What is Extended Detection and Response (XDR)? 

 Extended detection and response (XDR) is a unified security platform that employs AIWhat is AI? Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by computers in an aim to mimic or exceed human cognitive abilities across a range of domains…. More and automation to help entities detect, investigate, and respond to sophisticated cyberattacks and threats.  

Unlike conventional endpoint detection and response (EDR)What is EDR? Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is a cybersecurity solution that proactively identifies and responds to threats to devices on a network, including desktop PCs, laptop PCs, mobile devices… More tools, XDR has a broader scope, encompassing identities, cloud workloads, applications, email, and data. XDR introduces a holistic approach to cybersecurity. 

As today’s enterprises operate in complex, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments, XDR provides the visibility and control they need. It consolidates multiple security tools into one platform, dissolving silos and helping security teams respond faster and more effectively to threats. 

Key XDR Capabilities  

1. Incident-Based Investigation: XDR collects and correlates low-level alerts into meaningful incidents, granting security analysts a better view of an attack without having to sift through isolated data points, which improves productivity and fuels faster response times. 
2. Automatic Disruption of Advanced Attacks: Using high-fidelity signals and built-in automation, XDR pinpoints active attacks and initiates responses like isolating compromised devices and accounts to limit the impact of incidents, significantly reducing investigation time. 
3. CyberattackWhat is a Cyberattack? A cyberattack is a deliberate and malicious attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, or software applications to cause damage, steal information, disrupt services, or… More Chain Visibility: By aggregating alerts from various sources, XDR exposes the full chain of an attack that might otherwise go unnoticed, facilitating a broader visibility that helps analysts respond to complex threats more quickly and effectively. 
4. Auto-Healing of Affected Assets: Automated XDR recovery processes, including returning compromised assets to a safe state by terminating malicious processes, removing harmful rules, and containing affected users and devices allow security teams to focus on higher-priority threats. 
5. AI and Machine LearningWhat is Machine Learning? Machine learning is a subset of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that involves the development of algorithms and models that enable computers to make predictions or decisions based… More: AI and machine learning are behind XDR’s ability to detect, analyze, and respond to threats automatically, as these tools identify anomalous behaviors and generate alerts for security teams, streamlining threat management. 

How XDR Works  

XDR platforms follow a systematic approach to threat detection and response: 

• Data Collection and Normalization: These tools ingest telemetry data from multiple sources and standardize it for consistent analysis. 

• Parsing and Correlation: AI analyzes and correlates this data into incidents, facilitating real-time identification of any malicious activity. 

• Incident Management: After the correlation phase, it then prioritizes incidents based on their severity and context, so teams can respond manually or initiate automated actions like device quarantine. 

• Prevention of Future Incidents: XDR leverages information from various threat intelligenceWhat is Threat Intelligence?Also known as cyber threat intelligence or simply threat intel, threat intelligence is the body of evidence-based knowledge that can be used to inform organizations of threat… More sources to recommend proactive measures that address a firm’s specific environment, strengthening defenses against new and emerging threats. 

Key Benefits of XDR  

• Increased Visibility: By integrating data across endpoints, identities, email, cloud, and more, XDR offers a comprehensive view of security. 

• Accelerated Detection and Response: Real-time threat identification and automated responses limit the window of opportunity for malicious actors. 

• Streamlined Workflows: XDR cuts alert fatigue by sorting events into actionable incidents, so analysts remain focused. 

• Reduced Complexity and Cost: Consolidating security tools into a single platform streamlines operations and cuts costs. 

• Prioritized Incidents: High-priority threats are highlighted with recommended responses that are aligned to industry standards and best practices. 

• Faster SOC Insights: AI and automation deliver faster insights so Security Operations Centers (SOCs) can respond quickly and scale as threats evolve. 

• Improved Efficiency: By automating mundane, repetitive tasks and featuring self-healing capabilities, teams can concentrate on critical threats.  

XDR helps entities stay ahead of today’s advanced cyber threats and risks through integrated, intelligent, and automated security operations. 

For more essential cybersecurity definitions, check out our glossary here.