EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)
Security software that watches business devices for attacks and stops them before they spread.What Is EDR?
EDR stands for endpoint detection and response. An endpoint is any device that connects to your network: laptops, desktops, servers and sometimes phones. EDR software runs on each one, records what’s happening in real time and looks for behavior that signals an attack, like a program suddenly encrypting files or a login from an unusual place. When it spots a threat, it can cut the device off from the network and stop the attack before it spreads.
How EDR Works
- Monitor. Records activity on every endpoint, all the time.
- Detect. Analyzes behavior to flag suspicious activity, including new threats no one has seen before.
- Respond. Isolates the device, stops the malicious process and in some cases reverses the changes it made.
- Investigate. Keeps a record so security teams can see how an attack started and what it touched.
EDR vs Antivirus
| Feature | Antivirus | EDR |
|---|---|---|
| How it detects | Matches files against known threats | Watches behavior for signs of an attack |
| New threats | Often misses them | Built to catch them |
| Response | Blocks or quarantines a file | Isolates devices, stops processes, supports investigation |
| Visibility | Limited | Full activity history on each device |
EDR vs MDR vs XDR
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| EDR | Software that detects and responds to threats on endpoints |
| MDR | Managed detection and response: security analysts monitor alerts and respond around the clock |
| XDR | Extended detection and response: EDR expanded to watch email, network and cloud activity too |
EDR is a tool. MDR is a service that puts people behind the tool, which matters for any business without a security team watching alerts at 2 a.m.
Why EDR Matters for Small Businesses
Ransomware and phishing attacks often target small businesses because many still rely on antivirus alone. Many cyber insurance providers now ask whether you use EDR and multi-factor authentication before they’ll offer coverage.
EDR From ALLO Business
ALLO Business cybersecurity includes endpoint detection and response, managed detection and response (MDR) with 24/7 monitoring, multi-factor authentication and a managed firewall service.
Protect every device on your network.
FAQs
What does EDR stand for?
Endpoint detection and response: security software that monitors devices for threats and responds automatically.
Is EDR the same as antivirus?
No. Antivirus looks for known malicious files. EDR watches how programs and users behave, so it can catch new attacks antivirus hasn't seen before.
Do small businesses need EDR?
Increasingly, yes. Small businesses are frequent ransomware targets, and many cyber insurance providers now expect EDR on company devices.
What's the difference between EDR and MDR?
EDR is the software. MDR is a managed service where security analysts monitor EDR alerts and respond for you, around the clock.
Does EDR slow down computers?
Modern EDR is designed to run in the background with little effect on everyday performance.
