Choosing between EDR and NGAV can feel like standing at a crossroads. Both NGAV and EDR solutions safeguard your organization from cyber threats but take a different approach.
To make the right choice, you must understand what challenges they address and how they integrate with your other tools. Let’s break down EDR vs. NGAV and see their main features, benefits, and limitations.
Key takeaways:
- EDR focuses on preventing, detecting, and responding to threats at an endpoint level.
- NGAV’s only task is prevention
- EDR adds the benefit of unity and integration
- Remote and hybrid work environments should use an EDR solution due to their larger attack surface
- Best EDR platforms include a Next Generation Antivirus
What is EDR?
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is a cybersecurity tool that monitors, detects, and responds to threats residing in endpoints. Traditional antivirus software alone often falls short of preventing advanced threats. This is where EDR steps in, offering enhanced visibility and control over endpoint activity.
Features
Essential features of EDR solutions include:
- Continuous monitoring – EDR monitors endpoint activities in real-time. It logs every action taken on your laptop, desktop, printer, mobile, etc. Analyzing endpoint data helps to find unusual activity patterns that may indicate a security breach.
- Threat detection – EDR uses advanced analytics and machine learning. It can detect known and unknown threats, including zero day attacks and advanced persistent threats (APTs).
- Automated response – EDR tools can automatically isolate compromised endpoints, block malicious processes, and initiate predefined responses for swift threat containment and mitigation.
- Forensic analysis – EDR logs and data allow security teams to investigate attacks. They help to understand how the attack occurred and how to prevent future breaches.
Benefits
EDR benefits extend beyond threat detection:
- Better visibility into endpoint activities. This allows security teams to track actions and spot threats before they cause harm.
- Proactive threat hunting. Security teams can use EDR to search for signs of malicious activity before an alert is triggered.
- Automated incident response. EDR tools find and mitigate threats faster, thus minimizing the impact of incidents.
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Limitations
Despite its many strengths, EDR has its limitations:
- Some EDR solutions can be resource-heavy and have a negative impact on system performance. This rather happens in environments with limited hardware capabilities.
- EDR generates a large amount of data that needs analyzing. Organizations that lack skilled professionals may struggle to fully leverage EDR’s capabilities.
When to Use EDR?
EDR is well-suited for:
- Organizations that handle sensitive data or operate in high-risk industries. EDR is the best choice if your company needs in-depth threat visibility. This feature enables the IT team to maintain continuous oversight of all endpoint activities.
- Complex environments. Businesses with multiple endpoints, diverse operating systems, and various access points will benefit from EDR’s ability to monitor and protect them all.
- Remote work environments. EDR offers centralized control and visibility over endpoints regardless of their physical location.
What is NGAV?
Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV) is a new type of antivirus. It is designed to tackle modern cyber threats that traditional solutions miss.
Unlike traditional antivirus software, which relies heavily on signature-based detection, NGAV uses advanced techniques like behavioral analysis and machine learning to identify and block both known and unknown threats.
Features
NGAV’s features include:
- Behavioral analysis – NGAV monitors apps. It detects malicious activity by patterns, not just known signatures.
- Machine learning – It learns from new threats to improve and reduce false alarms.
- Cloud-based threat intelligence – Many NGAVs use real-time updates to counter the latest attacks.
- Zero-Day protection – An NGAV solution can stop zero-day threats. Due to behavioral analysis, it can detect and block unknown threats before they can cause damage.
Benefits
NGAV provides several advantages that include:
- NGAV catches both known and emerging threats that traditional antivirus might miss.
- NGAV is user-friendly and needs less management. So, it’s ideal for organizations with limited IT resources.
- Advanced machine learning helps NGAV distinguish between legitimate and malicious activities, reducing disruptions.
Limitations
Limitations of NGAV include:
- NGAV focuses on threat prevention but doesn’t provide deep insights into endpoint activities like EDR does.
- While great at prevention, NGAV lacks the response and remediation capabilities of EDR.
- Some NGAVs rely on cloud updates, which may be an issue for organizations with unreliable internet.
When to use NGAV?
NGAV is best for organizations needing efficient, easy-to-manage threat prevention without the complexity of full-scale security tools:
- Reduced attack surface. Small, simple infrastructures could resume to only using Next Generation Antivirus solutions.
