DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EDR AND SIEM?

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Nowadays, cybercriminals use sophisticated and complex strategies to infiltrate a network. That is the reason why cyberattack cases have been on the rise over the past few years. COVID-19 is not helping either, as 43% of workers have made mistakes that had security repercussions.

Because of this problem, there is a need for a strong cybersecurity solution in the workplace. EDR and SIEM are two of the most well-known cybersecurity tools worldwide. Both have proven to be effective and efficient when it comes to dealing with security in a company. However, which cybersecurity solution would be the most suitable for your organization?

Before availing of EDR or SIEM as a cybersecurity solution, you should understand the differences between the two tools. Let’s take an in-depth look at what EDR and SIEM have to offer below.

WHAT IS EDR?

EDR stands for Endpoint Detection and Response. It gives protection against cyber security attacks across various endpoint devices. To help you understand EDR better, let’s break it down into these three parts:

Endpoint – Endpoint refers to any device that is capable of connecting to a network. It includes the smartphone, laptop, desktop computer, tablet, cloud-based systems, and IoT devices.
Detection – Every EDR consists of a data exploration and threat hunting tool. As such, the EDR would regularly scan for signs of any unusual activity in every endpoint device.
Response – If the EDR discovers a potential threat, it will alert the system user immediately. This way, users can take the appropriate procedures in reducing the risk of cyberattacks.

EDR mainly focuses on endpoint protection rather than the whole system. As such, this tool uses endpoint data as its main source. The EDR can then collect endpoint incident data, detect unusual activity, and trigger security alerts. It also has the tools in preventing any malicious activity—both manual and automated.

However, EDR has some limitations. One downside to it is the fact that it only focuses on endpoint systems. Also, an agent-based EDR tool needs installation on each endpoint and it can get a little inconvenient. Nevertheless, EDR performs well in detecting possible cyber threats and in alerting the system user.

WHAT IS SIEM?

SIEM, on the other hand, refers to Security Information and Event Management. It serves as a centralized management tool for cyber threat detection, analysis, and response. Unlike EDR, SIEM doesn’t have any limit, and it can analyze data from devices other than the endpoint.

The primary benefits of SIEM include:

Shorter time process in identifying the potential threats. It allows you to prepare ahead of time and minimize the damage from those cyber attacks.
The ability to collect and store data all in one place
Excellent visibility into your IT infrastructure.
Detailed forensic analysis and reports can help you prepare for big cyberattacks in your system.

However, the downside of SIEM is that it can get expensive, which may not be ideal for small organizations. The initial payment needed for this tool can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Not to mention, you have to pay for other factors, such as the experts to analyze the reports.

WHICH CYBERSECURITY SOLUTION DOES YOUR ORGANIZATION NEED?

With the implementation of work from home policy due to COVID-19, many companies use EDR for endpoint protection. That is because most workers use their devices at work, which is not good for security. Most organizations also see EDR as an essential component for remote work operations.

But, ideally, it is still the best option to combine both EDR and SIEM. Why? That is because you will be able to maximize your network’s security to its full potential. It also helps you build an effective and sophisticated security defense system in your organization.

As said earlier, EDR only focuses on endpoint protection. It detects potential threats and notifies the system user of any unusual activities within an endpoint device. However, SIEM does not have any limit, and it can analyze data across multiple log sources. If you combine these two, you can make your network’s security even stronger than before.

If you would like to avail of EDR and/or SIEM for your organization, we can help you with the process. Comodo is a leading cybersecurity platform that offers comprehensive solutions in EDR and SIEM. We can detect potential cybersecurity threats that other vendors cannot and protect your company against cyber attacks. Have a strong security defense system in your organization today and avoid any threats from happening!