Security software, known as EDR, that continuously monitors computers and servers to detect, investigate, and stop threats.
Traditional antivirus mainly compares files against known malware signatures. Endpoint detection and response goes further by recording activity on each device, such as running processes, file changes, and network connections, and analyzing it for suspicious behaviour. When it detects a likely attack, it can alert security staff, isolate the device from the network, or stop the malicious process.
For example, if an employee opens a document that launches a hidden script trying to encrypt files, EDR can recognize the pattern, block it, and show investigators exactly what happened. EDR tools produce many alerts and need skilled people to review them, which is why many small and mid-sized businesses buy managed detection and response services. EDR is a building block of broader approaches such as XDR.
Protecting devices such as laptops, phones, and servers that connect to a network from malware, exploitation, and misuse.
Managed Detection and ResponseAn outsourced security service, known as MDR, in which a provider monitors an organization's systems around the clock and responds to threats.
XDRExtended Detection and Response: a security approach that combines data from endpoints, networks, email, cloud, and identity to detect and stop threats.
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EDR and XDR are tools. MDR is a team. Here's one clear chart showing what each covers, who runs it and which one a small or mid-sized business actually needs.