EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response): What it is, why it matters, and how it stops attacks fast

EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)

What it is

EDR is your always-on security team for laptops and servers. It watches what’s happening on each device, spots attacks in progress, and helps you respond fast - quarantine, investigate, and clean up. For details on capabilities and use cases, see our 
EDR explainer

Why it matters

Modern attacks slip past single tools and move fast (phishing → malware → lateral movement). EDR gives you the early warning and the one-click actions to stop spread before it becomes a breach.

How it works (30-second tour)

  • Sensors on endpoints record key events (processes, files, network, registry).

  • Analytics + detections flag suspicious behavior (beaconing, credential theft, mass encryption).

  • Response tools isolate a host, kill processes, pull forensics, and roll back changes.

What you’ll actually use

  • Alert triage: see what happened, where, and how it started.

  • Containment: isolate compromised devices in seconds.

  • Hunt & search: find “similar on other hosts” and block repeat offenders.

  • Cleanup: remove persistence, undo changes, and verify it’s gone.

Quick wins to deploy smart

  1. Roll out to high-risk users and servers first (admins, finance, VPN gateways).

  2. Turn on MFA for the EDR console; limit who can isolate or delete.

  3. Integrate logs with your SIEM/XDR; add alert routing to on-call.

  4. Practice a tabletop drill: phish → detection → isolate → restore.

    Glossary (A–Z)

    All A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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