What is EDR?
Endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions detect and investigate suspicious activities and other problems on network hosts and endpoints. Offering an additional layer of protection above that of traditional anti-virus software, Endpoint detection and response is meant to counter hackers seeking to install malware used to steal passwords, record keystrokes, encrypt files and hold them for ransom, or perform other malicious activity. EDR cybersecurity gathers and analyzes information on possible security threats from computer workstations and other endpoints, and alerts IT staff to potential and active attacks.
分解：エンドポイント、検知、レスポンス
エンドポイント
エンドポイントとは、人やソフトウェアがネットワークに接続するために使用するデバイスのことです。エンドポイントのオペレーティング・システムとアプリケーションによって、ユーザーはインターネットに接続したり、電子メールを送受信したり、金融取引を処理したり、その他多くのアクティビティを実行したりすることができる。一般的なエンドポイントには、以下のようなものがある：
- デスクトップおよびノートパソコン
- スマートフォンとタブレット
- サーバー
- ワークステーション
- モノのインターネット（IoT）機器
Securing endpoints is the foundation of modern EDR security.
Detection
Detection is where endpoint detection and response tools shine. Instead of waiting for known malware signatures to pop up, EDR solutions use advanced analytics, behavior monitoring, and threat intelligence to catch suspicious activity in real time. For example:
- A user logging in from two countries at the same time
- Files being encrypted rapidly in unusual directories
- Malware-free attacks that exploit legitimate tools (known as living-off-the-land techniques)
These subtle anomalies would slip past traditional antivirus, but EDR is designed to catch them.
応答
Response is the other half of the equation. It’s not enough to just detect threats you need a way to contain them. EDR security tools give security teams the power to investigate alerts quickly and take action, such as:
- Isolating a compromised endpoint from the network
- Killing malicious processes in real time
- Collecting forensic data for deeper analysis
- Automating remediation playbooks to save time
This rapid response reduces the time attackers have to move laterally across the network.
Why is EDR Important?
The question many organizations ask is: what is EDR and why is EDR important when they already have antivirus or firewalls? The answer lies in the nature of today’s cyber threats.
- Advanced Threats: Modern attackers use stealthy techniques like fileless malware and credential theft that bypass legacy defenses.
- Remote Work: With more employees working from anywhere, the attack surface has expanded dramatically.
- Data Protection: Breaches often start with an endpoint, and containing that first compromise can mean the difference between a minor incident and a multimillion-dollar breach.
According to multiple industry reports, the majority of successful attacks start at the endpoint. That’s why EDR cybersecurity has become a must-have for enterprises.
Key EDR Benefits
Investing in endpoint detection and response tools brings clear benefits for organizations of all sizes:
- 視認性の向上: Continuous monitoring of endpoints uncovers activity that might otherwise go unnoticed.
- Faster Incident Response: Security teams can investigate and respond to threats within minutes, not days.
- Threat Intelligence Integration: EDR solutions connect with global threat databases to stay ahead of evolving attacks.
- Forensics and Compliance: Detailed logging and reporting support investigations and regulatory requirements.
- Reduced Dwell Time: By quickly isolating compromised endpoints, organizations limit the damage caused by attackers.
Ultimately, the biggest EDR benefit is resilience. Organizations that adopt EDR solutions are better equipped to stop cyberattacks before they escalate into major breaches.
Choosing the Right EDR Security Tools
Not all EDR security tools are created equal. When evaluating solutions, organizations should look for features such as:
- Real-time monitoring and analytics
- Automated response capabilities
- Integration with SIEM and SOAR platforms
- Threat hunting capabilities for proactive defense
- Scalability to cover thousands of endpoints
The right solution depends on the size of the organization, the complexity of its IT environment, and its cybersecurity maturity.
Final Thoughts
So, what is EDR in practical terms? It’s the shift from passive endpoint protection to proactive endpoint detection and response. Traditional antivirus is no longer enough, and relying on it alone leaves organizations exposed.
Not all endpoint detection and response tools are equal. NetWitness Endpoint takes EDR benfits further by giving security teams deep visibility across all endpoints on and off the network while detecting threats other solutions often miss. Its continuous monitoring, lightweight data collection, and behavior-based detection drastically reduce dwell time and accelerate incident response. For organizations looking to strengthen endpoint security, NetWitness Endpoint delivers actionable insights, faster response, and scalable protection.
If your organization hasn’t yet invested in EDR security tools, the real question isn’t what is EDR anymore. It’s: How long can you afford to go without it?
関連リソース
[1] マイケル・ヒル#COVID19パンデミックにより新たなセキュリティ課題に直面する企業70%インフォセキュリティー・マガジン2021年3月1日
