What is XDR vs EDR vs MDR? Breaking down Extended Detection and Response

Summary

This video script delves into cybersecurity concepts of EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response), XDR (Extended Detection and Response), and MDR (Managed Detection and Response). It explains how EDR focuses on post-execution malware detection and mitigation, while XDR integrates multiple security products for a cohesive threat response. The script also highlights the importance of minimizing 'dwell time'—the period an attacker remains undetected in a network—and how MDR services can provide 24/7 threat monitoring and response using these technologies to enhance cybersecurity posture.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Dwell time refers to the duration an attacker can remain undetected within a network, calculated by adding the mean time of detection and mean time of repair.
• 📉 In 2020, the average global dwell time was 56 days, meaning attackers had nearly two months inside a network before being detected.
• 🛡️ EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) tools aim to reduce dwell time by detecting and responding to threats at the endpoint level.
• 🌐 XDR (Extended Detection and Response) expands on EDR by including other critical network areas like firewalls and cloud applications.
• 🔧 EDR focuses on post-infection detection and response, identifying and mitigating threats that antivirus engines may miss.
• 🤖 XDR integrates multiple security products, using AI to analyze and correlate telemetry data to detect and respond to threats automatically or manually.
• ⚙️ The key components of XDR include integration of security products, AI-driven analysis, and automated response based on preconfigured playbooks.
• 🕵️ MDR (Managed Detection and Response) is a 24/7 service provided by third parties, leveraging EDR, XDR, and other technologies to monitor, detect, and respond to threats.
• 📊 MDR providers vary in services offered, from basic threat hunting and response to advanced incident response with on-site personnel.
• 🔗 EDR and XDR are complementary tools, with EDR focusing on endpoints and XDR providing broader network visibility to reduce dwell time and enhance threat response.

Q & A

What is dwell time in cybersecurity?

Dwell time refers to the length of time an attacker can operate undetected within a network. It is calculated by adding the mean time of detection to the mean time of repair.

What was the average global dwell time in 2020 according to FireEye?

The average global dwell time in 2020 was 56 days, indicating that attackers had nearly two months on average inside a network before being detected.

What are EDR and XDR, and how do they aim to reduce dwell time?

EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) and XDR (Extended Detection and Response) are cybersecurity tools designed to detect and respond to threats more quickly, thereby reducing the time an attacker can remain undetected within a network.

What is the primary focus of EDR?

EDR focuses on detection and response at the endpoint level, specifically targeting threats that have already been executed on a machine, after traditional antivirus solutions have failed.

How does XDR differ from EDR?

XDR expands on EDR by including other critical areas of the network, such as firewalls and cloud applications, and it integrates multiple security products into a cohesive system for unified threat detection and response.

What is the significance of forensics in the EDR process?

Forensics in EDR is crucial for facilitating the threat hunting process, allowing security professionals to search for specific indicators of compromise or analyze recorded events on endpoints to identify the impact of breaches.

How does XDR leverage AI in its operation?

XDR uses AI to analyze and correlate telemetry data from various security products, identifying behavioral patterns that may indicate a security risk, which would be nearly impossible to detect manually.

What is the role of MDR in the context of cybersecurity?

MDR (Managed Detection and Response) is a service provided by a third party that offers 24/7 threat monitoring, detection, and lightweight response, leveraging a combination of technologies and often incorporating XDR capabilities for extended visibility.

What are the key components of an MDR service as defined by Forrester?

Forrester defines the key components of an MDR service as security analytics, proactive threat hunting, and automated incident response using SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response) or manual response using predefined playbooks.

How do EDR and XDR complement each other in a cybersecurity strategy?

EDR and XDR are not mutually exclusive but complementary. EDR provides detailed insights at the endpoint level, while XDR offers a broader view by integrating data from various network components, enhancing the overall ability to detect and respond to threats.

Why might an organization opt for an MDR service over managing EDR or XDR in-house?

Organizations might choose an MDR service due to a lack of in-house manpower or expertise to manage EDR or XDR solutions effectively, allowing them to leverage the specialized knowledge and resources of a managed service provider.

