A Guide to Managed Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)

Many hackers today focus their efforts on endpoints: the computers, smartphones, servers, and other devices connected to a network. Hacking into a single unprotected device can provide an easier entry point into the network at large, potentially resulting in data breaches and system damage.

That’s why organizations need endpoint detection and response (EDR), which is a next-generation cybersecurity solution that monitors endpoint activity and responds to possible threats. Managed EDR takes things a step further by combining traditional EDR programs with support from cybersecurity experts.

Let’s break down how managed EDR works and the benefits it offers for organizations in today’s era of endpoint-targeted attacks.

Key takeaways

• Endpoints are any pieces of hardware that connect to a network, such as desktop and laptop computers, mobile devices, servers, or routers.
• Endpoint detection and response is a digital tool for monitoring endpoint activity and responding to threats in real time. Managed EDR is a service provided by cybersecurity experts to configure and monitor your EDR systems.
• Investing in managed EDR helps strengthen your cybersecurity posture and respond to threats quickly, all while being more cost-effective than managing an EDR platform internally.

The evolving threat landscape: Why traditional security isn’t enough

For decades, many organizations have used traditional antivirus software and firewalls to protect their computers and other endpoints. However, these traditional security tools aren’t always powerful enough to catch sophisticated modern cyberattacks.

For example, many hackers today use fileless malware to launch their attacks, which traditional antivirus programs can’t detect. These tools also struggle to spot zero-day attacks, which target previously unknown software vulnerabilities.

Modern hackers will also focus on gaining access to a system and remaining undetected for an extended period of time. This is known as an advanced persistent threat (APT), and outdated security programs usually can’t catch them.

To stay ahead of these emerging threats, organizations need to use more sophisticated tools, such as endpoint protection. Ongoing monitoring and rapid response solutions help organizations stay ahead of the game to prevent devastating breaches.

What is endpoint detection and response (EDR)?

EDR is a technology that connects to endpoint devices to monitor for unusual or suspicious activity. When the EDR system detects a potential threat, it provides response services to prevent that threat from escalating into something more serious.

Here’s a breakdown of how EDR works to protect your systems:

• Step 1: Data collection. The EDR system collects key data from each endpoint. This includes network connections, user logins, and file creations or changes.
• Step 2: Behavioral analysis. The EDR uses behavioral analytics, often powered by AI or machine learning, to identify possible anomalies in endpoint activity.
• Step 3: Threat intelligence. The EDR integrates with global intelligence feeds for real-time information on current threats. It compares system endpoint data with global threats to identify possible matches.
• Step 4: Response. The EDR may respond automatically to threats as they happen. For example, the EDR could disconnect an endpoint from the rest of the network to reduce the attack surface. The EDR will also notify the security team immediately to speed up incident response.
• Step 5: Contextualization. After a security incident happens, EDR uses data analysis to connect various events and create a timeline of the attack. Security teams can use this information to prevent future attacks.

Modern endpoint security platforms have extensive technical capabilities to keep your systems safe. Here are some of the features and abilities that EDR systems offer:

• System visibility: EDR gives IT teams a comprehensive overview of activity across all endpoints.
• Threat detection: EDR can identify a wide range of possible threats before they escalate into more serious attacks.
• Analysis: EDR supports IT teams during their threat hunting investigations or post-attack remediation by providing helpful activity data and context for potential threats.
• Response: EDR offers automated response features and real-time security alerts to minimize the fallout from a cyberattack.

Benefits of managed EDR

EDR platforms stop hackers in their tracks with powerful cybersecurity features. However, they require specialized expertise and constant monitoring to work effectively.

Many organizations don’t have the resources in-house for properly managed EDR solutions. Even if you have an in-house IT team, they may be too busy providing help desk support to monitor your EDR systems. You also may not have the financial resources to hire an experienced cybersecurity expert.

Enter managed EDR services, or managed detection and response (MDR). These are offered by third-party managed IT service providers (MSPs) to help you implement EDR solutions without the hassle. Your MSP has experts on staff who will help you configure and monitor EDR based on your business’s needs and prominent security threats.

Here are some of the benefits of investing in managed EDR solutions.

24/7/365 monitoring and alerting

MSPs have dedicated security operations center (SOC) teams monitoring your endpoints at all times, even at night, on the weekends, and on holidays. These teams evaluate EDR alerts in real-time to ensure that no threat goes unnoticed.

Having dedicated monitoring available also prevents your teams from wasting resources investigating false positives, as your monitoring team will evaluate those threats in real time.

Expert threat hunting

Your MSP will proactively search for cyber threats lurking in your system, rather than waiting for them to escalate into a cyberattack. Proactively finding and eliminating threats can save your organization an extensive amount of time and money in the long run. One study found that it takes an average of 7.34 months to fully recover from a cyber incident.

