What is XDR and EDR technology and how does it help protect companies against cyberattacks?
For a long time, dangerous cyberattacks were perceived as a concern primarily for large companies and corporations, and with good reason. A larger company means greater potential profits, and cybercriminals value their time. However, this has changed. Automation of system hacking processes has made it increasingly difficult for anyone to be safe.
Why does every company need protection against cyberattacks?
Every day, small and medium-sized businesses become targets of cyberattacks. The statistics are alarming – approximately 43% of small businesses experience cybersecurity incidents within a year. Furthermore, as many as 60% of small businesses close within six months of a major cyberattack. The average cost of a cyberattack for a small business ranges from 120,000 to 3.3 million PLN – a sum that could spell the end of business for most businesses.
Cyberattack techniques are constantly evolving, but so are the technologies designed to protect us from attacks. EDR and XDR software are modern defense systems that can effectively protect any company – regardless of its size.
What is EDR?
EDR technology, or Endpoint Detection & Response, is a modern replacement for traditional antivirus software. The difference is fundamental – traditional antivirus software acts as a watchdog, checking IDs against a wanted list, while EDR monitors the behavior of every person and responds to suspicious activity, even if someone isn't on the list.
Traditional antivirus software focuses on detecting known malware based on so-called "signatures" – unique identifying features of the program. EDR also utilizes static threat detection (analyzing files without executing them), but it significantly expands traditional protection with advanced behavioral features.
EDR in practice
EDR operates on a 24/7 continuous monitoring basis. Unlike antivirus software, which scans files periodically, EDR never sleeps. The system automatically:
- Collects data on all device activity – every program launch, every internet connection, every system change.
- Analyzes behavior in real time – uses artificial intelligence to recognize patterns.
- Detects suspicious activity – even previously unseen activity, based on unusual behavior.
- Reacts to threats – can immediately disconnect an infected device from the network.
- Prepares a timeline and detailed reports to aid in attack investigation and analysis.
What is XDR?
XDR, or Extended Detection and Response, is a system that evolved from EDR. The biggest difference between these systems lies in their operational range. While EDR analyzes behavior at a single endpoint—a device like a laptop or phone—XDR analyzes behavior across a company's entire IT ecosystem.
The XDR system takes into account much more than EDR and includes:
- Network traffic and all connections between devices and the internet
- Cloud applications – Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Dropbox, etc.
- Emails – detects phishing and suspicious attachments
- Servers and databases – protects critical company resources
- Login systems – monitors who logs in and when
This allows XDR to automatically correlate threats from different systems—that is, connect seemingly unrelated events into a single whole. For example, if someone is simultaneously trying to hack into multiple computers, sending suspicious emails, and downloading large amounts of data, XDR will immediately connect all these signals and identify a coordinated attack.
Summary
EDR and XDR technologies are now the foundation of effective cyberthreat protection – EDR works well in simpler environments, protecting individual devices, while XDR provides full visibility and automatic correlation of signals from the entire IT infrastructure. When choosing the right solution, it's important to consider the scale of your business and the level of risk. At Support Online, we conduct an IT audit of your existing infrastructure and then, based on the results, recommend the solution best suited to your company's needs. We monitor the entire system and immediately take corrective action if an incident is detected. This gives your company peace of mind, and your employees can focus on their business goals, confident that even the most advanced attacks will be blocked before they cause damage.
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What IT solutions do we use at Support Online?
When is it worth using an IT company?
Why is it worth hiring an IT company rather than a freelance IT specialist?
What are the advantages of working with IT Support Online?
An IT company, or IT firm, deals with information technology in a broad sense. This includes, among other things:
- Software design and development: An IT company can create custom applications for other companies or software products for the mass market. Depending on their specialization, these can include mobile applications, desktop applications, web applications, or embedded systems.
- Consulting services: An IT company often provides experts to advise on implementing new technologies, optimizing business processes, or selecting appropriate technological solutions.
- Cloud solutions: Many IT companies specialize in implementing and managing cloud solutions, such as data storage, application hosting, and data analysis platforms.
- IT security: Protection against cyberattacks, security audits, implementing security policies, and network monitoring are just some of the IT companies' responsibilities in this area.
- IT infrastructure management: In this area, a company may manage servers, databases, networks, and endpoints.
- Technical Support and Service: An IT company may provide support for its own products or general IT support for other companies, managing their technology on a daily basis.
- Training: Many IT providers also offer training in software use and secure technology use.
- Hardware Solutions: Some IT companies may also provide and configure computer, server, or network hardware.
Depending on their specialization and size, an IT company may offer one, several, or all of the above solutions. When choosing a provider, it's important to thoroughly understand their services and tailor them to your individual needs.
At Support Online, we have been supporting companies for years with
- comprehensive user support (both on-site and remotely),
- we service computers, phones, tablets, and related network issues,
- we specialize in server administration: Windows, Linux/Unix,
- we support virtualizers such as KVM, Hyper-V, VMWare, and Proxmox,
- we support cloud services, particularly solutions such as Azure, Microsoft 365, and AWS,
- we monitor servers and devices on the internet,
- we consult on development, DRP, and support the stability of your business in the IT layer.
If you're looking for a good IT company, Support Online is the right place to grow your business.
It's worth using an IT company like Support Online when:
- You plan to implement new technologies or software in your company.
- You need specialized technology consulting.
- You want to optimize existing IT processes.
- You struggle with digital security issues.
- You need support in managing your IT infrastructure.
- You lack internal resources or expertise to implement certain technology projects.
Using external IT experts can bring benefits in terms of saving time and resources, and ensuring high-quality solutions.
Hiring an IT company like Support Online offers several key benefits over an IT freelancer:
- Support from the entire team: An IT company has a full team of specialists, from DevOps specialists and Cyber Security Specialists to IT Helpdesk Specialists, who possess diverse skills and experience, enabling faster problem resolution and the implementation of more complex projects.
- Reliability and stability: IT companies have an established reputation and track record, which can translate into greater reliability and stability of services.
- Maintenance and support: An IT company can offer service contracts, warranties, and after-sales support, which may be more difficult to obtain from an individual freelancer.
- Resources: Companies have access to more resources, tools, and technologies that can accelerate and improve project execution.
- Long-term availability: The risk of a freelancer disappearing or changing careers is greater than the risk of a well-established company going out of business.
However, it's worth noting that the choice between a company and a freelancer depends on your specific needs and situation. If you value peace of mind and a quick response to unexpected problems, it is worth choosing an IT company such as Support Online.
Partnering with IT Support Online offers the following advantages:
- Professional IT outsourcing: The company guarantees high-quality IT outsourcing services for businesses of all sizes.
- Comprehensive IT support: IT Support Online provides comprehensive IT support that meets the diverse needs of businesses.
- Saves time and money: With our support, clients can focus on their core business activities while reducing the costs associated with information technology management.
- Serving a diverse range of businesses: The company specializes in serving both small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations, demonstrating its flexibility and ability to adapt to diverse client needs.
- Leadership in IT outsourcing: The company is recognized as a leader in IT outsourcing, particularly in the Poznań and Warsaw regions.
By partnering with our company, IT Support Online, businesses can count on a high standard of service and professionalism at every stage of the relationship.
