As cyber criminals discover new ways to infiltrate business systems, organizations must prioritize strengthening their defense mechanisms. To cope with such risky situations and walk one step ahead of attackers, businesses must adopt robust cybersecurity solutions.
Two must-have solutions for businesses are:
- EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)
- NDR (Network Detection and Response)
These two solutions are unavoidable to protect two key vulnerable attack points: endpoints and networks.
In this article, we will go through them one by one and highlight their differences.
What is EDR?
Endpoint Detection and Response mainly focuses on securing individual devices such as:
- Servers
- Desktops
- Laptops
- Phones, and other individual devices.
Key features of EDR include:
- Monitoring device activities like file access and app usage.
- Detecting unusual behavior that could indicate a threat or malware.
- Isolating infected devices and stopping harmful actions quickly.
- Collecting data for later analysis and threat investigation.
What is NDR?
Network Detection and Response focuses on network traffic to spot unusual activities and potential threats, helping prevent issues before they escalate.
NDR monitors communication between devices on the network, including:
- Routers
- Switches
- Servers, and
- IoT devices
A key strength of NDR is spotting the lateral movement of attackers (where threats move across the network), which can evade standard security systems.
Key features of NDR include:
- Monitoring network traffic in real-time to spot unusual behavior.
- Spotting patterns that could indicate a breach, even if subtle.
- Tracking both incoming/outgoing and internal network traffic to identify new risks.
- Identifying attacks that are trying to spread across the network.
Both security systems play distinct roles, crucial for protecting a business’s systems and network.
Understanding EDR and NDR: The Key Differences
Check the key differences between EDR and NDR:
| Aspect | EDR | NDR |
| Focus Area | Protects individual devices (servers, laptops, mobile devices). | Secures the entire network and monitors all traffic passing through. |
| Scope of Detection | Detects threats targeting endpoints (malware, ransomware, unauthorized access). | Detects network-wide threats (lateral movement, data exfiltration, multi-device attacks). |
| Data Sources | Collects data from individual endpoints (user activity, file access, app usage). | Analyzes network traffic data (DNS queries, IP logs, inter-device communication). |
| Response Actions | Responds at the device level (quarantines endpoints, stops processes, rolls back changes). | Responds at the network level (isolates compromised segments, blocks malicious IPs). |
| Ease of Management | Easier to manage, as it focuses on individual endpoints, simplifying threat tracking. | More complex to manage due to large-scale data analysis and advanced threat detection. |
| Cost and Deployment | More affordable and quicker to deploy, as it focuses on specific endpoints, but costs can increase with the number of endpoints involved. | Comparatively expensive and may take time to deploy, as it covers the whole network. |
When to Choose EDR and NDR
| When to Use | EDR | NDR |
| Ideal for | Organizations of all sizes looking to protect individual devices (laptops, desktops, servers). | Organizations with diverse network infrastructures requiring comprehensive network-wide protection. |
| Best for | Businesses seeking automated, real-time protection and fast remediation for endpoints. | Organizations facing complex threats like Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), lateral movement, and network-based attacks. |
| Sensitive Data Protection | Valuable for businesses where sensitive data is stored or accessed on devices (e.g., law firms, tech companies). | Essential for industries like healthcare and finance that must protect sensitive data throughout their entire network. |
When to Use Both?
In many cases, combining EDR and NDR gives the most comprehensive protection. Here’s why:
- Integrated Security Layers: NDR tracks network traffic to detect threats affecting multiple devices, while EDR targets threats on individual devices. Together, they provide complete protection for both the network and endpoints.
- Holistic Visibility: Using both solutions together protects your systems and network as a whole, leaving no stone unturned and no security gaps.
Best Practices for EDR and NDR Integration
Check the best practices for running both solutions together effectively:
- Ensure your EDR and NDR systems work together smoothly to avoid missed threats or false alarms.
- Combine both systems into one dashboard to track network and device activities more easily.
- Regularly update both systems to stay protected against new threats and adjust settings for better integration.
How Fidelis EDR and NDR Protect Your Business
Fidelis Endpoint® (EDR) and Fidelis Network® (NDR) work in tandem to provide complete cybersecurity protection.
Fidelis Endpoint®
The key features of Fidelis EDR include:
- Monitors Endpoints: Tracks device activities to detect threats before they spread.
- Quick Response: Isolates compromised devices and stops attacks in real-time.
- Forensic Tools: Gathers data to help you understand and prevent future attacks.
- Protects Against Ransomware: Stops attacks even if devices are offline.
Fidelis Network®
The key features of Fidelis NDR include:
- Monitors Network Traffic: Detects unusual behavior and potential threats in the network in real-time.
- Deep Visibility: Offers full insight into your network to spot risks like data theft and malware.
- Fast Detection: Identifies breaches faster to reduce damage.
- Automated Response: Isolates compromised areas of the network to stop attacks from spreading.
Together, Fidelis EDR and NDR give you complete protection by monitoring your network and devices. They together detect threats faster, respond quickly, and reduce damage.
Summary
EDR offers real-time protection for individual devices, stopping malware and ransomware, making it ideal for endpoint security. NDR is crucial for detecting network-wide threats and lateral movements, perfect for larger networks or sensitive data. Combining both ensures a layered defense, safeguarding both networks and individual devices for complete security coverage.
