The ever-growing threatscape requires an ever-growing arsenal of weapons to defend against it. Fortinet FortiEDR with MDR is one of the more recent products of this ongoing, ever-changing reality. But first, a little background on Endpoint Detection and Response.
What is EDR?
EDR, or Endpoint Detection and Response, sort of an outgrowth of Endpoint Protection. EP is a reactive, defensive product that includes antivirus, anti-malware, data encryption, personal firewalls, intrusion prevention and data loss prevention. Most of EP’s features are signature-based.
Endpoint Detection and Response certainly has elements of next-gen antivirus. But, it boasts additional abilities, as well, For example, you can also expect real-time anomaly detection and alerting, forensic analysis and endpoint remediation capabilities.
By recording every execution and modification, every registry change, and network connection across an entire organization, FortiEDR improves threat visibility beyond the scope of Endpoint Protection.
It also helps to greatly reduce both mean time to detect and mean time to respond to threats. It’s a lot easier to defend your organization’s assets and reputation when you are constantly uncovering security events and highlighting gaps in threat visibility and coverage.
FortiEDR is sort of like a detective whereas EP is like an armed guard patrolling your wall. EP is a front-line, brute force defense defense, effective at blocking known threats. EDR is the next layer of security, providing additional tools to hunt for threats. It forensically analyzes intrusions and respond swiftly and effectively to attacks. FortiEDR can run constantly, 24/7. It is quite stable. Plus, it is very easily scalable from small to quite large organizations.
A little about XDR
XDR, or Extended Detection and Response, is a natural step in the evolution of EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response). Or SIEM. Whichever you prefer. Think of it as an approach that unifies information from multiple security products. It then automates and accelerates threat detection, investigation, and response in ways that isolated point solutions cannot.
EDR refers to the protection of internet-connected devices such as PCs, workstations, servers and smartphones from cyber threats. It is an integrated security solution that detects and blocks threats at device level. It includes antivirus, anti-malware, data encryption, personal firewalls, intrusion prevention and data loss prevention.
XDR takes a much broader approach. It provides visibility across all an organization’s endpoints, as well as the network, and the cloud. Typically, it analyzes the collected data. Then, it acts upon threats. Subsequently, it sends unified alerts and action items to security analysts. So, it’s holistic, in other words. XDR does a lot, and it involves multiple technologies.
And now, MDR
Fortinet’s Managed detection and response is a service that helps organizations better understand the cybersecurity risks they face and improve how they identify and react to threats.
The aim of FortiEDR with MDR is to handle threats, as opposed to making sure a company is following the most recent compliance regulations. However, a company can be brought into compliance after using an MDR because of the enhanced security measures.
The tools used are set up on the client’s premises. But they are provided and managed by the service provider. This alleviates the need for you to source your own threat detection and response resources. It focuses on security events and analyzing data gathered during an event. The data is then used to make the organization safer going forward.
Managed Detection and Response goes by slightly different names depending on the vendor, but it usually uses man and machine. Even though MDR uses automation, human involvement is necessary for some of the most crucial facets. These include around-the-clock monitoring, analyzing security events, and communicating with the client.
Upsides of Fortinet FortiEDR with MDR
It stops malware. By integrating MDR, you can intercept the communications that malwares often use to steal data from targeted command-and-control servers. Therefore you can prevent them from happening in the future. An MDR can also incorporate an endpoint protection platform to shield specific endpoints from malware. MDR also can detect lateral movement of malware, allowing the organization to stop a threat from spreading.
24/7 Monitoring and Communications with Experienced SOC Analysts
With FortiEDR with MDR, your system is monitored around the clock by seasoned security operations center (SOC) professionals. This enhances your security and provides you with up-to-date communication regarding issues.
Proactive Threat Hunting
With an MDR managed security service, you can assume a proactive stance when it comes to going after threats, as opposed to simply reacting after your organization has been impacted by a threat.
Improved Threat Response
An MDR can enhance your threat response capabilities, regardless of the resources on your network. If needed, an MDR can be used in conjunction with an endpoint detection and response (EDR) system, which addresses threats by installing sensors on specific endpoints.
Is it better than a managed security service provider?
They’re similar. But also different. With an MSSP, coverage is often more comprehensive. It’s similar to SOC-as-a-Service. The client makes the decision as to which data gets sent to the MSSP. With MDR, the service provider uses the event logs their tools provide. In addition, compliance reporting is a common facet of an MSSP, but it is rarely performed by MDR.
However, MDR involves more interaction with human analysts, whereas MSSPs typically involve electronic communication, such as through emails. And, with MDR, you may have easier access to on-site incident response by simply adding it to your retained services for a fee. Also, you tend to get remote incident response included in the service package. With MSSP, you need a separate retainer for both on-site and remote incident response.
Why FortiEDR with MDR?
The FortiResponder MDR service provides FortiEDR customers advanced security with 24/7 monitoring, incident management, and alert triaging. Fortinet experts examine and analyze each alert issued by the system and then take action to keep the customer secure.
In addition, Fortinet experts provide customers with detailed recommendations as to how to remediate the issue, as well as what incident responders and IT administrators can do next.
How do I get FortiEDR with MDR?
Just reach out to us! Managed Detection and Response is an add-on service to FortiEDR with MDR. Of course, Corporate Armor can answer any further questions you may have about EDR, XDR, MDR, or any other related product. You can also call 877-449-0458 any time!
Fortinet Managed Detection and Response overview
Fortinet FortiEDR datasheet
Features of Fortinet FortiEDR with MDR
| Aims for threat detection as opposed to compliance |
| Makes use of the service provider’s tools |
| Relies on security event management and advanced analytics |
| Involves human interaction and analysis |
| Includes incident validation and remote response |