What is EDR?
EDR stands for Endpoint Detection and Response — an advanced security technology that continuously monitors, analyses and protects endpoints such as laptops, servers, workstations and industrial devices against cyber threats.
EDR = real-time detection, visibility and response for suspicious activity on your devices.
EDR is a critical component of modern SOCs, Zero Trust strategies and NIS2 Compliance.
🎯 What does an EDR solution do?
An EDR tool provides:
- Continuous endpoint monitoring (24/7)
- Detection of malware, ransomware, suspicious processes and behaviour
- Forensic logging of actions and system changes
- Fast incident response (isolate, block, recover)
- Integration with SIEM, SOC and threat intelligence
🧠 What makes EDR different from antivirus?
| Characteristic | Traditional antivirus | EDR |
|---|---|---|
| Detection | Signature-based | Behaviour and anomaly-based |
| Response | Passive (alert only) | Active (isolate, block, rollback) |
| Monitoring | Periodic | Continuous |
| Visibility | Limited | In-depth: full event chains |
| Forensics | Often absent | Extensive, including process and network activity |
🔐 EDR in OT environments
In industrial networks (ICS/OT), EDR requires:
- Low system overhead (real-time systems must not be disrupted)
- Whitelisting and tuning for legitimate but unusual behaviour
- Integration with SCADA, PLC and Remote Access management
- Support for older systems and embedded operating systems (e.g. Windows XP, XP Embedded)
Some EDR platforms are designed specifically for OT endpoints (e.g. Nozomi, Claroty, Dragos, CrowdStrike with OT extensions).
🔧 Common EDR platforms
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- CrowdStrike Falcon
- SentinelOne
- Sophos Intercept X
- Trend Micro Apex One
- Elastic EDR
- OT-specific: Nozomi Guardian, Dragos, Claroty
✅ Benefits of EDR
- Faster detection of advanced attacks
- Reduced dwell time (time attackers remain undetected)
- Full visibility into behaviour and processes
- Automated or remote response
- Supports compliance with ISO 27001, NIS2, BIO, etc.
📌 In summary
EDR is an advanced security solution that continuously watches endpoints, detects threats and takes immediate action — essential for modern cyber resilience.