Understanding the crucial difference between EPP (Antivirus) and EDR for optimal cybersecurity
In today's ever-changing digital world, protection against cyber-attacks is more crucial than ever. Two key terms that come up frequently when it comes to IT security are EPP (Endpoint Protection Platform) and EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response). Although these two tools have similar objectives, they differ in terms of functionality and approach.
What is an EPP (Antivirus)?
An EPP, or antivirus, is security software designed to protect endpoints. Such as desktops, laptops and servers, against malware. The main purpose of an EPP is to regularly scan files as they are launched, identifying whether they contain known threats and blocking their execution on endpoints. Typical EPP features include real-time protection, malware signature updates, firewall, web and disk traffic analysis and blocking of known malware. Some EPPs also offer application/OS version analysis and patch management.
What is an EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)?
Unlike an EPP, an EDR focuses more on detecting and responding to threats, rather than just regular analysis and blocking. An EDR continuously monitors endpoints to identify suspicious behavior, abnormal activity and indications of compromise. Thanks to proactive monitoring and advanced investigative capabilities, an EDR can identify and provide visibility into sophisticated attacks and unknown malware that may escape detection by traditional antivirus software. In addition, an EDR provides automated response, evidence gathering and remediation capabilities to rapidly neutralize threats.
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Key differences between an EPP and an EDR :
1. Safety approach
An EPP takes a preventive approach based on known malware signatures, while an EDR focuses on detecting advanced and unknown threats by monitoring behavior and anomaly indicators.
2. Features
An EPP offers protection, firewalling and analysis of known malware, while an EDR offers continuous monitoring, behavioral detection, in-depth investigation and automated response capabilities.
3. Reactivity
An EPP typically reacts by blocking known threats, while an EDR provides a proactive response by detecting sophisticated attacks, gathering evidence and enabling targeted remediation.
Synergistic combination for optimum safety:
For complete cybersecurity, a combination of EPP and EDR is recommended. EPP offers a solid first line of defense against known threats. While EDR provides an additional layer of detection and response to advanced attacks. This combination provides real-time protection and in-depth investigative capability. All while enabling security teams to rapidly detect new threats, isolate infected endpoints and neutralize attacks before they cause damage. ANSSI has recommended the combination of EPP and EDR in the France Relance project.
As cybersecurity continues to evolve, it's essential to understand the difference between an EPP (Antivirus) and an EDR. While EPP focuses primarily on the prevention and detection of known malware. EDR offers a proactive approach to detecting and responding to advanced and unknown threats. By combining these two tools, organizations can benefit from robust, comprehensive IT security, reducing the risk of major attacks and disruptions. Investing in a holistic cybersecurity strategy is essential to protect sensitive data. And thus ensure business continuity in today's digital landscape.
Find out more about our Managed EDR, awarded the France Cybersecurity 2023 label: https: //scalair.fr/blog/edr-manage-labellise/
