EPP, EDR, and XDR are endpoint security solutions designed to improve visibility, detection, and response across all company endpoints.
In this blog, we explain what an endpoint is, what each of these cybersecurity acronyms mean, and why they are essential to protecting your business from data breaches.
What is an Endpoint?
An endpoint is any device that remotely connects to a network. Workstations, laptops, wireless printers, tablets, and mobile devices are all examples of endpoints.
While endpoints offer countless benefits for employees and organizations, including faster communication and information access, it’s essential to remember endpoints serve as entry points for threat actors. An unprotected endpoint can provide unsolicited access to an organization's networks, opening the door to cyber threats, including ransomware and malware attacks.
What Is Endpoint Security?
Endpoint security can be understood as the practice of protecting networks against threat actors originating from on-premises or remote devices.
A strong endpoint security strategy is more critical than ever due to the recent growth of hybrid and remote work cultures among companies and organizations. A data breach due a lack of endpoint security can be disastrous for a company and permanently tarnish its reputation.
A robust endpoint security framework allows for data sharing between endpoint protection technologies, offering a more effective and collaborative security approach than a traditional antivirus solution, which safeguards a single endpoint (often from that endpoint).
What Is EPP? – Endpoint Protection Platform
Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) is a monitoring security approach that provides passive endpoint protection and prevents traditional attacks such as malware, zero-day vulnerabilities, and fireless malware attacks through its anti-malware scanning capabilities.
EPPs are primarily cloud-managed, allowing for continuous monitoring, whether the endpoint is on the company network or outside the office.
The following are ways EPP protects against malicious activity:
- Detecting threats by using known malware signatures.
- Determining endpoint behavior and identifying abnormal behavior.
- Blocking access to specific IP addresses and URLs.
- Testing for malicious behavior of files by running them in a virtual environment, known as a sandbox, before executing them.
What Is EDR? – Endpoint Detection and Response
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) takes action against advanced persistent threats and emerging malware designed to bypass traditional security defenses.
While an EPP scans and monitors for malicious activity and cyber threats, EDR detects threats, analyzes their data patterns, and automatically responds by removing and containing them. EDR solutions will also record malicious behavior and notify security teams of threats, helping companies predict and prevent future attacks.
It’s essential to know that an EDR security solution should not replace an EPP. An organization should combine both an EDR and EPP system into their endpoint cybersecurity strategy for a complete and comprehensive security approach.
Learn more about the importance of EDR and Intersec Worldwide’s endpoint monitoring services.
What Is XDR? – Extended Detection and Response
Extended Detection and Response (XDR) is an extension of EDR and offers a more evolved, cross-platform approach by breaking down all conventional security silos to create one unified security platform.
While EDR collects and responds to malicious activity across multiple endpoints, XDR expands the reach of detection and analyses and protects data across all endpoints, servers, networks, cloud workload, and more.
Through its all-encompassing and connected framework, XDR offers a complete visual of all data activity and can pinpoint attacks that might have otherwise slipped between security silos.
EPP, EDR, and XDR are changing the game in the cybersecurity world, providing an advanced framework designed to keep up with emerging cyber threats that come along with developing technologies.
Intersec Worldwide offers complete and reliable endpoint monitoring services. Our diligent and experienced team will ensure all your devices are closely monitored to guarantee maximum security and adherence to compliance requirements.
We are proud to be leaders in our industry and hope you contact us today. One of our experts is ready to assist you in setting up a custom endpoint management system to fit your needs.
