XDR and data flow: XDR solutions bring together data from across an organization in order to respond quickly and accurately to cyber threats

The world of cybersecurity can be intimidating and full of jargon. But after reading this post, you’ll feel as confident as we are in our upcoming product: Samurai XDR.

After all, speed is key when it comes to a security breach. In-depth information reports need to be available quickly — and full of accurate data — so you can swiftly address the issue and respond in a well-informed way.

XDR — Extended Detection and Response — provides an unrivaled cybersecurity solution because it draws upon telemetry data from all corners of the online landscape to create the fastest, most effective response possible.

Why are XDR and its data flow so powerful for cybersecurity protection? Let’s dive in.

XDR and data flow: why a holistic approach matters

Alternative cybersecurity options such as NDR and EDR are limited in their own specific ways. They simply aren’t capable of performing multiple tasks at once and don’t focus on widespread monitoring. Their data flow is limited by the fact that they focus on specific areas of IT infrastructure.

By taking a holistic approach to data flow, XDR uses an all-encompassing method to comb through data within every aspect of your cyber environment. Doing so minimizes the blind spots that other cybersecurity options would otherwise have.

Examples of such blind spots include endpoints, hybrid networks, and cloud. These are places that are vulnerable and so the risk of cybercrime increases.

XDR shores up your defenses because the approach used by XDR enables the mass gathering of data. Its data flow is much more comprehensive.

Built-in AI simultaneously analyzes this data and builds up a bigger picture of what’s going on. Consequently, the data flow is organized and streamlined in a way that reduces the workload for your security team. Alerts are then generated for genuine threats as opposed to anomalies, which alternative, less thorough cybersecurity options have a habit of generating. This approach enables the following:

Deep analytics

Deep analytics is a key component of XDR technology.

XDR implements a smart approach that analyzes telemetry data, gathered in real-time, against Threat Intelligence (TI) to unearth attacks. Not only does it identify breaches, but it goes one step further in identifying trends or patterns of attack. Trends and patterns that are identified are, in turn, used to update and enhance TI.

The AI delivers a response that’s appropriate to the threat.

In short, XDR provides a focused and targeted response that’s better at dealing with or containing the danger.

Furthermore, the AI is intelligent enough to identify tactics that an attacker may use. XDR maps Tactics Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) used by attackers against well-known frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK. If you can understand what’s being used against you, you will have a better understanding of what a threat actor is trying to achieve and you are better prepared to defend against it.

Making sense of weak data signals

Unfortunately for all of us, attackers are becoming stealthier and more skilled at evading defenses both on endpoints and in the network. While this means that individual controls on the endpoint or in the network might not stop them, they still leave tracks. This is where XDR comes in. By using AI and ML to correlate weak signals from different sources, XDR is able to sniff out an attacker’s trail and pinpoint a breach before an attacker can do damage.

Inexpensive and extensible data layer

Compared to historical data layer storage systems, XDR provides a cheaper alternative. This is because older systems are predominantly created in ways that are now outdated, and they store data that doesn’t need to be stored. XDR uses modern data lake technology which is designed for fast query responses.

XDR also focuses on storing only the data which is relevant for detections - rather than storing absolutely everything. So, over time, you end up storing less information which means you require less storage space.

XDR saves you money because it’s smart.

Greater visibility and context

As previously mentioned, because there are less likely to be blind spots within an XDR monitoring system, you see a much wider view of what’s going on. Even threats that use legitimate software to mask their attacks can be analyzed, so rest assured that there’s nowhere for cybercriminals to hide.

There are many layers of detection that can uncover a breach. Much like a well-organized prison system. Your security team will be notified and then provided with a detailed picture of what’s going on.

With XDR, vital information is made available such as: where the breach occurred and where it came from, what damage has been done and where it’s spread to. All of which help in the fight against cybercrime.

Try it for yourself

NTT’s latest product, Samurai XDR, will safeguard your cybersecurity. Backed by a Global Threat Intelligence database that boasts 99% accuracy of detection and with 9.5 TB of data being analyzed daily, you’re in safe hands.

Book a demo now.