EDR vs antivirus: differences and which one your company needs

An antivirus compares files with signatures of known malware and blocks them. An EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) watches what happens on each device, detects suspicious behaviour even when there is no malicious file, can isolate the device and keeps a record of what happened. The difference is not the brand: it is being able to respond.

What antivirus does and where it falls short

Traditional antivirus works with signatures and reputation: if it recognises the file, it blocks it. It is useful against commodity malware, but today’s attacks on businesses often use legitimate system tools, stolen accounts or Microsoft 365 sessions, and there is no file to recognise.

• Good against known threats and commodity malware.

• Weak when the attacker uses legitimate tools or stolen credentials.

• Leaves little information about what happened and what to do.

What an EDR adds

An EDR records processes, connections, persistence changes and credential use on each device. With that telemetry it detects anomalous behaviour, can isolate a laptop from the network in seconds and rebuilds the attack timeline.

EDR vs antivirus: comparison

EDR, XDR and MDR: how they differ

• EDR: detection and response on devices (laptops, servers).

• XDR: extends detection to other sources, such as email, identity or the network.

• MDR: the managed service, a team that watches the EDR or XDR alerts 24/7 and responds for you.

An EDR with nobody watching the alerts is a console nobody opens. That is why, for most companies without their own SOC, what really works is managed EDR (MDR).

When to move from antivirus to EDR

• If a day without billing, customer service or logistics is unacceptable.

• If you handle customer or health data, or your customers ask for security measures.

• If NIS2 applies to you or you supply an entity that is in scope.

• If your cyber insurer asks for EDR to renew the policy.

At Ciberseguridad720 that layer is Securiza720: managed EDR with a 24/7 SOC/MDR, backups and response, by subscription.

Frequently asked questions

Does EDR replace antivirus? Yes: current EDRs include antivirus protection (EPP) and add behavioural detection and response.

Does EDR slow devices down? A well-configured EDR has a low impact on everyday use; it is worth piloting it on a few devices before rolling it out to all.

Do I need a SOC to have EDR? You need someone to review the alerts. If you have no team of your own, managed EDR (MDR) does it for you around the clock.