How Endpoint Detection & Response Works: A Simple Step-By-Step Breakdown for Beginners

There is a transformation of cybersecurity threats beyond viruses and malware. The attackers used highly sophisticated monitoring systems to silently laterally cross networks and remain undetected for weeks or even months. The EDR in cybersecurity is anticipated to be operational to track endpoint activity, detect suspicious behaviour, and respond to security incidents promptly. The relevance of old antivirus tools that heavily rely on known signatures cannot be relied upon to keep contemporary businesses safe. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is needed here. 

For a novice, the idea might seem very complicated, but once it is divided into steps, EDR solutions become much more comprehensible. This blog describes the operation of EDR in a simple logical sequence. 

What are Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)? 

Endpoint detection and response constitute a significant advancement in the sphere of cybersecurity technologies, which are intended to continuously scan the endpoints, including computers, servers, and mobile devices, and detect any suspicious traffic as an indicator of security risks. Unlike conventional security products, Endpoint Protection Platform provides the capability to visualize all endpoint activities in real-time, enabling security teams to detect, investigate, and act upon potential threats.

EDR was created by cybersecurity, going beyond simple signature-based antivirus systems. Hackers today use sophisticated attacks that conventional security mechanisms fail to detect, and they require more advanced detection and response systems. EDR bridges this gap with continuous monitoring and response, rather than point-in-time identification. 

EDR has become a crucial component of the broader cybersecurity framework within the current security architecture. It is also used to supplement other security tools with endpoint visibility and response capabilities, which traditional solutions often lack. 

How Endpoint Detection and Response Works

Step 1: Endpoint Continuous Data Collection

Continuous data collection is the initial process in the operation of EDR. After installing an EDR agent on an endpoint, it initiates real-time monitoring of all pertinent activities. This includes processes running on the device, file modifications, registry modifications, network connections, user logins, and system events. Unlike scanning at random intervals, Endpoint Protection Solution continuously monitors endpoint behaviour. This constant viewing enables the system to create an elaborate image of what constitutes the regular activity of each device. Any variation beyond this baseline will be easily identifiable. 

Step 2: Visibility and Real-Time Monitoring

EDR gives real-time insight into the activity of endpoints after data gathering. The centralized dashboard enables security teams to view what is happening on all devices. Such visibility is essential, as most attacks can proceed in stages, with small, suspicious activities that can go unnoticed initially. EDR does not leave any activity unnoticed. A threat that initially appears harmless is recorded and subsequently followed up on. This is one of the best benefits of an Endpoint security solution as compared to traditional security solutions due to its comprehensive visibility. 

Step 3: Threat Detection and Behavioral Analysis

EDR uses behavioral analysis in threat detection instead of depending on malware signatures. Because it does not examine what processes are, but rather the behaviour of processes, for example, a valid application that tries to access sensitive system files or connect to an external server suspiciously may trigger an alarm. At this point, machine learning and advanced analytics are essential. The EDR solutions examine patterns, detect anomalies, and relate events to classify an action as malicious. The method is used to identify zero-day attacks and file less malware that traditional antivirus software often fails to detect. 

Step 4: Threat Prioritization and Alert Generation

EDR will issue an alert when suspicious activity is detected. Nonetheless, no alert is similar. The most important feature of the EDR operation is the prioritization of threats based on their seriousness, effects, and probability of breach. Using a filtering mechanism to exclude less significant events and emphasizing the significant threats, EDR services allow security teams to work on the essential things. This will minimize alert fatigue and ensure a faster response to genuine security threats. 

Step 5: Threat and Investigation Context

After an alert is triggered, EDR will give the team information about the incident to investigate. It contains entry details, the threat that entered the system, the files or processes involved, and the spread to additional endpoints. EDR develops the sequence of events that depicts the entire attack chain. This visibility will enable analysts to understand how the attacker is operating and the extent of their activity. 

Step 6: Automated and Manual Response

EDR allows quick reaction after identifying a threat. Depending on the setup, the system can automatically take the following measures, including isolating the infected endpoint on the network, murdering malicious processes, or quarantining malicious files. Security teams can also intervene manually as needed. This flexibility helps in keeping threats under control within a short time whilst reducing the impact on the business operations. 

Step 7: Remediation and Recovery

Remediation and recovery, EDR solutions can assist teams in eliminating malicious artefacts and restoring impacted systems, as well as sealing security gaps. This involves patching, resetting credentials, or updating the security policy. EDR is used to prevent similar attacks by stopping the root cause of the incident. 

Step 8: Continuous Learning and Improvement

New threats and incidents constantly teach EDR systems. Information gathered in the process of attacks is utilized to enhance detection models and optimize security rules. This ultimately results in an improved and accurate system. This ongoing enhancement ensures that EDR keeps pace with the evolving threat landscape and provides comprehensive coverage over time, rather than a one-time solution. 

Conclusion 

With the global remote working landscape steadily transforming the security landscape, the need to secure endpoints is increasingly met with scale and flexibility through cloud-native EDR frameworks, even in a distributed work environment. With the ability to empower in-house security teams and capitalizes on the strength of historical data analysis, EDR security solutions can help organizations detect hidden threats, improve incident response, and increase resilience to cyber threats in general. 

The adoption of Endpoint Detection and Response as a strategic security initiative is a crucial measure to strengthen the endpoint ecosystem and ensure the protection of an organization's most valuable assets in the context of a more sophisticated and dynamic threat landscape. 

FAQs 

1. What happens with EDR to endpoint detected threats? 

EDR can identify and mitigate potential threats in real-time, even on infected devices. It features an automated response system that encompasses detection, containment, investigation, and remediation. This significantly reduces malware dwell time, while also providing immediate breach prevention, data loss prevention, and ransomware damage mitigation through rollback features. 

2. Is EDR to be monitored by a human at all times? 

ERD involves automated detection and response, although human supervision is essential for investigation, informed decision-making, and strategic advancement. 

3. Is it possible to prevent attacks automatically with the help of EDR?

Yes, most EDRs are capable of automatically isolating endpoints, preventing malicious processes, and containing threats. Security teams can also consider manual action.