Outlines

00:00

🕵️‍♂️ Understanding Dwell Time and EDR/XDR

The first paragraph introduces the concept of 'dwell time,' which is the average period an attacker remains undetected within a network, highlighting the 2020 global average of 56 days. It explains the role of Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Extended Detection and Response (XDR) technologies in reducing this time by swiftly identifying and addressing threats. EDR focuses on endpoint-level detection and mitigation post-malware execution, while XDR offers a broader network perspective, integrating data from various security products. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of minimizing dwell time and the evolution of security tools to address the complexity of modern networks, including IoT devices and cloud applications.

05:02

🤖 The Role of AI in XDR and the MDR Service Model

The second paragraph delves into the specifics of XDR, which leverages AI to analyze telemetry data across the network for anomaly detection, making real-time assessments that would be infeasible manually. It discusses the three main components of XDR: integration, analysis, and response, detailing how XDR can automatically remediate security risks based on AI-driven decisions. The paragraph then transitions to Managed Detection and Response (MDR), a service provided by third parties that offers 24/7 threat monitoring and response, utilizing a combination of technologies and human expertise. MDR services are categorized into basic, managed EDR, and advanced incident response levels, with the quality of service hinging on the effective use of XDR capabilities. The paragraph concludes by stressing the importance of quick threat detection and response in reducing dwell time and the growing role of MDR as a managed service for organizations lacking in-house expertise.

Keywords

💡Dwell Time

Dwell time is the period during which an attacker operates undetected within a network. It is calculated by adding the mean time to detect and the mean time to repair. The script mentions that the global average dwell time in 2020 was 56 days, indicating that attackers had nearly two months of access before being identified and dealt with. This concept is central to the video's theme, as it highlights the importance of early detection and response to cyber threats.

💡EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)

EDR refers to a security solution that focuses on detecting and responding to threats after they have breached a system. Unlike traditional antivirus software that prevents malware execution, EDR is concerned with post-infection activities, such as detecting malware that antivirus engines missed and taking mitigation actions. The script explains that EDR tools are crucial in reducing dwell time by identifying and containing threats more effectively.

💡XDR (Extended Detection and Response)

XDR is an evolution of EDR, providing a more comprehensive approach to threat detection and response by integrating multiple security products into a unified system. The script describes XDR as a service that ingests data from various security products to correlate and analyze it, thereby identifying threats that might be missed by individual tools. XDR is key to the video's narrative as it represents an advanced strategy for minimizing the time attackers can operate within a network.

💡MDR (Managed Detection and Response)

MDR is a service provided by third parties that offer 24/7 threat monitoring, detection, and response. The script notes that MDR services leverage a combination of technologies and are defined by their ability to incorporate XDR visibility from various network components. MDR is significant in the video as it addresses the gap in expertise and resources that many organizations face, offering a managed approach to cybersecurity.

💡Threat Hunting

Threat hunting is an active process of searching for threats that have bypassed other security measures. The script mentions that MDR services include proactive threat hunting as part of their offerings, which involves using forensics and AI to search for suspicious activities or patterns that indicate a potential breach.

💡Incident Response

Incident response is the process of detecting, investigating, and responding to cybersecurity incidents. The script discusses how MDR services include automated incident response using SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response) or manual response using predefined playbooks, which is essential for quickly addressing and mitigating threats.

💡Forensics

Forensics in the context of cybersecurity refers to the analysis of data to determine the cause and extent of a security breach. The script explains that EDR tools use forensics to facilitate threat hunting by searching for specific indicators or behaviors that suggest a compromise has occurred.

💡Playbooks

Playbooks are predefined sets of procedures that guide the response to specific types of incidents. The script mentions that EDR and XDR tools can automate responses based on playbooks, which helps in standardizing the response process and ensuring consistent application of best practices.

💡Malware

Malware is any software designed to cause harm to a computer system or its users. The script discusses how EDR tools are particularly useful in detecting and mitigating malware that has evaded initial prevention measures, such as antivirus software.

💡AI (Artificial Intelligence)

AI is used in the context of XDR to analyze large volumes of data and detect anomalies or patterns that may indicate a security threat. The script highlights the role of AI in XDR platforms, which enables the automated detection of threats that would be difficult for human analysts to identify manually.

