Endpoint Detection (EDR) and antivirus software are both big players on the tech scene, with both markets having billion-dollar values ($5.10 billion for EDR and $4.25 billion for antivirus). However, both vary greatly in scope, usage, and customer base. On a global scale, for instance, up to 85% of people rely on antivirus or security software on at least one device. EDR, on the other hand, is mainly utilized by businesses. Large enterprises, particularly, hold 65% of the EDR market share. EDR is also embarking on a particularly close relationship with AI and machine learning, with these technologies driving EDR market expansion and promising far better threat detection than companies currently enjoy.
What Can Antivirus Software Offer Clients?
Antivirus software like Total AV, Norton, and Bitdefender are mainly used to identify malware that has already been cataloged in databases. It relies on signature-based, heuristic, basic behavioral detection to find this type of threat. Signature-based detection uses a database with known “signatures,” which are unique sequences or patterns known to exist in malicious files. Heuristic detection uses rules or algorithms to analyze files and programs and detect suspicious characteristics or behaviors (like malware commands and suspicious code structures or modifications). Basic behavioral detection, meanwhile, examines the behavior of programs, to identify suspicious behavior such as unauthorized network access. This software, however, is unable to spot and stop sophisticated attacks, such as fileless malware and zero-day exploits (which prey on unknown, unaddressed security flaws in computer software, hardware, or firmware).
EDR Goes the Extra Mile
EDR utilizes behavioral analysis, machine learning, and AI to spot not only known threats, but also emerging ones, in real time. Leading EDR solutions have advanced features such as real-time threat containment, automatic isolation of compromised devices, effective investigation tools, and thorough remediation processes. They allow companies to respond proactively to threats before wide-scale damage occurs. EDR is currently considered a must for businesses and organizations needing protection against sophisticated cyber threats such as zero-day exploits, ransomware, and advanced persistent threats.
What Level of Analyst Involvement Is Required?
Antivirus software usually requires minimal analyst involvement, since its functions are automated. EDR, on the other hand, requires skilled personnel because its advanced threat detection features produce many alerts, each of which needs to be analyzed and investigated by experts to differentiate genuine threats from false positives. Analysts also carry out remediation efforts. They interpret EDR data, then take necessary steps such as isolating infected systems, deploying patches, and performing system restores. Analysts can also provide useful advice regarding the type of EDR solutions that are best suited to each organization. Customers purchasing these solutions must therefore budget not only for chosen solutions but also for the cost of internal cybersecurity specialists or external managed security providers.
Why Companies Need to Embrace the Highest Possible Level of Protection
The news is awash with stories of new exploits that are making individuals and organizations more vulnerable than ever. According to a report from cybersecurity firm Check Point, a new framework – called Hexstrike-AI – is being used as a hacking weapon that exploits zero-day vulnerabilities. Hexstrike-AI was actually created to help companies find and fix their own security weaknesses. It behaves like a conductor for a digital orchestra, directing over 150 specialized AI agents and security tools to test a company’s defenses. The problem is that, soon after its release, it began being used by malicious actors, who lit up the dark web discussing how they could weaponize it. This has shortened the race against zero-day vulnerabilities, proving that organizations can no longer just “do things on their own.”
Antivirus software and EDR are both doing their share to protect individuals and organizations against cyber threats. However, while antivirus software is excellent for known threats, EDR is required for zero-day and other threats that require a swift analysis and response. Human analysts are necessary to determine the nature of threats and respond quickly, before severe damage is done.
