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Patrick Martin

By: Patrick Martin on October 16, 2024

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How An Endpoint Detection And Response System Can Stop A Cyber Attack

Cybersecurity

You may have heard of the term endpoint protection, but do you know what it is and why it is so important for your business? Endpoint protection is actually like a multifunction pocketknife, providing several different tools to safeguard your devices against cyber threats.

Cybercriminals are using ransomware attacks, phishing techniques, and other schemes to sneak into your network systems, often through the devices (or endpoints) your staff is using.

Endpoint detection and response (EDR) goes beyond simply installing antivirus and anti-malware software.

Instead, it is a comprehensive security solution that continually monitors devices and users connecting to your network. An EDR uses automated tools to detect malicious activity at the device, block traffic from a possibly infected IP address, and eliminate the threat.

After reading this article, you will understand what EDR is and learn 6 components of an effective EDR system that will speed up your incident response to potential data breaches.

What Is An Endpoint?

In a nutshell, an endpoint is any physical device that connects to your IT network outside of your firewall.

Endpoints include the ever-growing category of Internet of Things (IoT) devices—hardware embedded into equipment or devices to wirelessly share data over the internet or other networks.


Related Article: Protecting Your IoT Devices and Wired or Wireless Networks


Examples of endpoint devices include:

  • Smartphones
  • Printers
  • Laptops
  • Desktops
  • Servers
  • Internet of things (IoT) devices
  • Smartwatches
  • Point-of-sale (POS) systems
  • Network switches
  • Digital cameras
  • Routers
  • Network gateways
  • Smart appliances

Why Do My Devices Need To Be Protected?

In this age of digital transformation and remote work environments, an EDR can secure your IT network, whether it’s on premises or in the cloud.

The explosion in phishing incidents, ransomware, and distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks means no business is safe from cyber threats.

Bad actors are using advanced technology like AI, along with malicious software, to launch ransomware and other cyber attacks to steal personal data and other sensitive information.


Related Article: Top 3 Cybersecurity Threats For Small Businesses (& How To Stay Safe)


An EDR is a proactive way to safeguard your computer systems and valuable devices, regardless of where or when your employees are accessing them.

It is a crucial part of your security plan because it stops advanced threats at the endpoints, preventing significant harm to your critical infrastructure.

An comprehensive EDR is an automated system that can detect and monitor the many devices accessing information, files, and applications on your network in real-time. The system will also check the visibility of all devices connecting to your network.

Your EDR is designed to record the device and user information it collects and then share it with your IT security team members.

Using these EDR tools, your IT team will be able to respond to threats more quickly and efficiently.

In addition, many business liability insurance policies are now requiring businesses to implement heightened cybersecurity measures in the event of a data breach or other cybersecurity incident.


Related Article: 5 Common Business IT Security Tools Required For Cyber Insurance


What Should My EDR Contain?

An EDR security solution can help secure your network on multiple fronts. All of them are essential to your overall security strategy.

Here are 6 security measures your EDR should encompass:

  1. Visibility: Real-time detection and analysis of all endpoints and users, as well as detection of unmanaged endpoints, connected to your network
  2. Continuous monitoring: Proactive monitoring of your endpoints
  3. Data analysis and threat investigation: Works in tandem with your IT security team to flag, evaluate, and prioritize suspicious behavior
  4. Automated Response: Immediate containment and elimination of suspected threats using robust tools
  5. Data Storage: Keeps a complete record of breaches and responses to help your security team understand the scope of each incident and the appropriate measures to take in the future.
  6. System integration: Should fit seamlessly into your existing security infrastructure

What’s The Bottom Line?

After reading this article, you now understand the benefits of incorporating a comprehensive endpoint detection and response system goes far beyond simply installing antivirus or anti-malware software for endpoint protection.

We’ve detailed how an EDR, working with your IT security center staff, provides automated, 24/7 endpoint monitoring, threat detection and analysis, and a predetermined response to cyber threats. In doing so, your EDR can speed up your response time and limit any potential harm to your business. 

At this point, you may be wondering how to go about integrating an EDR into your IT environment.

Perhaps you already have a cybersecurity team that is capable of integrating an EDR into your existing security landscape.

If not, partnering with a managed IT services provider (MSP) might be an option for you to consider. If you want to learn more about what an MSP is and the services it provides, we’ve done some of the research for you.


Related Article: What Managed Service Providers Do


If you’re ready to learn more about how Kelser can help you devise and implement an EDR or any other cybersecurity tool, simply click the button and one of our knowledgeable IT experts will contact you to see if we might be a good fit to work with.

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About Patrick Martin

As vice president, engineering services, Patrick tackles technical challenges on a daily basis. He enjoys working with customers to help them use technology effectively to achieve their strategic business goals and objectives.

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