EDR vs Traditional AntiVirus

When it comes to your network, threats are everywhere. With cybercrime dramatically on the rise, small businesses often find themselves the victims of ever more sophisticated operations who can ruin their honest livelihood. And yet, with so many different security measures available, it can be hard to decide on the best one if you are not an IT expert. How do you know what is really the best option for keeping your business secure?

What Is EDR? 

When it comes to cyber security, EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) platforms are considered the current gold standard of security. They cover many different functions at once, offering a single solution to many issues. From next-gen antivirus protection to anomaly detection and reporting in real time and set alerts, to forensic level analysis and endpoint remediation capabilities. They are a one stop solution to a whole host of needs in Information Security, and that is exactly why they are proving so popular with businesses of all sectors.

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How Is EDR Different from Normal Antivirus? 

This type of solution is mainly different because it uses machine learning to apply intelligence to its threat detection. Through monitoring network events and endpoint events, and then sorting that information into a centralized database for analysis, more is learned about potential threats, making avoiding them next time a far easier job. The different analytical tools on your EDR suite tick away in the background to monitor data and report on any potential threats.

Creating Constant Vigilance 

Another reason that EDR performs so much better than traditional anti-virus software is that it gives far better overall visibility of a threat level to your business. This is only enhanced when you opt for a managed IT solution. While many businesses see the benefits of adopting EDR programs over traditional anti-virus software, some do not have the resources in place to get the most out of the technology. When you opt for a managed solution, you can maximize the benefits. This including using features such as:

• Forensic analysis
• Behavioral monitoring
• Artificial intelligence
• Up to date threat intelligence
• Incident response

With all this in place, your business is far better able to avert any threats and keep safe from cybercrime.

Using Data to Keep Your Organization Safe

Better threat intelligence is key to minimizing risk, and an EDR platform works hard to maintain this. It can also use data to help with the following:

Preventing Data Loss 

These programs work proactively to protect the data used by your network. It can block traffic that is not authorized and keep a log of any anomalies while notifying your IT team. This also helps you to gain an overview of the points that sensitive data typically enters and exits your network.

Sandboxing

Traditional antiviral software is set up to detect malware, and as such it uses a binary system – programs are either malware or they are not. However, as cyber criminals become ever more sophisticated in their methods and execution, so a large grey area has sprung up – and it is one that can often go unrecognized by anti-vital software. These ambiguous threats can be countered with sandboxing, an isolated, secure digital environment that can run codes and files just like a normal OS but works harder to prevent attacks to your true database and servers.

Next Generation Firewalls

Monitoring digital traffic coming into and leaving your network is key, to allow you to block suspicious traffic. And when you have a next generation firewall as part of an EDR solution, it can also examine the messages incoming from suspected malware and combat them in real time.

The Clear Choice for Business Security

The pace of change with technology means that the digital threat to your security is always evolving. So, you need a solution that will also evolve and help to combat the shifting challenges of modern Cybersecurity. Attacks can happen before you know it, so take the proactive approach that your business deserves and work to neutralize the possibility of threats before they have a chance to take hold. A comprehensive EDR solution can help you manage the risks your business is encountering daily. So, take the right step and consider developing your capability to respond using best in class solutions. You may never be able to completely eliminate risk, but you can manage the situation better and make your business as secure as possible.