Benefits of Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)/Managed Detection and Response (MDR) over Traditional Antivirus Software
As businesses become more digital and increasingly rely on technology to operate, cybersecurity has become an essential component of their success. The rise of cybercrime has left companies vulnerable to data breaches, intellectual property theft, and significant financial losses. In response, cybersecurity solutions have evolved to keep pace with the constantly changing landscape of threats.
While traditional antivirus software was enough at one time to protect your company from threats, it is no longer an effective barrier against the more sophisticated cyberattacks that happen today.
At Fastek, we deliver Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) or Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services that go beyond the capabilities of traditional antivirus and offer protections that plug-and-play software solutions cannot.
Traditional Antivirus Software
Traditional antivirus software has been a mainstay of cybersecurity for decades. It is designed to detect and remove known viruses and malware from a computer system. This is accomplished through signature-based detection, which involves comparing files on a computer to a database of known malware signatures. When a match is found, the software quarantines or deletes the infected file.
While traditional antivirus has been effective in the past, it has significant limitations in the face of modern cyber threats. One of the primary drawbacks of traditional antivirus is that it relies on a database of known malware signatures. This makes it ineffective against new or unknown threats, which can slip through undetected. As cybercriminals develop more sophisticated methods of attack, traditional antivirus software has become less reliable.
Another limitation of traditional antivirus software is that it is reactive rather than proactive. It can only detect and respond to threats that it has already seen before. This leaves businesses vulnerable to zero-day exploits, which are vulnerabilities that hackers discover before software vendors. These exploits allow attackers to create malware that can bypass traditional antivirus software, making it ineffective against the latest and most advanced threats.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) / Managed Detection and Response (MDR)
EDR/MDR solutions offer a more proactive approach to cybersecurity. Rather than relying on a database of known malware signatures, they use behavior-based detection to monitor endpoints for suspicious activity and behaviors. When abnormal behavior is detected, the software alerts security teams and takes remediation actions.
Behavior-based detection is much more effective at detecting new and unknown threats than traditional antivirus software. It can identify anomalies in network traffic and user behavior that may indicate an attack is underway. This allows security teams to respond quickly and proactively to prevent damage and minimize the impact of a breach.
In addition to real-time threat detection and response, EDR/MDR solutions provide valuable insights into network activity. They offer real-time visibility into endpoint activity, allowing security teams to quickly
identify and respond to threats. They also include features like threat hunting, which allows security teams to proactively search for threats on endpoints. This can help businesses identify potential threats before they become active, preventing data breaches and other cyberattacks.
Another benefit of EDR/MDR solutions is that they provide 24/7 monitoring and response. This is particularly important for small businesses that may not have the resources to monitor their networks around the clock. Rarely will a cyberattack take place when you’re expecting it. With EDR/MDR solutions, businesses can have peace of mind knowing that their networks are being monitored and always protected.
Choosing the Right Solution
The decision between traditional antivirus software and EDR/MDR solutions is clear. Businesses handle sensitive data, such as financial information or personal information of employees and clients, and should invest in EDR/MDR solutions. These solutions offer a more comprehensive and proactive approach to cybersecurity, making them more effective at protecting against modern cyber threats.
EDR/MDR solutions also include features like threat hunting, which allows security teams to proactively search for threats on endpoints. This means that they can identify and remediate potential threats before they have a chance to cause any damage. Threat hunting is a critical component of any effective cybersecurity program, as it allows organizations to stay ahead of the constantly evolving threat landscape.
In addition to choosing the right cybersecurity solution, businesses should also prioritize employee education and training. Cybersecurity threats often target employees through phishing attacks, social engineering, and other tactics. Educating employees on how to identify and avoid these threats can significantly reduce the risk of catastrophic cybersecurity breach.
At Fastek, we implement and manage the appropriate EDR/MDR solutions for your organization’s needs and educate your team on best practices to remain protected and reduce downtime.
Our team offers relief from the headache of daily IT tasks. We manage, support and protect your technology operations so you’re free to grow your business with confidence.
Visit https://fastekllc.com today to get started on your Fastek Roadmap.
Published on May 18, 2023