In a constantly evolving digital landscape, with an increasing number of entry points into computer systems, no organisation is immune to modern threats. Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, sparing neither large enterprises nor SMEs. This is where the implementation of an XDR (eXtended Detection and Response) solution proves to be the most effective response.
XDR: three letters to counter a multi-faceted threat
At the heart of XDR lies its ability to offer extensive detection and a comprehensive response, covering an organisation's entire infrastructure. This approach is based on various complementary technologies such as EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response), NDR (Network Detection and Response) and FDR (File Detection and Response).
Key stages of the XDR approach include detection, correlation of alerts, automated response, and remediation. With these capabilities, XDR delivers unmatched operational protection, enabling efficient security incident management and automated responses.
The operational benefits of XDR are numerous, including complete infrastructure visibility, swift threat identification, centralised incident control, and automated responses. These advantages firmly position XDR as an indispensable ally against the most sophisticated cyber threats.
In the XDR market, which includes endpoint providers, network security experts and incident management players (SIEM/SOAR), a wide range of approaches can be found, making it challenging to be effective across all XDR technologies. To qualify as a “pure player”, a stakeholder would need to offer mature products in the field of detection, for devices and networks, and also in event correlation, incident management and remediation.
Given the philosophical and technical differences among various players, it is perfectly reasonable to conclude that there are no strictly defined XDR players. However, it is worth noting that only players with a comprehensive native mixed offering, and pure players in incident management, can claim to provide a genuine XDR solution.
SIEM/SOAR solution providers have traditionally processed vast amounts of data detected across the various systems in the infrastructure, offering the advantage of covering a very large part of the Information System. However, the response and remediation capabilities provided by SOAR's technology, and the implementation of playbooks, require integration with security solutions, which calls for a solid understanding of their APIs for effective control.
Native mixed players, on the other hand, combine endpoint detection capabilities and network solutions, offering more sophisticated remediation actions that address both communication flows and endpoints. With their in-depth knowledge of their solutions, they ensure the effectiveness of correlation rules and remediation scenarios. Lastly, native mixed XDR solutions bridge the gaps inherent in integrating a disparate range of security solutions, offering a comprehensive all-in-one solution and minimising integration costs. The choice of the best approach primarily depends, therefore, on the specific needs of each organisation.
Behind the shield: employees and skills
The implementation of an XDR solution delivers unmatched technical resources to swiftly identify threats, ensure centralised incident management, and automate responses. But the fact remains that it is essential to have a SOC (Security Operations Centre) team capable of harnessing its power.
While integrated and pre-configured “native” XDR solutions streamline the operational implementation of security mechanisms, limiting integration costs, companies need their own security teams if they are to fully unlock XDR's potential. This includes refining detection quality to clarify alerts and responding in the most appropriate manner. For this reason, the adoption of XDR was naturally initially dominated by large organisations that had substantial internal resources to exploit the solution fully and effectively.
However, today’s XDR players have evolved their offerings to also meet the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. Companies that do not have their own SOC team can rely on Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services offered directly by vendors or Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs). These providers have their own SOCs to handle security events and respond on behalf of their customers, offering a viable alternative for strengthening security without the need for a dedicated in-house team.
XDR is therefore emerging as the best response to the growing complexity of cyber threats. Companies must carefully assess their needs, ensure that they potentially have the necessary skills in-house, and choose an XDR approach that is suited to their environment. In this constantly-changing digital era, the XDR stands out as a vitally important shield for guaranteeing the security of all organisations, large and small.