- Low compliance demands. If you don’t work with or store sensitive data, your company’s compliance goals might not be too demanding. In case of a system breach, there will be no important data loss and penalties.
- Limited IT resources. NGAV helps small businesses with limited IT resources. It protects them without needing a dedicated security team.
Differences between EDR vs NGAV
Understanding the differences between EDR and NGAV is crucial because choosing the wrong solution can leave your organization vulnerable. If you mistake one for the other, you might miss critical threats, compromise your security strategy, or fail to meet your specific protection needs.
Role in Cybersecurity
EDR
The core functions of EDR are detection, investigation, and response. EDR continuously monitors endpoint activities, detects anomalies, and enables security teams to investigate and respond to threats in real-time.
NGAV
The main objectives of NGAV are prevention and blocking. The solution focuses on stopping threats before they execute. It leverages machine learning and behavioral analysis to block both known and unknown malware.
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How EDR and NGAV handle threats
EDR
EDR shines in post-execution analysis and remediation. If a threat bypasses initial defenses, EDR steps in to:
- analyze the attack
- contain it
- guide the remediation process to minimize damage
NGAV
NGAV works by blocking threats before they can execute. It aims to prevent potential harm at the earliest stage.
Deployment and management
EDR
Usually more complex, EDR requires skilled personnel for effective deployment and management. The setup involves integrating with other security tools and fine-tuning the system for optimal performance.
If you want to learn more about implementing EDR, check out our EDR implementation resource guide.
NGAV
Next Generation Antiviruses are easier to deploy and require less manual work. Also, they are more accessible for organizations with limited resources.
Visibility and control
EDR
Greater visibility into endpoint activity is one of the key benefits of EDR. Detailed insights into your endpoints help security teams control incident response.
NGAV
NGAV solutions block threats fast, but they offer less detailed incident insight. It’s designed to act swiftly and automatically. You’ll still need EDR for forensic details.
Can EDR and NGAV work together?
Most advanced EDR platforms integrate NGAV. Thus, they offer a more efficient and cohesive approach to cybersecurity.
Heimdal’s Endpoint Detection and Response platform is a standout example. It includes features like:
- NGAV – Uses behavioral analysis and machine learning to combat known and unknown threats.
- Firewall – Enhances security by managing network traffic and blocking unauthorized access.
- DNS Security – Blocks access to malicious sites and securing the network against DNS-based attacks.
- Ransomware Encryption Protection – Stops ransomware by preventing unauthorized encryption processes.
- Automated Patch and Asset Management – Updates software and fixes vulnerabilities to keep systems secure.
- Privileged Access Management – Controls access to critical systems, reducing insider threat risks.
- Email Security – Protects against phishing, email fraud, and other email-based attacks.
Using NGAV and EDR together on one platform boosts security. Integrated tools communicate better and allow for quicker threat detection and response.
Integration simplifies your security setup. It ensures all defense layers work well together to protect your organization.
Unlike competitors, where solutions might not be fully integrated (e.g., Microsoft), all of the company’s modules work together seamlessly, providing maximum value to users. Historically, analysts believed that point solutions (single, best-of-breed solutions for each vertical) would dominate.
However, there has been a significant shift in the market towards platform-based solutions, which the company anticipated and built towards from the beginning.
Morten Kjaersgaard, Chairman & Founder of Heimdal
Heimdal’s EDR platform shows that unifying these tools can boost security. It also simplifies management and increases efficiency.
EDR vs NGAV. How to make the right choice?
To choose best between EDR and NGAV, assess your company’s infrastructure, resources, and regulations. Here’s what you should consider:
The company’s profile:
Larger organizations have more endpoints. So, they may benefit more from EDR’s broad detection. Smaller companies might find NGAV sufficient, especially if they have limited IT resources.
- IT/security team maturity
An experienced team will appreciate that EDR offers valuable insights and control. They’ll find the tools and capabilities useful and easy to run. A lean or less experienced team might not know how to use the tool at its best. They might prefer a NGAV because it is easier to manage.
EDR solutions can be more costly, especially when factoring in the resources needed to manage them effectively. NGAV is generally more budget-friendly. Yet it does not offer the in-depth protection a high-risk environment needs.
- Specific security needs
High-risk industries or companies handling sensitive data should lean towards EDR. An EDR platform offers robust detection and response capabilities. In contrast, businesses with a lower threat profile might prioritize NGAV.
