What is EDR? Understanding the Mechanism, Implementation Tips, and Differences from EPP!
In recent years, the rise of cyber attacks involving malware like viruses has made network security a growing concern for businesses. Protecting sensitive company data and personal information requires implementing comprehensive and robust security software.
This article provides an overview of EDR, explains its mechanism, and highlights key considerations for its implementation. Security professionals seeking to enhance their company’s security posture should read this article to gain a deeper understanding of EDR and evaluate its potential benefits.
Table of Contents
- What is EDR?
- Differences from EPP and NGAV
- Why EDR is gaining prominence
- How EDR Works
- Key Considerations for Implementing EDR
- Focus on features beyond EDR
- Choose the right management server
- Consider network load
- Verify product specifications (OS, supported devices)
- Estimate implementation costs
- Summary
1. What is EDR?
EDR, which stands for “Endpoint Detection and Response,” is a security solution that has been gaining significant traction in recent years.
EDR focuses specifically on securing endpoint devices.
An endpoint is any device typically used by individuals, such as a PC or smartphone. EDR’s primary function is to monitor endpoint activity and behavior when connected to the network and to minimize damage upon detecting a cyber attack.
[What is Endpoint Security? Key Reasons and Common Types]
1-1. Differences from EPP and NGAV
EPP and NGAV are similar to EDR, as they are all security solutions, but their purposes and roles differ.
EPP, or “Endpoint Protection Platform,” is a broad term for security solutions designed to prevent viruses from entering an endpoint by installing software on the device.
In essence, EPP’s main role is to protect the endpoint from virus intrusion before EDR comes into play.
NGAV, or Next-Generation Anti-Virus, is a type of security solution included within EPP. NGAV can identify both known and unknown viruses, protecting endpoints from advanced malware and malicious software.
By preventing intrusions with EPP (including NGAV) and responding with EDR when an intrusion occurs, it’s possible to minimize the damage caused by virus infections on endpoints.
[What is Next Generation Anti-Virus (NGAV)? Differences from Traditional Antivirus and EDR]
1-2. Why EDR is gaining prominence
Security software like EPP and NGAV, which detect and prevent virus intrusions, are known as gateway security products. EDR, on the other hand, is an endpoint security product that has been attracting increasing attention since 2020.
The growing interest in EDR as an endpoint solution stems from the increasing sophistication of cyber attacks and the diversification of network usage.
Malware, including viruses used in cyber attacks, has become more complex and diverse with technological advancements, making it difficult to defend against using EPP alone. Furthermore, the diversification of network environments due to the rise of remote work has made it challenging to implement comprehensive information security measures.
Consequently, the demand for EDR solutions that can minimize damage through post-incident response, even if malware breaches defenses, is on the rise.
2. How EDR Works
EDR prevents damage from malware attacks by executing the following four phases:
| 1 | Monitoring/Detection | |
|---|---|
| Normal: Continuously monitors endpoint behavior and file operations. Abnormal: Automatically detects abnormal activity caused by malware (e.g., viruses) and initiates measures to address the malware infection. |
| 2 | Isolation | |
|---|---|
| When EDR detects an anomaly, such as a malware intrusion, it disconnects the potentially infected endpoint from the network to prevent the infection from spreading. |
| 3 | Investigation/Analysis | |
|---|---|
| By examining recorded operation logs from within the endpoint, EDR identifies the malware’s intrusion path, the root cause of the infection, and the scope of the impact, and analyzes the malware’s characteristics. |
| 4 | Recovery | |
|---|---|
| Based on the investigation and analysis results, EDR performs the minimum necessary recovery actions, such as deleting malicious files and shutting down terminals, to eliminate the malware. |
These four phases also contribute to the security of endpoints beyond those directly infected with malware. For example, EDR can prevent secondary malware infections by isolating infected terminals from the network.
By implementing EDR, organizations can prevent the intrusion and spread of hidden malware that doesn’t exhibit obvious abnormal behavior and reduce the costs associated with recovery.
3. Key Considerations for Implementing EDR
Enhancing security with EDR offers numerous benefits for endpoint users. However, careful consideration should be given to the selection and implementation of an appropriate EDR solution. The following points should be considered before implementation.
3-1. Focus on features beyond EDR
In response to the growing demand for EDR, security products offering a range of features, including EDR, have emerged. Consider features beyond EDR, as both standalone EDR software and bundled gateway products (e.g., EPP) are available.
Combining gateway products like EPP with endpoint products like EDR enhances endpoint protection. Opting for multi-faceted software that incorporates functions such as NGAV and USB device control, as well as integration with external monitoring services, is highly recommended.
3-2. Choose the right management server
Implementing EDR also necessitates the deployment of a management server to monitor operation logs. Two primary types of management servers exist, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. A comprehensive evaluation is recommended. The following outlines the typical management server types and their features.
| Cloud-based | Centrally managed on an external management server. This is the most common type of management server. Advantages: Accessible even when using networks outside the company; lower implementation and operational costs and burden. |
|---|---|
| Disadvantages: Server failures can have an impact, even if the root cause is external to the company. |
| On-premises | The server is managed within the company’s data center. Advantages: Can manage systems that cannot be cloud-based. |
|---|---|
| Disadvantages: Does not support network use outside the company, such as teleworking. |
3-3. Consider network load
EDR frequently updates its software to maintain up-to-date security information, which places a load on the company’s network. High-performance EDR solutions, in particular, tend to generate a significant network load. Excessive network load can interfere with network-based operations.
It is recommended to select an EDR solution based on both the company’s network capacity and the load imposed by the EDR implementation.
3-4. Verify product specifications (OS, supported devices)
Prior to implementing EDR, ensure a thorough understanding of the OS environment. While most standard OSs are generally supported, be aware that certain OSs used in specific industries may not yet be compatible.
Additionally, some EDR products impose restrictions on the number of devices that can be managed, depending on the product’s specifications. Always verify the EDR product’s specifications, regardless of the number of devices to be supported.
3-5. Estimate implementation costs
The cost of implementation can be a barrier to adopting EDR. While EDR is centrally managed in the company’s data center or an external cloud, license fees are typically charged based on the number of EDRs contracted.
The market price for a license is approximately 6,000 yen per device per year, but the total cost increases with the number of devices covered. In addition to license fees, other expenses, such as implementation and consulting fees, may apply. It is recommended to estimate all costs associated with implementation.
Summary
EDR serves as a last line of defense, protecting endpoints like PCs and smartphones from malware infections. By progressing through the four phases of monitoring/detection → isolation → investigation/analysis → recovery, security measures can be implemented while minimizing the spread of infection and the effort required for recovery.
However, implementing EDR to safeguard endpoints requires careful consideration of factors such as selecting the appropriate management server/product and understanding the associated costs. EXO Security offers a robust security system for corporations, leveraging artificial intelligence and cloud analysis technology at a competitive price. In addition to its EDR capabilities, it also functions as an NGAV and reduces the burden on administrators. Contact us at globalsupport@jiran.com if you are considering implementing EDR for your company.
[Virus Countermeasure Security Software “EXO Security”]
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