EDR vs XDR vs MDR

Understanding EDR, XDR, and MDR 

Cyber security can be a minefield for jargon. With the landscape changing so quickly, there seems to be a new acronym or buzzword every week, often meaning the same or similar things as those that already exist.

Three common cyber security approaches—Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Extended Detection and Response (XDR), and Managed Detection and Response (MDR)—help organisations detect and mitigate threats. But what do they mean, how do they compare, which is right for you? Let’s break it down.

What is EDR?

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) focuses on monitoring, detecting, and responding to threats at the endpoint level. Endpoints include devices such as laptops, desktops, servers, and mobile devices.

EDR solutions continuously collect and analyse data from these endpoints, looking for signs of suspicious activity. If a threat is detected, EDR provides detailed insights and response capabilities, allowing security teams to contain and remediate the attack.

However, EDR is limited to endpoints only. While it is effective at detecting threats on individual devices, it does not provide visibility across an organisation’s entire IT infrastructure.

For a more detailed exploration of EDR in particular, read our recent blog - Protecting your business: The whats and whys of Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) 

What is XDR?

Extended Detection and Response (XDR) builds upon EDR by integrating threat detection across multiple security layers, including endpoints, networks, cloud environments, and email systems.

Unlike traditional security tools that operate in silos, XDR provides a unified view of security events, leveraging automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to correlate data from different sources. This allows for faster detection and response to sophisticated attacks.

XDR improves an organisation’s ability to identify and mitigate threats by providing a more holistic and proactive approach to cyber security.

What is MDR?

Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is a fully managed security service that provides organisations with 24/7 threat monitoring, detection, and response capabilities.

With MDR, cyber security experts analyse security data, hunt for threats, and respond to incidents on behalf of the organisation. This is particularly beneficial for companies that lack the in-house expertise or resources to manage their security operations effectively.

MDR often includes EDR or XDR technology but adds human expertise to ensure threats are properly identified and mitigated.

How do they compare?

While EDR, XDR, and MDR all aim to improve cyber security, they differ in scope and approach:

• EDR is endpoint-focused, providing in-depth visibility and response capabilities for devices but lacking broader network or cloud integration.
• XDR extends beyond endpoints to provide a more comprehensive security view across various systems, using automation and AI to improve detection and response.
• MDR is a managed service that leverages security tools (such as EDR or XDR) while providing expert-driven monitoring, analysis, and response.

Which one is right for your organisation?

The choice between EDR, XDR, and MDR depends on an organisation’s needs:

• If your primary concern is securing endpoints, EDR may be sufficient.
• If you need broader threat detection across multiple environments, XDR offers a more integrated solution.
• If your organisation lacks in-house security expertise or resources, MDR provides a hands-off, expert-driven approach.

Conclusion

EDR, XDR, and MDR each play a crucial role in cyber security, helping businesses defend against evolving threats. Understanding their differences and strengths allows organisations to choose the best solution based on their security needs and operational capabilities. No matter which approach is adopted, staying proactive in cyber security is essential to reducing risks and protecting valuable data.