In recent articles, we’ve explored the differences between Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Network Detection and Response (NDR). In essence:
The third type of defense adds another essential layer of protection against cybercrime – extended detection and response (XDR). In this post, we’ll explore XDR and how it can uplevel your cybersecurity strategy by providing holistic data analysis across multiple sources to strengthen your cybersecurity posture against advanced threats.
XDR systems are cybersecurity platforms that communicate with all security tools, networks, endpoints and technologies that comprise an organization’s security strategy. Instead of simply relying on endpoint data, XDR solutions leverage data across various security tools, integrating data from devices, the network, the cloud and even third parties to “extend” threat protection.
XDR systems leverage threat intelligence and data analytics to automate response to an attack, and they may even automate the execution of a security response playbook. Monitoring and alerting capabilities are typically part of the solution, as well.
EDR solutions provide protection against cyber threats at the network’s edge, while NDR covers threats that circumvent EDR systems. But XDR systems do both. They work to analyze multiple data sources holistically, bringing together the capabilities of various, dispersed tools – from SIEM tools to your EDR and NDR systems. By consolidating the data and presenting a 360-degree view through a unified interface, XDR tools simplify and accelerate security event investigation and response.
That doesn’t mean you should necessarily throw out your EDR tool. EDRs provide specialized detection at the network’s edge, enabling organizations to respond to advanced attacks that target endpoint devices. However, XDR systems augment EDR tools by providing an advanced level of protection for the more sophisticated threats that EDR tools often fail to catch, such as attacks that spread laterally – and rapidly – once they penetrate an endpoint.
Just like EDR and NDR systems, XDR systems are only as effective as the data that feeds them. XDR systems depend on a broad array of data across various endpoints, networks, and the cloud. This includes not only detailed device and system data, but user and behavioral data, as well – behavioral anomalies are often a tell-tale sign of malicious behavior. All of this data is fed into a data lake, for a comprehensive view of the chain of events across multiple layers of security. Then the XDR system applies advanced analytics to the dataset to provide actionable insights.
XDR vendors can embed Lansweeper’s industry-leading device recognition technology into their solutions to ensure the most complete and accurate identification of devices connected to home or corporate networks. Devices are enriched with granular data to enhance the XDR solution’s analytical capabilities, enabling faster, more effective investigations and rapid issue remediation.
Further, with its ITAM technology, Lansweeper continuously scans the corporate network to instantly and automatically detect and identify all hardware, software and cloud assets. Not only does it create a complete inventory in minutes, eliminating hours upon hours of manual work, it collects contextual data about all of the assets – make, model, category, OS, location, users and many other data points that provide valuable context for each asset.
Lansweeper also provides access to an extensive catalog of devices, including product metadata such as EOL dates, documentation and support resources, to help teams proactively address potential vulnerabilities and prevent future attacks.
Don’t leave threat detection and response to chance. Make sure your XDR tools are working as hard as they can by ensuring they have all the data they need to be effective. Find out how easy it is to embed Lanaseeper into your XDR solution via a cloud API or multi-platform SDK – and get started today!