Endpoint detection and response or EDR security software is a popular cybersecurity solution today. It uses behavioral analysis instead of the signature-based approach that traditional antivirus software uses.
Spotting The Differences Between EDR Vs Antivirus
If you haven't encountered the term EDR (Endpoint detection response) before, then you've come to the right place. We will discuss in this article what it is, how EDR vs. antivirus differs, and why you need it in your security arsenal.
EDR Vs Antivirus: But first, What is an Endpoint?
EDR Endpoints are devices utilized by end-users. It includes laptops, mobile devices, servers, and printers. It is considered an endpoint as long as it serves as a gateway to your system.
Is having multiple EDR endpoints a risky move?
No matter your organization's size, you're probably using some endpoint. Since some of your employees are working remotely and they need to access files or network resources constantly, there is an inevitable chance that your data will be compromised.

Integrating more access points to your network gives attackers more opportunities to infiltrate your system. EDR endpoints are the likely targets of malware, ransomware, and viruses. Without proper EDR security attention, minor vulnerabilities can result in breaches and data loss.
In addition to this, new policies like BYOD or Bring Your Device increases can be detrimental to your defenses. Unsecured devices are hard to control at an organizational level.
So how can your organization reduce the risks of data breaches? You need to take advanced steps like deploying EDR (Endpoint detection response) software to protect your valuable assets.
EDR Vs Antivirus - What is EDR?
EDR security monitors your environment, detecting malicious threats all over your domain. It examines the lifecycle of threats to inform you of what happened, where it is located, what files it has affected, what it is doing now, and how to resolve it. By isolating the threat in the EDR endpoint, you can eliminate it right away before it even spreads.
EDR Vs Antivirus - What is Antivirus?
Antivirus and EDR software does regular scanning of devices to detect known threats. Antivirus and EDR also helps remove basic viruses like worms, malware, trojans, and adware.
Differences Between EDR vs Antivirus
Here are some of the differences between EDR vs Antivirus:
Extent of Coverage
Antivirus programs are more straightforward and limited in scope than modern EDR (Endpoint detection response) software. Their general purposes include scanning, detection, and removal of malware.
Meanwhile, EDR systems have an immense responsibility. Aside from taking antivirus as a part of its protection, EDR also taps other security tools like firewall, white-listing, and monitoring, among others. This way, there is a more comprehensive approach to dealing with elusive cyber threats.
EDR (Endpoint detection response) typically runs on the client-server model, protecting endpoints and the whole network. It is more equipped to handle the current cybersecurity landscape than traditional antivirus.
Protecting Enterprises System
As more businesses rely heavily on technology, there is also a growing need for modern-day security. Traditional antivirus security lacks the power to protect more prominent companies and continue expanding their digital perimeters.
Antivirus programs don't have a centralized system; that's why they tend to miss out on other threats. When attacks are multi-stage and personalized, they present a more considerable risk to the network. Unfortunately, antivirus solutions can't control them.
Remote work and mobility have also caused the fast growth of the network perimeter. Even though a growing digital network and perimeter mean better business, it makes organizations more vulnerable to data breaches.
With an EDR security solution in place, you can ensure the safety and security of your network perimeter. They offer centralized protection, tracking the threats on your endpoints. They deliver a holistic defense strategy for your network, outsmarting dangerous hackers.
Detecting Threats Quickly
We cannot deny that cybercriminals grow more and more intelligent by the day. They always find new ways to infiltrate your network.
Traditional antivirus security gives a lightweight kind of protection against advanced cyber-attacks. It detects malware and viruses through a signature-based approach. It sifts through the database to compare the malicious behavior it finds with previously detected viruses. Here's the thing, though; hackers can improve codes to bypass legacy security solutions easily.
On the other hand, EDR (Endpoint detection response) software can detect all threats and provide real-time solutions. It will let you know the complete scope of the potential attack so you can be ready in case it arrives. It also collects high-quality forensic data that you can use for incident response and investigations. Simply put, EDR solutions are more prepared to tackle threats than your regular antivirus.
Wrap Up - (Endpoint Detection and Response) EDR vs Antivirus
Xcitium offers an industry-leading EDR security solution to provide your company with the necessary security you need. Do you need help with your security strategy? Contact us today.