💡SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response)

SOAR is a framework that integrates security data, technologies, and processes to enhance an organization's ability to detect and respond to threats. The script refers to SOAR in the context of MDR services, where it is used to automate incident response, improving the speed and efficiency of threat mitigation.

Highlights

Dwell time is the average length of time an attacker goes undetected in a network, calculated by adding the mean time of detection and the mean time of repair.

EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) and XDR (Extended Detection and Response) are tools designed to shorten dwell time by quickly detecting and responding to threats.

EDR focuses on post-execution detection and mitigation of malware that antivirus engines may have missed.

XDR integrates multiple security products into a cohesive system for unified threat detection and response.

Traditional antivirus tools are often ineffective, blocking only 50-60% of real-world threats.

Post-infection EDR tools analyze the behavior of malware to detect threats that have already been executed.

EDR uses forensics to aid in threat hunting, searching for suspicious activity or specific processes across endpoints.

XDR's integration capability is critical, allowing it to ingest and work with various products on a network.

XDR analyzes telemetry data from multiple sources to detect outliers and potential threats using AI.

MDR (Managed Detection and Response) is a service provided by a third party for 24/7 threat monitoring and response.

MDR services can vary greatly, with some offering advanced incident response support with boots-on-the-ground personnel.

The quality of MDR services depends on their ability to incorporate XDR visibility from various network tools and data sources.

EDR and XDR are complementary technologies, providing insights into network activity that would be difficult to achieve manually.

Many organizations lack the resources or expertise to manage EDR or XDR, leading to the rise of MDR as a managed service.

The adaptation of EDR has contributed to a reduction in average dwell time, down from 84 days in the previous year to 56 days in 2020.

The video provides an in-depth look at EDR, XDR, and MDR, explaining their roles in improving cybersecurity and reducing threat dwell times.

