If security solutions duplicate functionality, does that mean your organisation can forego one for the other? The answer, of course, depends on the criticality of functionality. But three areas where you cannot swap out one solution for another are EDR, SIEM, and ATP.

We’re talking about Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Security Information and Event Monitoring (SIEM), and Advanced Threat Protection (ATM) – three stalwarts of the most effective security stacks today.

In this guide, we explain the differences between EDR, SIEM and ATP, their features, and why consolidating the various technologies within a Security Operations Centre may be an effective approach for your business.

• What is Endpoint Detection Response in cybersecurity?
• What is SIEM?
• EDR vs SIEM – what is the difference?
• What is ATP?
• What is the difference between EDR and ATP?
• What is the difference between EDR and antivirus installed on hardware?
• Should a SOC security approach include EDR?

 

What is Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) in Cybersecurity?

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is a type of security software installed on individual devices (e.g., computers, laptops, servers) to monitor and detect malicious activity.

EDR tools are designed to identify threats that more generalised software might miss and can provide detailed information about security events on a device. This information can be used to investigate and respond to security incidents.

The crucial differentiator, though, is its response capabilities. Should an EDR solution identify activity deemed harmful, anomalous, suspicious or non-compliant, it can automatically deploy mitigation and containment strategies. This may be automatically isolating endpoints from the corporate network, or alerting security analysts to activity from where they’d manually intervene.

Almost all EDR tools will provide a list of recommended actions to take as part of the threat-hunting process, even if the identified threat is beyond the software’s neutralisation capabilities.

 

What is Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)?

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) is a type of security software that aggregates and analyses log data from various devices and systems within an organisation’s network. SIEM systems are designed to identify security threats and anomalies by analysing the log data for patterns and indicators of compromise. They can also provide real-time alerts when suspicious activity is detected.

SIEM is particularly useful for conducting forensic investigations post-security events, and the best solutions should have simulation capabilities that help teams strategically learn from past vulnerabilities. SIEM also centralises and unifies all security alerts – ideally including those from EDR – which is exceptionally useful for enhancing security efficiency and response effectiveness.

 

What is the difference between EDR and SIEM?

EDR is an endpoint protection solution, focused on monitoring and responding to threats on individual endpoint devices. In contrast, SIEM is focused on aggregating and analysing log data from multiple devices and systems to identify security threats and anomalies.

Think of EDR as a “SIEM-complementary” solution that augments detection and response capability with a focus on user endpoints. Both EDR and SIEM are important cybersecurity tools, but they serve different purposes and are used in different ways.

 

What is Advanced Threat Protection (ATP)?

Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) solutions, on the other hand, are focused on protecting against more sophisticated threats that can or cannot be endpoint originated. These threats can include Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), such as ransomware designed to evade traditional detection measures and dwell in networks for an extended period, or expertly spoofed email domains containing attachments containing zero-day malware.

A defining feature of ATPs is their three-stage structure: first infiltration, followed by lateral movement and finally, exfiltration of data, files or other valuable business assets.

ATP solutions use a combination of signature-based detection, machine learning, and other techniques to identify and block these types of threats before they can enter an organisation’s network. Unexpected information flows, changes to file sizes, a presence of backdoor trojans and unusual user account activity are the obvious signs – but APTs are often not obvious. Hence why you need Advanced Threat Protection (ATP).

 

What are the differences between EDR and ATP solutions?

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) are both security solutions designed to protect endpoints, computer systems and networks from cyber threats.

However, they differ in terms of the types of threats they are designed to protect against and the methods they use to detect and respond to them.

In summary, EDR solutions are focused on detecting and responding to threats that have already entered an organization’s network. In contrast, ATP solutions are focused on protecting against advanced threats targeted at an organisation.

 

 

What is the difference between EDR and an Antivirus?

EDR tools and traditional antivirus software are both designed to protect user devices from malware and other security threats. However, there are some key differences between the two types of software:

Scope of protection: Antivirus software is focused on protecting a single device from malware, while EDR solutions are designed to protect the device and also monitor and respond to security events that occur on the device.

Detection methods: Antivirus software typically uses signature-based detection, which compares files to known malware patterns to identify threats. EDR, on the other hand, use a variety of techniques to identify threats, including behaviour-based detection, which looks for anomalies in the way a device is being used.

Response capabilities: Antivirus software primarily focuses on preventing malware from infecting a device. If malware does manage to get through, the software may be able to remove it, but it typically does not provide the same response capabilities as an EDR system. EDR can provide detailed information about security events and can be configured to take various actions in response to threats, such as quarantining a file or blocking network communication.

In summary, while antivirus software is an important tool for protecting devices from malware, EDR delivers advanced endpoint threat protection, providing a more comprehensive approach to security by monitoring and responding to threats in real time and introducing much-needed robustness for highly-targeted endpoints.

 

Should a SOC security approach include EDR?

EDR can be an important component of a Security Operations Centre (SOC) approach. There are several reasons why a business might want to include EDR in its SOC approach:

Comprehensive protection: EDR is implemented to protect user devices from a wide range of threats, including malware, ransomware, and other types of malicious activity. Using EDR, a SOC can gain visibility into security events occurring on endpoint devices, take action to prevent or mitigate threats, and identify trends.

Real-time monitoring and response: EDR systems can provide real-time alerts when suspicious activity is detected, allowing a SOC to respond quickly to potential threats. However, in a SOC, EDR alerts may be consolidated within SIEM – the same insight is flowing, but consolidating with other alerts provides a comprehensive picture of the threat.,

Detailed forensics: EDR can provide detailed information about security events on a device, which can be useful for investigations and incident response. This endpoint-specific data is extremely powerful when paired with SIEM’s simulation capabilities.

Sentis Managed Solutions provides EDR solutions

Are you considering adding EDR to your security stack, or want to confirm your current threat detection and response is working to the best effect?

Sentis Managed Solutions would love to hear from you. We’re a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) delivering a complete range of specialist threat detection and response solutions, EDR included. We also offer a free, no-obligation security audit – so you can confirm what’s working well and what needs reinforcement before committing.

Learn more about our audits here or browse our threat detection solutions here.