EDR and XDR – what are they?

28th February 2025

Malware based threats surged by 30% in 2024 compared with the same period in 2023*. Cyber-crime is increasing: are your defences ready for what may come in 2025?

The world of cyber security is constantly changing and innovating, both in terms of malicious threats and the systems designed to prevent them.

One of these new technologies that is becoming increasingly essential to cyber security teams is Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR). You might not have heard of EDR – if you have, you might not be sure what it means. In short, EDR is an updated version of antivirus software.

Antivirus software is becoming less and less effective against cyber-crime, as the way threats manifest is becoming more complex. As bad actors evolve their methods, more organisations are moving to using EDR as it has a wider range of features:

·         EDR can detect a wider range of threats.

·         EDR can tackle more complicated threats.

·         EDR provides the user with better management and control.

Additionally, to complicate things further, there is a cyber security approach known as XDR – Extended Detection and Response. This goes a step further than EDR:

·         XDR integrates data from more sources including cloud environments.

·         XDR uses AI and machine learning to improve data analysis.

·         XDR platforms can automate the response to threats.

Both EDR and XDR can defend your IT systems, but XDR is the more advanced product with extra functions that make it better at repelling malware. Either system is more effective than traditional antivirus software: to stay ahead of threats this year, it may be wise to invest in one of them.

If you have any further queries, or would like to know how EDR and XDR could help keep your data secure, we would be happy to talk – contact us HERE.

*https://www.terranovasecurity.com/blog/cyber-security-statistics