Transcripts

dwell time refers to the length of time

an attacker is able to roam free on your

network without being detected it's a

number calculated by adding the mean

time of detection with the mean time of

repair according to fireeye the average

global dwell time in 2020 was 56 days

that means that on average an attacker

had nearly two months inside a network

before being cut off

edr and xdr are tools that attempt to

shorten that dwell time by detecting and

responding to threats quicker while edr

focuses on detection and response at the

endpoint level xdr expands on that to

include other critical areas of our

network like our firewall and cloud

applications in this video we'll take a

look at what exactly edr and xcr do and

how mdr uses these technologies to

provide a service

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related videos

to comprehend xdr and mdr we need to

first understand what edr is and the

problem it's trying to solve

edr stands for endpoint detection and

response and it's an endpoint client

that's not just focused on the

prevention of breaches but in detection

and mitigation that happens after the

execution of malware has already

occurred in other words detecting

malware that the antivirus engine didn't

detect and the tools for containment or

mitigation when those are detected let's

start by breaking down an infected

endpoint into two stages pre-infection

and post-infection

pre-infection is where your traditional

anti-virus tools generally live this

might use tools like virus signatures

and machine learning to prevent known

malware from ever executing on the

machine

however we as cyber security

professionals know that this is not very

effective even the best antivirus

engines are only known to block between

50 to 60 of the real world threats that

we see on a daily basis this is where we

move to post-infection or post-execution

tools and in this stage is all about

detecting and responding to threats that

have already been executed on the

machine

for example we know traditional

antivirus is looking at signatures of

known malware those signatures can

easily be modified just enough to sneak

past antibiotic signatures however if we

look at the behavior of the malware

itself it does not change no matter how

much the malware is obfuscated this is

where detection portion of

post-infection comes into play by

looking at the behavior of an unknown

file once it's executed if that behavior

is highly suspicious or known bad then

we want to diffuse or contain it as much

as possible this is where we generally

attack ransomware by trying to stop the

unknown file from ever encrypting files

on the disk

next we move on to the response stage

which is where we automate playbooks and

quarantine users isolate devices or roll

back changes depending on what our

playbooks may dictate a key component of

the edr process is the ability to use

forensics to facilitate the threat

hunting process this could be as simple

as searching your edr clients for a yara

rule or a specific process or combing

through recorded events on the endpoint

itself this can vary from vendor to

vendor but most edr tools record

forensic data when the file passes the

pre-execution phase the forensic data

could include metadata like os processes

that were modified when a file was open

this is fundamentally how many edr

vendors were able to assist in finding

the impact of the solarwinds breach by

looking through common metadata across

the infected endpoints the ultimate goal

of the post-infection phase is to

minimize the dwell time between when an

incident occurred and when that breach

was ultimately contained and remediated

as mentioned previously in 2020 the

average dwell time was 56 days which is

actually down 28

from the previous year in part because

of the adaptation of edr across so many

organizations

while endpoints are a critical component

of the attack surface it's really a

small part of the big picture that makes

up our network modern networks have iot

devices cloud applications firewalls and

many other areas that must be considered

that brings us to xdr or extended

detection and response

gartner defines xdr as a sas based

vendor specific security threat

detection and incident response tool

that natively integrates multiple

security products into a cohesive

security operation system that unifies

all license components put another way

xdr ingests data from multiple security

products in order to correlate telemetry

data that would otherwise be difficult

to find manually by having integration

with these various products xcr gives

you the ability to respond to threats

either automatically or manually

at a high level there's three main

components that make up xdr the

integration the analysis and the

response

the integration piece is a critical

component to any xdr platform and that's

the level to which the xcr solution can

ingest and work with the products on

your network this means not only

monitoring telemetry data like syslog

and snmp but also having deep

integration via api to respond to

threats when incident is detected

with the telemetry data being ingested

by all the relevant sources on your

network xdr then normalizes and

correlates that data between all the

different data types and vendors this

part of the process is the analyze or

detect phase and it's usually powered by

some version of an artificial

intelligence tool to find outliers in

the breadcrumbs of data the ai engine is

trained to look for behaviors from all

the telemetry data ingested throughout

the network and here lies the beauty of

xdr what would be nearly impossible for

a team of sock engineers to do manually

xdr can calculate these breadcrumbs in

real time eventually finding patterns of

behavior that otherwise would have gone

undetected when the ai engine determines

that investigation is deemed to be a

security risk the response phase can

automatically remediate the issue by

responding to the relevant security

devices depending on the playbook that

you have configured for example this

could include blocking an ip at your

firewall quarantining a user at the

switch port or blocking a domain on your

mail server

ultimately xdr is about an ai system

that can take in telemetry data make a

decision based on the supervised

learning it has received and then

respond to the relevant device to

mitigate the risk on your network while

edr and xdr are focused on specific

technologies that detect and respond to

threats on your network mdr is a service

handled by a third party

gardner-defined mdr or managed detection

and response as a 24 7 threat monitoring

detection and lightweight response

service to customers leveraging a

combination of technologies a report

just released by forester in q4 of 2020

goes a bit beyond garter's definition to

define the key components of the mdr

service as security analytics proactive

threat hunting and automated incident

response using soar or manual response

using predefined playbooks the same

report goes on to say this

the quality of the mdr service depends

on its ability to incorporate extended

detection and response visibility from

not just edr software but also network

analysis and visibility tools network

traffic analysis and analysis of

security log data in other words the

ability to use xdr effectively because

the mdr market is still somewhat being

defined providers can vary greatly in

the services they provide

forester groups four segments that

measure the level of capability provided

by mdr providers today

the first level is what i would call the

base level services this will include

gartner's definition of basic mdr

services like proactive threat hunting

investigation and response the next

level would be a managed edr service

where the mdr provider is managing the

edr client and providing the base level

services on top of that so this will

include the threat hunting the

investigation and the response as well

the advanced service will include

incident response as a service which

will also offer traditional boots on the

ground personnel to assist with

incidents

the common theme around all three of

these topics that we discussed in this

video is detecting and responding to

threats quicker edr is usually the

starting point in our journey towards

lowering the dwell time because

endpoints are generally the biggest risk

in our attack surface however good

coordinated attacks usually involve more

than just the endpoints and that's why

xdr is the next evolution edr and xdr

are not mutually exclusive but

complementary both provide insight into

what's happening on your network that

would otherwise be difficult or

impossible to do manually the reality is

that a lot of organizations don't have

the manpower or expertise to take on edr

or xdr themselves and for this more and

more msps are providing mdr as next

level of managed services

well that does it for this video guys

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