What is XDR

Extended Detection and Response(XDR) is a solution that collects security-related data from endpoints, networks, and servers and provides a centralized approach towards threat detection, investigation, and mitigation across IT infrastructure. Unlike traditional tools, which only focus on entry points or monitor attack surfaces, XDR correlates data from various sources to the security team, which helps them to gain a complete view of their IT infrastructure.

The goal of XDR is to enable a coordinated, end-to-end approach to threat management by replacing siloed security tools.

Why it matters

1. Centralized View

XDR consolidates data from various layers of security into a single centralized platform, offering an overall view of threats across the entire IT infrastructure. For instance, when a hacker tries to gain access to the network through a compromised endpoint. Traditional security solutions might flag the activity on the particular endpoint but can’t detect the lateral movement across the network. With XDR, the security team can easily stop the hacker using data correlation and a centralized view.

2. Reducing Alert Fatigue

Security operations centers (SOC) often face large number of alerts from various security tools every day. Many of these alerts are false positives, such as spikes in data traffic, viewing sensitive data, etc, which can cause security security analysts to become overwhelmed.XDR addresses this issue by correlating alerts from multiple endpoints and sources using advanced analytics to map the security incident lifecycle and prioritize it based on risks.

3. Integration With Existing Security Tools

XDR doesn’t always replace existing security tools entirely but can be integrated with them to enhance the security posture. Many organizations already use tools like SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) and SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response).XDR can be easily integrated with these tools to automate the threat detection process and correlate data across the IT infrastructure.

Role of XDR in Modern Cybersecurity Strategies

1. Faster Response

To stop modern cyberattacks, speed is an important factor. On average, the security team has around 93 minutes to stop the cyberattack before it gets out of their hands. If modern cybersecurity strategies have XDR, they can automate the threat detection and mitigation process by predefined rules called playbook.

For example, when ransomware is detected on an endpoint, XDR can automatically isolate the infected device from the network, preventing the lateral movement of the ransomware across IT infrastructure. This automation not only reduces the response time but also minimizes the risk of human error.

2. Improved Investigation

Investigating security incidents involves putting together various information from multiple endpoint logs, network traffic, cloud data, user activity, and more. Traditional tools can provide insights and analysis for each source individually, while XDR puts a clear picture by mapping the incident- how it originated and what the endpoints or devices affected by it.

3. Proactive Threat Hunting

XDR is not for just responding to known threats or security incidents but also enables proactive threat hunting. Security teams can use XDR’s advanced analytics and machine learning capabilities to detect threats that are not yet detected. Proactive threat hunting, facilitated by XDR, improves an organization’s ability to detect zero-day threats, insider threats, and vulnerabilities.

4. Improved Accuracy

Traditional security tools rely on signature-based methods to detect threats. Cybercriminals are constantly developing new attack methods to evade security tools. For example, threat actors developed fileless malware, which doesn’t even leave traceable files or signatures on the devices.XDR can identify fileless malware by flagging anomalies in the network or user activity that indicate the presence of fileless malware.

5. Addressing Threats from Cloud

The growing trend in hybrid IT environments, which includes on-premises infrastructure, private clouds, and public cloud services, adds complexity to cybersecurity management. XDR can operate across these hybrid environments, providing visibility across endpoints, network traffic, etc, to the security teams regardless of physical location. Modern cybersecurity strategy with XDR can address the challenges of cloud environments without significant investment.

6. Scalability

Organizations often implement new technologies like AI-powered tools and migrate to the cloud while expanding.XDR,with its cloud-native architecture, can be easily integrated across various layers of cloud and technologies. This scalability is crucial for organizations seeking to secure their distributed IT infrastructure.

7. Behavior Analytics

XDR solutions with the help of machine learning(ML) to detect anomalous activities that are missed by traditional signature-based security solutions. By establishing a baseline for each user based on their daily patterns and usage, XDR can identify deviations that may be a potential threat, such as lateral movement within the network or privilege escalation by attackers. Moreover, XDR can help organizations detect insider threats which are hard to detect by traditional cybersecurity strategies.

8. Cost Efficiency 

One of the challenges organizations face with traditional security tools is the high cost of licensing and maintenance for each point. On average, organizations employ 45 security tools, maintaining these many tools can be costly.XDR eliminates the need for multiple security tools, reducing licensing fees and the overhead required to manage these tools.

Conclusion

Extended Detection and Response (XDR) is a critical complement to modern cybersecurity strategies, offering a centralized view, faster threat detection, and a more easy approach to managing security. In the modern threat landscape, XDR can enhance an organization’s ability to investigate security incidents with a full view of the attack lifecycle.

For organizations aiming to build an improved and strong cybersecurity posture, XDR is the right choice. Extended Detection and Response (XDR) equips organizations to face sophisticated threats effectively without significant investment.

Related Reading:Top Benefits of Implementing XDR for Comprehensive Threat Protection