Endpoint Detection Response (EDR) programs pair with firewalls and other network security programs to combat malicious cyberattacks. Like Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs), EDR has advanced analysis abilities and provides an additional layer of protection to the network security than traditional anti-virus and anti-malware firewall programs. EDR safeguards endpoints from sophisticated threats that advance past the initial network security defense programs. Endpoints are desktops, laptops, mobile devices, tablets, and servers, communicating inbound and outbound with a connected network. To ensure the highest level of network security, it is essential to use EDR in combination with other programs, like NGFW, to combat potential threats that could be detrimental to your business. Partnering with iTecs will give your business peace of mind that your network security is protected with all of the necessary network security programs, while ensuring compatibility across the programs for a lower cost than it would be for a business to procure each program separately, which then, in turn, might not have complete compatibility. Additionally, iTecs manages the network security for your business, keeping it safe. Learn more about the benefits of NGFWs for your business by clicking Managed Next Generation Firewall | iTecs (itecsonline.com).

On average, it takes 100 days for ransomware or malware to be detected with traditional network security systems due to their inadequate visibility and limited ability to analyze advanced threats. A lot of damage can occur over 100 days. Due to the advanced programming of EDR, the 100-day average of detecting ransomware or malware drastically drops to just a matter of hours or even minutes.

Hackers know that traditional network security programs are restricted to identifying threats in the Access Code List based on the limited signature-based approach. This knowledge allows hackers to attach maliciously encrypted files into the file attachments in order to attempt to pass through the network security undetected. EDR offers more visibility and is able to investigate files and encryptions on a granular level to identify behavior changes and sophisticated encrypted files through a more holistic approach. An example of a sophisticated encrypted file that may sneak past traditional network security, but be detected by EDR is an executable file (.exe) hidden in another non-threatening file attached to an email. If a file is discovered as malicious, the EDR will eliminate the threat; however, if there is a potential threat to the system, the EDR will sandbox the threat to isolate it and alert the Managed Service Provider (MSP) to assess it further before deleting the threat or releasing the file if no malicious activity is found. Sandboxing is an essential action to ensure that any potential threat is contained and will not spread throughout the network to other computer systems wreaking havoc across your business. EDR can work online and offline because it is cloud-enabled; therefore, EDR can contain the potential threat while continuing to investigate and remediate it.  

Vulnerability management is used to investigate network security weaknesses to identify how the files were able to pass through the initial defenses before being detected by the EDR. It is essential for organizations to employ zero-day vulnerability tests to ensure there are no gaps in security when EDR detects a potential threat, new programs or patches are put into effect, or when programs are outdated. Organizations understand the importance of zero-day vulnerability tests and will often have a bounty for outside hackers to identify the gaps before the programs go live so that the organization can address the gaps. Vulnerability management provides the additional visibility EDR needs to discover where malicious files originated from, what different data and applications did the malicious file interact with, and if the malicious file was replicated to determine an event chain and make appropriate remediations. Think about an intruder entering your house. After the intruder is contained, it is important to determine where the vulnerability was that enabled access into your house, such as an unlocked window. EDR will detect the intrusion, and vulnerability management will scan and discover the unlocked window as a gap in security for the EDR to address. EDR will not only address the malicious file but will also restore the network and endpoints to the initial clean state. EDR is an essential component of network security that provides an extra layer of protection and peace of mind for your business.

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iTecs is a leading provider of managed cloud, cybersecurity, and IT services with its corporate headquarters in Dallas, TX. ITecs is well-positioned to provide businesses with the best white-glove services with clients across the United States, Canada, and Europe.