- Compliance goals
Organizations in regulated industries need detailed reporting and forensic data. Choosing an EDR solution will help them meet compliance goals.
Vendor’s offers regarding
- Integration capabilities
Choose a solution that integrates seamlessly with your existing security tools and infrastructure. This allows seamless data transfer between systems, enhancing threat detection and response.
For example, an EDR solution that is well-integrated with your SIEM offers better alert context. This leads to quicker and more accurate incident responses.
The Chairman & Founder of Heimdal, Morten Kjaersgaard, says that
The company’s XDR platform is unique because all components are designed to work together. For example, their DNS security product can integrate with their antivirus solution to quarantine malicious files. This integration creates a multiplier effect, where the value of the combined solutions is greater than the sum of the individual parts. The platform’s integrated approach offers significant operational, administrative, and cybersecurity benefits, making it a powerful tool for MSPs.
- Ease of use
A complicated interface can slow your team’s response to threats. So, consider how easily your team can use the dashboard, adjust settings, and understand alerts. A good interface lowers the learning curve and ensures users maximize the tool’s potential.
Cyber threats can strike at any time, so it’s vital that your vendor provides 24/7 support. Quick access to knowledgeable support staff can make a difference in resolving issues before they escalate.
For example, if you suspect a ransomware attack, a responsive support team can quickly guide you through containment steps. This will help you limit damage and prevent data loss.
- Scalability
As your business grows, your security needs will evolve. The solution you choose should be able to scale with your business:
- protect more endpoints
- integrate with additional security tools
- offer support in various geographical areas
Simple standalone security solutions are no longer enough.
Is an innovative and enhanced multi-layered EDR security approach to organizational defense.
- Next-gen Antivirus & Firewall which stops known threats;
- DNS traffic filter which stops unknown threats;
- Automatic patches for your software and apps with no interruptions;
- Privileged Access Management and Application Control, all in one unified dashboard
Recommendations for SMBs vs. Large Enterprises
Small businesses often opt for budget solutions and NGAV does cover basic security. However, it lacks support for patching, incident response, and compliance. Partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) that offers EDRs can be a better choice for both small and medium businesses. This approach balances cost and safety.
Medium businesses, that already have an in-house IT team often choose to go for an EDR platform. Buying a solution that incorporates several tools is less expensive than buying those tools separately. They also work better together and thus require less manual effort.
On the other hand, large companies that run advanced IT teams should upgrade from EDR to Extended Detection and Response (XDR) platform. XDR goes beyond EDR by integrating multiple security layers:
- network
- server
- cloud
XDR offers a unified view and response capabilities for the whole infrastructure.
Final Takeaway: Strengthen Your Security Beyond NGAV with EDR
Both EDR and NGAV serve an important role in protecting your organization from cyber threats.
New threats are more sophisticated and exceed the level of protection NGAV can offer. Zero-day exploits, insider threats, and APTs are examples of dangers that need more than an antivirus. They demand real-time detection and a fast response.
Adding EDR to your strategy offers in-depth protection. An effective EDR platform integrates NGAV among other tools. Thus, it supports a layered defense strategy.
The integrated, layered security approach enhances protection and efficiency. MSPs can also leverage the platform to educate and sell more services to their customers.
Morten Kjaersgaard, Chairman & Founder of Heimdal
The integrated approach is thus essential for maintaining a strong and resilient security posture.
EDR vs NGAV Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between XDR and NGAV?
XDR enhances EDR by monitoring threats across various security levels, not just endpoints. It steps in if NGAV which focuses on endpoints fails. XDR syncs detection and response across your system. NGAV protects single endpoints but lacks the broad view and scalability of XDR. Without XDR, a breach in NGAV leaves systems vulnerable.
2. Which is better, EDR or NGAV?
EDR leads in detection and response with real-time monitoring and advanced analysis. NGAV aims to block malware using cutting-edge detection. For broader protection, EDR is superior. For specific malware prevention, NGAV is ideal.
3. Can EDR replace antivirus?
Good EDR solutions often include antivirus. However, EDR goes further by spotting threats early. Unlike traditional antivirus, which reacts to known threats, EDR is better. It offers deeper insight through data analysis. It also ensures swift responses to breaches, cutting down attack impacts and costs. While antivirus provides basic protection, EDR offers a more thorough, proactive approach.
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