Antivirus Vs Edr: Difference Between Them

In the present-day digital landscape, the threats posed by malware are more menacing than ever. From pilfering sensitive data to damaging hardware, malware’s destructive potential is immense. Moreover, with a whopping 450,000 new malware surfacing daily, robust defense mechanisms are crucial. Here, Antivirus (AV) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions play pivotal roles. This guide aims to delineate the specifics of both AV and EDR, their pros and cons, and how they function in tandem to bolster cybersecurity.

Antivirus Deciphered

Antivirus software, an indispensable part of any cybersecurity strategy, primarily aims to detect and eliminate malware from devices. It operates by scanning the system for malicious code, identifying possible threats, and nullifying them before any substantial harm is inflicted.

The software scrutinizes incoming files, emails, and web downloads for malware traces, ensuring the safety of websites before entry. The signature-based detection method, commonly used by antivirus software, scans for known malicious code patterns or ‘signatures’. This method is not exclusive to antivirus solutions but is also utilized by EDR tools.

Cloud-based antivirus solutions offer real-time protection against emerging threats.

Unraveling EDR

Now that the term antivirus has been demystified, let’s delve into EDR. Unlike antivirus software, EDR adopts a proactive stance to safeguard network endpoints from malware.

EDR tools scrutinize the behavior of all applications on an endpoint or network device. They detect any unusual activity that may be indicative of an ongoing attack. Additionally, EDR solutions offer containment, remediation, investigation, and rollback features to counter security breaches.

Below is a brief explanation of these features:

• Containment:

Containing an attack entails blocking malicious processes, disabling network connections, or impeding them from performing certain actions on your system.

• Remediation:

The remediation process involves restoring data, removing malicious files, and reversing any configuration changes caused by an attack.

• Investigation:

Investigating the attack helps identify its cause and any underlying vulnerabilities that need to be addressed to prevent similar future attacks. EDR solutions provide detailed attack reports to inform future security strategies.

• Rollback:

In some cases, system configurations or files altered during an attack need to be reverted, which can be achieved using EDR solutions.

EDR solutions can detect when an application is behaving abnormally, which could signify a malicious attack. They can then isolate the application or device from the network and initiate scans or isolation protocols to avert further infection.

EDR systems often integrate with existing security solutions like antivirus, firewalls, and intrusion prevention systems for augmented protection. Furthermore, EDR solutions can detect malicious activity missed by antivirus software, thanks to their advanced analytics and machine learning capabilities.

Antivirus and EDR: A Combined Defense Strategy

The combination of antivirus and EDR forms an effective defense strategy. Antivirus software offers a reactive defense mechanism, while EDR provides a proactive solution, identifying malicious behavior before it escalates.

Consider an instance where an employee opens a malicious email attachment containing malware. The antivirus software will identify the threat, eliminate it, and alert the IT team. Simultaneously, EDR will identify any suspicious activity associated with the threat and take additional protective measures.

Pros and Cons of Antivirus

Antivirus software is a formidable defense against known threats. However, its effectiveness against new or unknown threats is limited. Regular updates are necessary to ensure its efficacy.

Pros:

• Swift detection and removal of malicious code.
• Usually free or very affordable.
• Ease of installation and use.

Cons:

• Ineffectiveness against new threats.
• Requires regular updates, which may be inconvenient for growing businesses.
• System performance may slow due to resource usage.

Pros and Cons of EDR

Despite offering extensive protection, setting up and maintaining EDR can be challenging.

Pros:

• Highly effective at detecting new threats missed by antivirus software.
• Rapid identification of suspicious behavior and automated containment measures.
• Real-time threat detection using a cloud-based platform.

Cons:

• Requires extra setup time and resources.
• Requires continuous maintenance to stay up-to-date with emerging threats.
• Generally more expensive than traditional antivirus software.

EDR and Antivirus: A Collaborative Approach

EDR and antivirus software can work in unison to provide comprehensive network protection. Combining these solutions enhances network visibility and speeds up threat detection and response times.

Antivirus software should be the first line of defense against malware attacks, with EDR augmenting existing security tools and providing an additional protective layer.

For instance, if antivirus software detects a malicious file like spyware, EDR can ascertain the attack’s extent. It can also provide diagnostic behavior analysis to IT and cybersecurity teams, preventing spyware from analyzing user keystrokes to steal sensitive data.

Antivirus vs EDR: The Verdict

There’s no definitive answer to the antivirus vs EDR debate. Both play vital roles in securing organizations from malicious attacks. Using these solutions in tandem allows companies to quickly identify and contain suspicious activities before they cause damage.

However, no security solution is infallible. Therefore, it’s crucial to invest in comprehensive security measures like firewalls and user authentication protocols. Managed SOC, combined with EDR, can offer an excellent security solution for MSPs.

ConnectWise MDR (Managed Detection and Response) combines the benefits of EDR and a SOC for MSPs. This allows businesses to stay one step ahead of threats or respond to them swiftly and effectively. Reach out to us today to learn more about safeguarding your organization.