Modern threat detection
Today’s attacks aren’t like they were just a few years ago. They’re increasingly rarer in the form of classic malware that can be easily blocked with a signature.
They start with:
hijacked account
incorrect configuration
a legal tool used for an illegal purpose
In this model, traditional antivirus is no longer effective because it does not analyze the behavior of the system, but only compares files with a database of known threats.
This is where EDR and XDR systems come in – solutions designed to detect, analyze, and respond to attacks that have already bypassed the prevention layer.
Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) is a system that provides continuous monitoring of workstations and servers. Instead of focusing on individual files, EDR collects detailed telemetry regarding processes, their dependencies, memory activity, file operations, and network communications. This allows for the detection of not only known malware but also, and more importantly, abuse of legitimate system tools, fileless attacks, and activities characteristic of lateral movement and privilege escalation.
EDR allows not only for identifying suspicious behavior but also for reconstructing the full course of the incident. The security team can see how the attack began, what process served as the entry point, and what actions were performed on the infected host. Another key element is the ability to immediately respond – isolating the endpoint from the network, stopping the process, or collecting artifacts for further analysis.
For organizations, this means real control over what’s happening on their endpoint systems, instead of relying on guesswork and incomplete logs.
Extended Detection & Response (XDR) expands the EDR concept by combining endpoint data with network, email, identity, and cloud telemetry. Instead of analyzing individual alerts in isolation, XDR correlates events across time and space, building a coherent picture of the attack campaign.
This allows for quick understanding of whether a given alert is an isolated incident or part of a broader threat. XDR significantly reduces false positives and allows security teams to focus on real incidents rather than analyzing thousands of uncorrelated events.
From a business perspective, XDR translates into faster detection and response times, a reduced risk of attack escalation, and better utilization of IT and SOC resources.
ESET's EDR/XDR solution focuses on highly detailed analysis of endpoint behavior, leveraging multi-layered detection based on heuristics, reputation, and machine learning. The system provides deep visibility into processes, memory activity, and network communications, enabling effective detection of fileless attacks and abuse of legitimate system tools. A key element is EDR's integration with the ESET Inspect platform, which allows for manual incident analysis and precise response. ESET prioritizes security team control, offering extensive analytical capabilities over full automation. The solution is particularly effective in environments where operational transparency and low overhead on endpoint systems are key.
Bitdefender EDR/XDR is built on the highly automated GravityZone platform, which combines telemetry from endpoints, networks, and cloud environments into a single, coherent threat view. A strong emphasis is placed on event correlation and automated attack scenario creation, allowing for rapid assessment of incident severity. The system leverages advanced behavioral analysis and a global telemetry network to detect new attack techniques. Bitdefender offers extensive response playbooks, enabling partial or full automation of incident response. This solution is aimed at organizations that require rapid detection and minimal operational burden.
WithSecure EDR/XDR stands out for its approach, combining automated detection with expert analysis and services to support security teams. The platform focuses on early threat detection and providing clear business context for incidents. Integrating data from endpoints, identities, and the cloud to identify targeted attacks plays a significant role. WithSecure prioritizes usability and rapid decision-making over excessive technical alerts. This solution is often chosen by organizations seeking a balance between technical depth and operational support.