Difference Between Antivirus and EDR
In 2021, almost 5.4 billion malware attacks were reported; this number was highest at 10.5 billion in 2018. With these kinds of numbers, it's no wonder that enterprises and organizations are scrambling to beef up their cyber security measures.
But what's the best way to protect your data?
Should you invest in security software or EDR?
The answer is both. Here's a breakdown of the differences between these two crucial cybersecurity tools.
Security has been the go-to solution for protecting business computers from malware and other cybersecurity threats for years. However, in recent years, a new type of security software has. It is known as Endpoint Detection and Response and has been gaining popularity. So, what's the difference between these two types of security solutions? Let's take a look.
How Antivirus Works?
Antivirus is designed to detect and remove malicious software, such as viruses, trojans, spyware, and adware, from computers. It typically runs in the background of a computer and scans files for signs of malware. If malware is detected, the antivirus software will attempt to remove it.
What is EDR?
Endpoint Detection and Response is a type of security software that goes beyond traditional antivirus protection by proactively searching for signs of malware and other suspicious activity.
How EDR Works?
EDR solutions are typically deployed on servers and workstations in an organization or enterprise. In addition to scanning for malware, the best EDR solutions monitor network traffic and user activity for signs of suspicious activity. If suspicious activity is detected, EDR software takes actions such as:
- Prevent or mitigate an attack;
- Put restrictions on user activity,
- or even block access to certain websites or applications.
The best EDR solutions monitor suspicious activity 24/7 and generate alerts when something looks fishy. Once a signal has been developed, it can be investigated by security analysts to determine whether there is a threat present. If the system detects a threat, it initiates a quick response. The purpose is to contain threat quickly before it does any data damage.
Critical Differences Between Antivirus and EDR Solutions
The most apparent difference between antivirus and EDR solutions is that EDR provides more comprehensive protection than antivirus alone. However, there are some other key differences between these two types of security solutions:
Reactive Vs. Proactive Security Approach Between EDR and Antivirus
Antivirus software is designed to detect and remove malicious software after it has already been installed on a computer. In contrast, EDR solutions are designed to proactively prevent malicious software from being installed in the first place. In other words, antivirus software is reactive, while the best EDR solutions are proactive.
Auto vs. Human Control of EDR
Another key difference is that EDR solutions require human intervention to investigate alerts and take action. However, most antivirus programs can remove malware infections without any input from the user automatically.
Cost Difference Between EDR
EDR solutions can be more expensive than antivirus software due to their more complex design and higher resource requirements. But every penny you pay for an EDR Security solution is worth it because it offers sophisticated cyber security.
Deployments of EDR
Antivirus software is typically deployed on individual computers, while EDR solutions are deployed on servers or across an entire network. EDR solutions usually require more computing resources than antivirus software due to their more sophisticated approach to threat detection. Antivirus can only deal with some threats, while EDR security solutions are more comprehensive.
How to Decide Whether Your Organization Needs EDR
While antivirus and EDR solutions are essential for protecting against malware attacks, they each have strengths and weaknesses. Antivirus software is typically better at removing existing malware infections, while the best EDR solutions are better at preventing infections from occurring in the first place.
The best way to protect your data is by using both antivirus and EDR solutions to get the most comprehensive protection possible.
One may be better suited to organizational needs than the other solution. For example, if real-time monitoring isn't required—antivirus may suffice.
But when it is crucial to identify sophisticated attacks before they cause severe damage, deploying both antivirus software alongside an EDR (endpoint detection response) solution is the right thing to do.
The bottom line is that each organization should assess its needs to determine which security solution is right for them.
Xcitium's Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Solutions
As enterprises grow, their network and program become sophisticated. There is a need to do real-time monitoring detection with both AntiVirus + Endpoint Detention and Response. The purpose is to get enhanced protection against sophisticated attacks.No matter which route you decide to take in securing your endpoint device. The goal should always be keeping your critical data safe from bad actors!
