Cyberattacks pose a growing threat to individuals and businesses alike. Thankfully, cybersecurity technology has advanced to tackle these challenges head-on.
Two key players in this arena are antivirus software and endpoint detection and response (EDR) programs, both crucial for safeguarding your systems against evolving threats.
But how do they do this? What's the difference between the two, and does it matter which one you use?
For over 25 years, WEBIT Services has helped hundreds of clients in the Chicago area build effective business cybersecurity practices.
By reading this article, you will learn about the functions, strengths, and challenges of both antivirus and endpoint detection and response solutions.
All About Antivirus
How Antivirus Works
Antivirus software has been around for over 20 years. It acts like a digital security guard for your computer, regularly scanning your device for signs of malicious software, also known as malware.
Types of malware include viruses, worms, trojans, and other harmful programs cybercriminals utilize. Their damage can range from simply slowing down a computer to completely shutting down a network.
Antivirus scanning involves comparing files on your device with a database of known malware signatures. If it finds a match, it takes action to remove the threat.
Antivirus software does not uncover unknown or new malware. Instead, a database reports new malware to the antivirus software so it can scan for it.
Antivirus strengths
Because it has been around for so long, antivirus is considered a foundational tool for cybersecurity.
It looks for and removes known threats and can even warn you about unsafe websites.
Newer versions of antivirus use technology like machine learning and AI to find abnormal behaviors in files or programs, making it even more effective.
In addition, it’s a relatively easy IT security tool to deploy and manage.
Antivirus Challenges
Antivirus struggles with brand-new threats, particularly "zero-day" threats.
It works a bit like security guards who only know about known criminals. They won't recognize a new criminal until someone identifies him and publishes a wanted poster. Once the guards see the poster, they can recognize and apprehend the criminal if he enters their building.
The same goes for antivirus—it needs someone to report a new threat before it can identify and remove it.
Because of this, antivirus often reacts after a threat has been detected.
Popular Antivirus Programs
- Norton 360
- Bitdefender
- McAfee Antivirus Plus
- TotalAV
- Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security
Many antivirus programs have both paid and free versions.
The free versions offer basic protection, while paid versions often include additional features like parental controls, password managers, vulnerability scans, and VPNs.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
How EDR Works
EDR detects and responds to threats discovered on each device (or “endpoint,” in IT security terms) within your network. It examines the endpoint, detects malware or suspicious behavior, and responds by isolating the threat.
Like antivirus, EDR uses signature-based detection (it can identify known threats). However, it also uses behavioral analysis (how a file or user behaves) and threat intelligence to find malware.
For example, suppose a marketing PDF file begins duplicating itself not only in the marketing drive but also in the finance drive.
A human user may not notice it because they’re not looking for it.
However, EDR will notice that this particular file should not be in the finance drive, nor is it normal for PDFs to self-replicate. This may indicate that the PDF is actually malware. In response, EDR will isolate the file so it cannot continue its attack against the network.
EDR Strengths
While antivirus deals with known threats, EDR is like a detective that watches the behavior of files. It looks at how files act, their type, and their location. If it senses something fishy, it tells you and puts the suspicious file in a safe place.
EDR’s intelligence allows for advanced threat detection and action before severe damage occurs. It can identify previously unknown threats and advanced attacks. This ability allows it to respond to a broader range of threats.
EDR also provides detailed visibility into its endpoint, including its activity, network connections, and file changes.
EDR Challenges
EDR needs a human touch. When it finds suspicious files, it can isolate them, but it won’t be able to determine if they are threatening and should be deleted or harmless.
A person must check whether the file is a real threat or a false alarm. Unlike antivirus, EDR doesn't delete threats immediately; it captures them for further inspection.
This might lead to some false alarms, so a skilled team is needed to sort it out. On the other hand, if a technician or team does not heed the EDR alerts, the malware could go overlooked and cause serious damage.
EDR is a complicated program that requires skilled personnel to deploy and manage it. It’s not a “download and go” software. It requires a careful hand and watchful eye.
Because of its complexity, EDR is often more expensive than antivirus. In addition, if you do not already have an IT security team, you may need to outsource EDR management.
Popular EDR Solutions
- CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform:
- SentinelOne
- Sophos Intercept X: Next-Gen Endpoint
- MacAfee MVISION Endpoint Security
- Huntress
Each EDR solution has its own strengths, challenges, and target audience. The best EDR software for your organization will depend on your specific needs, budget, and security resources.
It's crucial to consider your threat landscape, IT infrastructure, and desired level of control when selecting your EDR program.
IT providers or IT security specialists may also have a preferred EDR solution that they utilize and recommend.
Teaming Up for Better Cybersecurity
It’s recommended to use both antivirus and EDR for a more robust defense against cyber threats. Antivirus is great at handling known threats, while EDR proactively looks for unknown dangers.
However, businesses should consider their threat profile, size, IT security needs, and IT compliance standards to determine the security solutions that work best for them.
For example, a business in a regulated industry like finance or healthcare may require an EDR program as part of its IT compliance standards.
Next Steps to Improve Your Cybersecurity
Antivirus and EDR can work together to help provide more effective cybersecurity for your system and devices. Antivirus locates and removes known threats while EDR searches for unknown threats and quarantines them for examination. Together, they minimize vulnerabilities and increase your ability to proactively or quickly react toward cyber threats.
Talk to your IT provider or internal IT team to see what kind of antivirus or EDR you use and how well it works for your business. If you are not currently using one or either of these systems, talk to your IT team to see what you should consider adding.
It's essential to examine your needs, expectations, and budget to see what product you should use and whether you should utilize antivirus, EDR, or both.
As threats change, security technology changes alongside it. Antivirus and EDR programs continue to evolve for better protection. As such, you must review your security abilities and needs through regular risk assessments with your IT provider or team.
WEBIT Services is passionate about helping clients reach their cybersecurity goals. We believe education is the first step in building effective cybersecurity practices.
If you're looking for a new IT provider, schedule a 30-minute consultation to see if WEBIT Services might fit your company.
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