The benefits of XDR and how it works to keep your network secure

When it comes to network security, few offerings are as effective, affordable, and comprehensive as XDR. It goes a step beyond EDR, and when it comes to real-world use cases, there's no competition.

In this post, we're going to be covering what XDR is, its many benefits, and the types of businesses that can benefit from investing in it. 

What is XDR?

XDR is a cybersecurity solution designed to offer improved visibility across your network, connected devices, apps, and cloud data. Short for Extended Detection and Response, XDR is designed to look across your entire network, searching for threats and, when the time comes, alerting your security team to react.

These threat detection and hunting features are largely thanks to XDR's use of APIs, AI, and automation. Artificial Intelligence is used to analyze telemetry data to be able to spot red flags more accurately and immediately than traditional solutions. 

The benefits of XDR

Now that you have an idea of how XDR works, it's time to cover the benefits. These benefits will give you an idea of how your business can put XDR solutions to work in a real-world context. 

Holistic, cost-effective security

The core benefit of XDR is its holistic nature. It's comprehensive protection, using an open architecture to cover your network, devices, data, and applications at once. This is a major benefit, especially as businesses are expanding their numbers of endpoints, collecting more data, and experimenting with hybrid work styles. 

Not only do you get holistic security with an XDR solution, but you'll get it for a fair price. XDR options are extremely cost-effective thanks to their ease of deployment and flexible pricing options.

For businesses, this makes it a top-tier cybersecurity option. Few other solutions offer the same level of support at such a competitive price point. 

Reduces reliance on human resources

Another major benefit of XDR is that it reduces your reliance on in-house security teams. As mentioned, AI algorithms can quickly identify red flag patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. Not only will this make your cybersecurity strategy more effective, but it will free up your IT team from laborious manual threat hunting as well. 

The benefits of this are two-fold. For companies that can't afford serious IT talent, it means cybersecurity protection without putting new team members on payroll. And for those that already have a potent cybersecurity team, XDR can be used to free them up to work on high-value tasks. 

Combined with an effective IT team, XDR can drastically improve your approach to network security. You'll catch and respond to more threats with less effort and error. 

Monitor your entire network

XDR is capable of monitoring your entire network all at once. Unlike manual review systems, which work through a list of network events to spot potential risks, XDR is watching all events in real time. 

This kind of coverage is a necessity in today's world. It means having a system in place that is faster than modern cybersecurity threats, putting you a step ahead of attacks. 

Better still, XDR performs this comprehensive threat detection without the need for multiple applications or systems. You can think of XDR as the only threat detection technology you need, combining all the advantages of earlier-generation security software, like SIEM, to better support your team.

Ideal for businesses that process sensitive information

Almost all businesses have increasing amounts of sensitive information under their control.  At the same time, unfortunately, their attack surface is growing and becoming more diverse, creating ever increasing opportunities for attackers and making it easier for attackers to find a way to circumvent controls.  This means that businesses have to assume that attackers can get in. 

This is where XDR is a cybersecurity lifesaver.  Because it doesn't only focus on endpoints or networks it can detect threats in any part of your information ecosystem. XDR can detect the activities of an attacker who has breached your external defenses and is now exploring your network to find valuable information.

This is a must in today's world. Businesses across all industries are collecting more data than ever before, and much of that data belongs to users, clients, and customers. Keeping it safe is a top priority, and XDR can help you meet that priority by unmasking attackers before they can access valuable data. 

Acts as a strong second and third level of defense

Lastly, XDR has the benefit of acting as a strong second and third level of defense. Of course, your first level of defense is going to be your IT team for the foreseeable future. 

However, that doesn't mean your IT team should be your sole level of defense. Businesses need additional coverage, fail safes, and walls standing between them and a cybersecurity attack. XDR is an excellent additional, and extended, layer of defense --- one that shouldn't be overlooked. 

Who needs XDR?

While any business can enjoy the benefits of XDR, there are a few that can't afford to overlook it. Here's a quick breakdown of the types of businesses that need XDR. 

Businesses on a budget

The first type of business that can seriously benefit from investing in XDR cybersecurity is the business that's on a budget. These are businesses that have a small and/or underfunded cybersecurity that's stretched thin. 

For these businesses, XDR can act as an affordable cybersecurity upgrade. It can give your small team the power and support it needs to remain effective. It's a cost-effective, long-term investment for your cybersecurity defense.

Businesses looking to stay a step ahead of cybersecurity threats

The second type of business that can benefit from XDR cybersecurity is the business that's looking to stay a step ahead of modern cybersecurity threats. Currently, there is a wide variety of threats that businesses can be exposed to and an increasing number of assets that cybersecurity threats can seize. 

With XDR, businesses can stay a step ahead of these threats with next-level protection. By utilizing AI, open architecture, and automation, XDR makes businesses faster, more responsive, and better at effectively mitigating the damage that a cybersecurity threat can pose. 

Businesses seeking a solution for simple, automated detection

Thirdly, businesses that are looking for a simple, automated way to strengthen threat detection will love XDR. It couldn't be easier to deploy. And once deployed, it takes on a large chunk of the work that cybersecurity threat hunting and detection requires. 

Not only will this make your business more effective, but it can also free up your existing cybersecurity resources. This can save your business money or simply strengthen your network security approach. Either way, it's putting more power in your hands. 

Even MDR teams and MSSPs are using XDR to optimize their services

When it comes to hiring human analysts, businesses can choose from MDR and MSSPs --- but even these human analysts require tooling to fully protect your business.

XDR is fast becoming the tech of choice, particularly for MDRs (Managed Detection and Response). And if it's trusted by the experts, then you know it's doing something right.

Learn more about the differences between MDR, MSSP, and other cybersecurity alternatives here.

Start enjoying the next-generation benefits of XDR cybersecurity today

The benefits of XDR cybersecurity aren't limited to businesses with the largest budgets. Anyone can invest in XDR and start reaping its advantages. Make the leap today with Samurai XDR and enjoy the peace of mind that only a cutting-edge solution can provide.