By Charles Joseph | Cybersecurity Researcher

 Published on November 25th, 2022

This post was updated on October 6th, 2024

EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) is a cybersecurity technology that provides continuous monitoring, detection, and response capabilities for endpoint devices such as laptops, desktops, servers, and other network-connected devices.

EDR solutions identify, investigate, and remediate threats that traditional antivirus or anti-malware tools might miss.

Let’s imagine a ransomware attack on a computer.

If it is running an EDR agent, it detects suspicious behavior, like file encryption, and immediately sends an alert.

It automatically stops the malicious process and isolates the machine from the network to prevent further damage.

You’d then review the data to see how the attack happened and what was affected.

Finally, EDR helps you roll back changes, restoring the system to its pre-attack state.

This provides real-time detection, response, and forensic insights, all with minimal manual intervention.

Critical Functions Provided by EDR

An EDR agent monitors a wide range of data on an endpoint to detect and respond to potential threats. It tracks process activity, such as the creation, execution, and termination of processes, as well as any suspicious behavior or unusual command-line usage. The agent also watches file system changes, including file creation, modification, and deletion, focusing on sensitive files.

For Windows systems, it monitors registry changes, particularly those related to persistence techniques used by malware. Regarding network activity, it keeps track of IP addresses, domains, ports, and connections, flagging communication with known malicious servers.

The agent also assesses memory activity, detecting threats like file-less malware, and reviews user activity, such as login attempts, privilege escalations, and abnormal access patterns. It monitors scripts (e.g., PowerShell, Bash), watching for malicious or unusual executions.

Additionally, it analyzes system logs for any errors or security-relevant events and detects behavioral anomalies that deviate from normal system patterns, like abnormal encryption processes that may indicate ransomware. This comprehensive data collection allows the EDR to respond quickly to potential threats.

When Would You Use It?

You would use EDR because it provides real-time threat detection that goes beyond what traditional antivirus solutions offer. Modern cyber threats, like file-less malware, ransomware, and zero-day exploits, are sophisticated and often evade traditional security measures. EDR monitors everything happening on your endpoints, from process activity to network connections, allowing you to spot and stop these advanced threats before they cause significant damage.

Another reason to use EDR is its ability to respond to threats automatically. Instead of waiting for manual intervention, the system can isolate compromised machines, stop malicious processes, and even roll back changes like file encryption caused by ransomware. This level of automation drastically reduces the time it takes to mitigate attacks, limiting potential damage and downtime.

EDR also offers deep visibility into endpoint behavior. It provides a clear, detailed picture of what’s happening across all devices, allowing security teams to quickly identify abnormal behavior, investigate incidents, and trace the root cause of attacks. This makes it invaluable for both proactive threat hunting and reactive incident response.

Furthermore, EDR tools deliver detailed forensic data that can be critical for post-incident investigations. When an attack occurs, knowing exactly how it happened, what files were affected, and which systems were involved is crucial for understanding the full scope of the breach and improving defenses going forward.

However, implementing and managing an EDR solution can be complex and resource-intensive. This is where an MSP (Managed Service Provider) comes in. If your organization lacks the in-house expertise or bandwidth to manage a comprehensive security solution, working with an MSP can help. They can monitor and respond to threats on your behalf, ensuring your systems are protected 24/7 without adding extra burden to your internal team.

Popular EDR Options

Here’s a list of popular EDR products, their websites, and a short description for each:

How Much Does an EDR Solution Cost?

The cost of EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) solutions varies based on the vendor, features, and the number of endpoints. On average, basic EDR solutions cost between $5 to $15 per endpoint per month, covering real-time threat detection and response. Advanced solutions with features like automated threat hunting and integration with other tools typically range from $20 to $30 per endpoint per month.

For MDR (Managed Detection and Response) services, which include EDR with 24/7 monitoring and response, the cost can be higher, ranging from $30 to $100+ per endpoint per month.

Popular EDR vendors like CrowdStrike and SentinelOne charge around $8 to $18 per endpoint per month, while Huntress is more affordable for SMBs, at $5 to $7 per endpoint per month.

For a small business with 100 endpoints, total costs generally range from $500 to $1,500 monthly, depending on the chosen solution.