The cybersecurity threat landscape continues to evolve daily. As the tactics cyber criminals employ to defeat the defenses devised by cybersecurity experts change, new defensive techniques are developed to fill the security gap.
The latest buzzword making the rounds in the cybersecurity world is Extended Detection and Response (XDR). In this article, we will discuss XDR in detail and cover the pros and cons of moving to an XDR solution for cybersecurity. We will also offer a few tips for organizations considering implementing an XDR solution.
What Is XDR?
Extended Detection and Response technology is a more comprehensive version of Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR). EDR focused on securing the workstations and network devices inside an intranet’s perimeter. This strategy proved to be a great way to combat the problem of malware entering a workplace network through tactics like spear phishing and insider fraud. Cybercriminals, however, have been able to find other ways to breach networks at non-traditional endpoints like mobile devices, cloud applications, and IoT devices. The extension of endpoint security to these new categories of devices has been dubbed Extended Detection and Response.
Because XDR security solutions protect network devices other than employee workstations, the technology is also sometimes known as “cross layer” or “any data source” detection and response. The basic idea is to create a comprehensive monitoring and response platform that covers all the potential ways that a data breach or cyberattack can occur.
The Pros and Cons of an XDR Technology
As the name suggests, the primary advantage of an XDR security solution is better coverage of all networked devices and assets that put an organization at risk of a cyberattack. XDR solutions also provide many other advantages such as:
* Integrated monitoring improves full network visibility for cybersecurity staff.
* Automated network traffic analytics anticipate cyberattacks across workstation, mobile, network, cloud, and IoT devices.
* Holistic monitoring reduces the time to detect cyberattacks as they happen.
* Faster mitigation when a breach is discovered.
* AI and automation tools that enhance the capabilities of human security staff.
While many of these advantages are not new to cybersecurity, XDR solutions bring them all together to provide comprehensive protection. In the past, many components like automated monitoring and mitigation tools were not integrated into a single solution.
The downsides of adopting an XDR solution tend to be the same downsides to any new information technology. Organizations will need to carefully assess whether an XDR solution fits their security needs and that the costs of replacing existing measures are offset by better risk management and other savings. The cons of implementing an XDR solution might be:
* The additional costs for purchasing software tools, retraining employees, or hiring expert staff.
* The time and expense of planning the implementation of an XDR solution and develop custom integrations.
* The complexity of managing all of an organization’s security and regulatory risks.
* Costs of maintenance and long-term enhancements to keep up with changing threats.
Depending on the financial, technical, and regulatory requirements, an organization may not need to change the security measures and tools it already has in place. Instead, upgrading one or more smaller tools may be enough to cover unmitigated risks.
Tips for Organizations Considering an XDR Solution
XDR solutions are available from many vendors who also provide the software and training an organization may need to implement an XDR security suite. This reduces the cost of in-house development; however it also requires organizations to exercise due diligence in evaluating which solution best fits their regulatory and security needs. Here are the three primary points worth considering:
Integration of Software Tools
It is important that a broad network security package like an XDR solution have seamless integration of its monitoring and mitigation tools. Integration, however, can mean several things that make the combination of tools function as a coherent whole. First, cybersecurity staff should be able to quickly view monitoring information across the entire networked IT infrastructure of an organization. Second, the solution should include a robust API that makes it possible to integrate the solution with custom software or existing reporting applications. This second point will be more important for large organizations with custom IT systems.
Automation and Artificial Intelligence
The ability of human staff to track all the various systems of today’s IT technology is limited. Additionally, security incidents can be too fast moving to mitigate risks manually. That is why modern cybersecurity solutions incorporate automation and AI tools. These tools, however, should be carefully evaluated by security experts. It behooves organizations to consult with automation experts before committing to an XDR solution.
Usability and Training Resources
The human element of any security solution is key to its success. An XDR solution’s usability by an organization’s employees and security staff should be evaluated just as closely as its integration and automation features. The training resources offered by the vendor should also be an important factor to consider. This includes training for cybersecurity staff, API training for developers, and security training for the organization’s workforce. All three of these skillsets should be covered by an XDR solution.
XDR Solution Implementation
Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve and become more expensive to mitigate. Organizations exposed to the risks that the various types of cyberattack pose need to stay ahead of the curve to manage those costs. The good news is that cybersecurity professionals with expertise in assessing and mitigating these risks can be contracted when the expertise is lacking in-house. Whether an organization needs a comprehensive XDR solution or simply improve existing measures, Outsource IT can take the worry out of it.
Contact one of our account managers today to find out more about how Outsource IT can help with your cybersecurity needs.
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