XDR and the Benefits of Consolidating Cybersecurity Tools
IBM reported that it took an average of 204 days globally to identify a data breach in 2023, underscoring the pressing need for effective detection and response solutions. Extended Detection and Response (XDR) has emerged as a game-changer in the world of security operations, offering a proactive approach to threat detection and response. However, amidst the buzz surrounding XDR, it’s crucial for organizations to have a clear understanding of the basics of various detection and response solutions to evaluate what best suits their unique needs.
This blog breaks down the benefits of consolidating your cybersecurity tools with XDR, and the differences between XDR and other solutions such as Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR).
What is Extended Detection and Response (XDR)?
XDR is a security solution that consolidates data from various security tools within an organization’s infrastructure to streamline threat detection, investigation, and response processes. By automatically aggregating and correlating data from diverse security components such as endpoints, cloud workloads, networks, and email, XDR enhances the capabilities of security teams to quickly identify and neutralize security threats across multiple domains from a centralized interface.
Gartner defines XDR as a “unified security incident detection and response platform that automatically collects and correlates data from multiple proprietary security components. Security and risk management leaders should consider the risks and advantages of an XDR solution.”
This unified approach streamlines threat hunting and response efforts, allowing for more efficient and effective security operations.
Adlumin XDR, in Figure 1, integrates various security tools to streamline threat detection, investigation, and response processes for enhanced cybersecurity operations.
Benefits of Consolidating Cybersecurity Tools with XDR
Managing and monitoring all cybersecurity resources available can be daunting. XDR offers organizations a centralized platform where they can easily access and analyze data from all of their cybersecurity tools in one place. This streamlined approach simplifies the process of identifying and responding to potential threats, making it easier for organizations to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.
More benefits include:
#1 Enhanced and Centralized Threat Visibility:
XDR consolidates data from various security tools such as email, endpoints, servers, cloud workloads, and networks, offering a centralized view of potential risks and threats. This unified approach enables security teams to identify and respond to threats quickly. IBM’s latest report indicates that organizations using threat intelligence are able to identify threats 28 days faster on average.
#2 Simplified Detection and Investigation:
By automatically filtering out insignificant anomalies, XDR allows analysts to focus on high-priority threats, reducing the time and effort required for manual investigations. The prebuilt analytics and correlation capabilities help detect risky threats, minimizing the need for constant rule tuning and management.
#3 Streamlined Orchestration and Response:
XDR facilitates end-to-end threat response by offering detailed threat context, telemetry data, and automation capabilities. This enables security teams to orchestrate response actions across multiple tools and environments, enhancing the MDR team’s efficiency and ensuring quick threat mitigation.
XDR security empowers organizations to proactively detect, investigate, and respond to security incidents more efficiently, ultimately strengthening their overall cybersecurity posture.
What is the difference between XDR and other solutions?
XDR is often confused with other detection and response technologies, such as Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR).
EDR monitors end-user devices for threats that traditional antivirus software may miss, while MDR is essentially EDR provided as a service. EDR continually monitors an endpoint (laptop, tablet, mobile phone, server, or internet-of-things device) to identify threats through data analytics and prevent malicious activity with rules-based automated response capabilities.
For a comprehensive and managed approach, organizations can opt for Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR), which provides multi-domain protection with dedicated support, expertise, and 24/7 response capabilities. Understanding the differences and capabilities of these various technologies can help organizations choose the best solution for their cybersecurity needs.
Want to dive deeper? Read EDR vs. XDR vs. MDR: The Cybersecurity ABCs Explained to find the best solution for your organization.
Find the Cybersecurity Solution to Fit Your Needs
Selecting the right cybersecurity solution tailored to your organization’s specific needs is essential in safeguarding against rising cyber threats. As the threat landscape expands in complexity, it is crucial to adopt proactive security measures that detect and respond effectively to potential risks.
Managed security solutions, such as XDR, offer organizations the advantage of dedicated support, expertise, and around-the-clock monitoring and response capabilities. Small IT teams can offload the burden of day-to-day security operations by opting for managed services, allowing them to focus on strategic initiatives and core business functions.
Organizations can access the latest tools, technologies, and best practices in security operations by partnering with a managed security services provider without requiring extensive in-house resources. This approach enhances security resilience and ensures operational continuity and operational growth.
Explore the Platform
Adlumin XDR ensures swift setup unrivaled visibility spanning endpoints, users, and the perimeter, and provides contextual insights for rapid, informed decision-making.