Faster response

MSPs know exactly how to respond in the event of an endpoint attack, helping you contain threats more quickly. They also have access to advanced remediation tools and response capabilities that many IT teams don’t have in-house. The minutes right after a threat has been detected are crucial, but with managed EDR, you can relax knowing that an expert team will be taking action.

Access to advanced tools & expertise

An MSP will have access to the most sophisticated EDR platforms, as well as other advanced threat detection tools. By investing in managed EDR services, you could get access to more advanced technology than you otherwise would have access to.

MSPs also have a diverse team of security experts on-site, many of whom have very specialized knowledge and decades of experience. You’ll be able to work with these seasoned professionals without the high price tag of hiring them full-time. These teams will help you make the most of your EDR system for maximum security.

Reduced operational burden

Configuring, monitoring, and responding to your EDR system can be very time-consuming. With managed EDR, you offload these operational responsibilities onto a third-party team. This gives your in-house team more time to focus on other tasks, which helps your entire organization operate more efficiently.

Cost-effectiveness

Another benefit of using managed EDR is that it is very cost-effective, especially for small businesses with limited financial resources. Although it does require some upfront investment, it can save you money in the long run.

Managed EDR services are usually priced at a flat monthly fee that includes the cost of the EDR platform as well as all support costs, including installation, monitoring, response, and more. This flat rate is usually cheaper than the cost of hiring experts to run your EDR in-house.

Managed EDR can also help you save money in the long run by preventing costly security incidents. The global average cost of a data breach in 2024 was $4.9 million. Instead of paying for system repairs, data breach fines, and other unexpected costs, you can proactively stop hackers in their tracks.

Improved security posture

Working with an MSP helps you maximize your security posture and keep your systems safe, even when threats are evolving at a rapid pace. Since MSPs work with multiple clients, they need to stay on top of all the latest threats in the cybersecurity landscape. They’ll use this knowledge to help you proactively strengthen your systems against the most prevalent risks.

Compliance support

Many organizations need to maintain strong cybersecurity systems in order to adhere to industry compliance standards. If that’s the case for your company, a managed EDR provider will help you with endpoint logs and other documentation necessary to remain compliant. This can help you avoid fines in the event of an unexpected audit.

What to look for in a managed EDR provider

Your managed EDR provider offers a very important service for your organization. They serve as your cybersecurity partner, providing your team with essential monitoring and support. Because they’ll be working so closely with your organization, it’s important to find an MSP that is trustworthy, knowledgeable, and reliable.

Here’s what to look for when selecting a managed EDR provider:

• Experience: Your provider should have a proven track record working with organizations like yours. They also have extensive experience in both incident response and proactive threat hunting.
• Real-time monitoring: Managed EDR providers should offer 24/7 monitoring options for continuous system protection.
• Incident response plan: Your MSP should have a detailed incident response protocol in place already. They should also help you develop an internal incident response plan to guide your staff on what to do in an emergency.
• Transparent reporting: Managed EDR providers should offer detailed reporting on potential threats detected and stopped. Ideally, these reports should be provided regularly. Quality MSPs will also proactively communicate with you via phone or email about the current state of your security posture.
• Compliance support: If your organization has to meet specific cybersecurity compliance standards, your managed EDR provider should be able to help you adhere to these standards and document your strategy.
• Updated tech stack: Your provider should work with the latest EDR platforms and provide support for a wide range of endpoints. Additionally, be sure to ask what integrations your MSP offers to ensure they’re compatible with your existing systems. For example, your MSP should integrate with the existing firewalls and SIEM platforms you’re using. 
• Scalability: Ideally, your MSP’s security services should be able to scale with your business as it grows and your technical needs evolve.
• Service level agreement: Review proposed SLAs closely to see what type of system uptimes and response times your MSP can offer.
• Pricing options: When selecting an MSP for your organization, take time to assess their pricing structure and see how it would align with your budget.

Secure your endpoints with Diamond IT’s managed EDR

At Diamond IT, we understand that endpoints are often the most vulnerable to potential cyberattacks. That’s why we offer comprehensive managed EDR services for our clients throughout Central and Southern California.

As part of our managed EDR services, we offer 24/7 monitoring, rapid incident response, and proactive threat hunting to keep your systems safe. With managed EDR, you can feel confident knowing that endpoints across your organization are secure against threat actors. Managed EDR gives you the peace of mind to focus on what’s most important: running your business and keeping your customers happy.

At Diamond IT, we also understand that every organization is unique. That’s why we offer customized solutions tailored to your endpoint environment. Our team will work closely with you to determine which security solutions are necessary to keep your systems safe.

If you’re ready to get started with managed EDR at your organization, schedule a call with Diamond IT today to get started.