Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) helps organizations detect, investigate, respond to, and defend themselves against ransomware and other malicious network activity. The technology offers real-time insights into threats. EDR tools provide visibility into endpoint devices like computers, phones, servers, and smartwatches.
EDR systems can also provide threat detection capabilities, which include the following:
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Automated analysis of activities to spot suspicious patterns or indicators.
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Isolation of affected endpoints from the rest of the system.
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Timely reporting on events to help with root cause analysis following an attack.
The Main Components of an Effective Endpoint Detection and Response System
The growing use of portable devices at work has correlated with the increased need for EDR systems. Some systems focus on one or two tools, but a comprehensive strategy involves the following.
Endpoint Management
Hardware infrastructures have become incredibly complex over the past decade or so. EDR solutions need to keep up with the constantly changing landscape. Endpoint management allows organizations to maintain an overview of all company-owned devices and personal ones used for work. This includes being able to detect vulnerable devices, as well as keeping track of software versions and patching cycles for each device.
Proactive Threat Detection
Organizations shouldn't wait until breaches occur to act. Instead, they must identify malicious activity before it causes damage. Tools like behavioral analytics can detect and prevent suspicious actions from becoming full-blown attacks. By identifying anomalous behavior, security teams can investigate and remediate any risks before they cause harm.
Investigation and Response
EDR systems also provide tools for investigating threats quickly and efficiently. These tools enable security teams to gather evidence and respond quickly to threats. Here are some examples of effective responses:
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Blocking malicious actors and disabling their access to company resources
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Removing malicious files
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Isolating compromised devices
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Logging out all system users and prompting password resets
Forensic Analysis and Reporting
EDR systems also provide an audit trail, which the IT team can use to analyze attacks after they have occurred. This helps teams determine the root cause of an attack and whether it was able to access any sensitive data. Additionally, EDR systems can generate detailed reports that organizations can use to show compliance with privacy laws such as GDPR and CCPA.
The Importance of Using Endpoint Detection and Response Systems
Innovative companies take a multi-faceted approach to cybersecurity. The rapid growth of cybersecurity tools can quickly outpace any budget, so companies must choose carefully. Why should EDR systems be included in your mitigation strategy?
Endpoint Devices Are Big Risks
Up to 90% of cyberattacks begin with endpoint devices. Antivirus and firewalls provide good protection but still leave several vulnerabilities that only EDR systems can mitigate. One of the system's greatest strengths is that it leverages the power of automation to do its job. It has much higher accuracy and effectiveness than cybersecurity professionals protecting networks and devices on their own.
Real-Time Response
EDR systems provide security teams with the ability to respond quickly and accurately when threats are detected. The system can stop malicious activity, clean up affected devices, and generate reports for future analysis. This helps companies minimize damage caused by cyberattacks and reduce recovery time.
Bring Your Own Device Policies
The trend of employees using their devices for work has reduced hardware costs but created additional risks. Companies must ensure that all devices used to access company resources are secure. EDR can detect and respond to threats on any device, helping organizations enforce security policies related to the use of personal devices for work.
The Role of Containment in Preventing Widespread Data Breaches
Organizations must contain the malicious actor and the damage caused when a cyberattack occurs. EDR systems provide the necessary tools to do this quickly and effectively. The system can immediately detect suspicious behavior, quarantine infected devices, and implement other containment procedures to reduce the impact of an attack.
An attacker can spread beyond the initial device without these measures and cause further damage. For example, a hacker may move laterally through a network and shut down systems, access sensitive data, or even use the organization's resources for money laundering schemes. By containing threats as soon as they are detected, EDR systems can mitigate damage.
Best Practices for Implementing EDR Systems at Your Organization
Even the best solution can fail to solve a problem if managers botch the implementation process. Here are some best practices to consider when rolling out EDR systems at your organization.
Involve Security and IT Professionals
Security teams should be involved in the decision-making process early on. They can help choose the right EDR solution and ensure proper implementation. Additionally, consult with IT professionals to ensure the solution is compatible with existing systems and processes.
Test Your EDR System Regularly
Ensure your EDR system is up-to-date and performing as expected. Test the system regularly to check for flaws, false positives, and other issues affecting its effectiveness. Organizations should also conduct regular internal and external penetration tests to verify that their EDR system meets its objectives.
Train Employees
Your employees are your first line of defense against cyberattacks. Educate them on the dangers of online threats and the importance of data security. Additionally, ensure they understand the warning signs and know how to report suspicious activity. This will help ensure that your team addresses potential incidents immediately.
Create an Incident Response Plan
A well-defined incident response plan can help organizations respond quickly and effectively to cybersecurity threats. Organizations should also consider training their staff in the basics of EDR systems so that everyday workers know what to do if they suspect or receive a ransomware threat.
Integrate With Other Security Solutions
EDR systems are most effective when integrated with other security solutions. This will provide a more comprehensive view of the organization's security posture and allow faster threat detection and response. Organizations should also consider using automated incident response tools to streamline their security processes further.
Research EDR Tools Carefully Before Choosing One
Before selecting an EDR solution, organizations should review all relevant options and then narrow down the list. Consider the following factors when determining a good fit for your organization:
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Price
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Features
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Support
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Onboarding process
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Compatibility with existing IT framework
The Role Knowledge Plays in Reducing Ransomware and Other Attacks
Awareness plays a critical role in how well employees respond to threats that affect their individual devices. Deepening that knowledge can further reduce the likelihood of workers succumbing to the sophisticated strategies hackers now employ to steal credentials and access networks.
Our team at Hiplink created an eBook that explains the two main ways companies can prevent ransomware attacks. Is your company following these two strategies? Download our eBook to find out!