all the delicate information that passes through the network every day, you want to make sure that your security operations are as strong as they can be. This is where an EDR solution, like the one offered by Netwitness, can grant you these wishes. But, if you are not convinced yet, you should consider an EDR solution for the following reasons.
Reason #1 – Backup Plan for Vulnerabilities
Endpoint detection and response software provides a backup plan for when initial prevention attempts fail. If given the opportunity, attackers can take advantage of the vulnerabilities in your system and linger inside your network.
Reason #2 – Expedited Incident Response
If a cyber attack occurs, it can take months to comb through and fix the damage that has been done. Having an EDR solution in place can speed up this process because it provides visibility into what happened and how it can be fixed. This way, your business can spend less time investigating and more time building up barriers to defend against future attacks.
Reason #3 – Enhanced Information Filtering
EDR solutions have the ability to not only provide detailed information about an attack but also to filter through and find the information that is relevant to security. Because of this ability, security teams can quickly recall information, which increases efficient communication across the organization.
Reason #4 – Improved Endpoint Security
As networks expand, it gets increasingly difficult to manage and protect your endpoints. When you use an EDR solution, security becomes more reliable. This is because they integrate the strengths of other advanced detection technologies and intensify their strengths.
Reason #5 – Cost Savings
Organizations save more money when they choose to use endpoint detection and response software. Security breaches can result in loss of clients, delayed business operations, and loss of profits. Taking advantage of the benefits of an EDR solution often results in increased productivity and a more robust infrastructure.
NetWitness Endpoint is a versatile, lightweight, and compatible solution that augments your security defenses. While open source EDR solutions may offer cost advantages, they can pose challenges in terms of integration and optimization. The decision to embrace EDR should be guided by your organization’s specific needs and the critical importance of maintaining a strong and resilient security infrastructure in today’s digital era.
Maximize Your Organization’s Security with NetWitness
NetWitness is a cybersecurity platform that delivers extensive security and threat detection capabilities for companies all over the world. If you are searching for a way to maximize security for your organization, NetWitness is your best option.
With a variety of products, services, and resources available, you will have everything you need to defend your network from cyber attacks and other threats.
If you want to learn more about NetWitness’s tested and proven approach, contact us today! Let us know what your security needs are, and we’ll walk you through the product to show you how our platform can help you achieve your goals.