Extended Detection and Response (XDR)

Extended detection and response (XDR) is a technology that delivers visibility into data across networks, clouds, endpoints, and applications while implementing analytics and automation to detect, analyze, hunt, and remediate the threats of today — and tomorrow.

XDR uses cutting-edge technology like telemetry and AI to:

• Automate threat detection and investigation and response processes
• Provide security teams with a holistic view of the entire attack surface

By breaking down silos between security tools, XDR enables faster threat identification, more efficient incident response, and an improved overall security posture.

• Extended detection and response (XDR) is a technology that provides comprehensive visibility into data across networks, clouds, endpoints, and applications, leveraging analytics and automation to detect, analyze, hunt, and address cyberthreats.
• Effective XDR platforms excel at incident detection, analysis, response, and continuous improvement.
• Properly using XDR alongside other cybersecurity tools can improve workflows, threat visibility, and response times.

XDR collects and correlates data across email, endpoints, servers, cloud workloads, and networks, providing visibility into and context for advanced threats. Teams can then analyze, prioritize, hunt, and remediate threats to prevent data loss and security breaches.

The steps of the XDR process are:

• Data ingestion: Collect and centralize security data from various sources (such as endpoints, networks, and the cloud).
• Threat detection: Use AI and machine learning to analyze data for anomalies, suspicious activities, and potential threats.
• Incident investigation: Prioritize and investigate detected incidents to determine their nature and scope.
• Threat hunting: Proactively search for hidden threats and vulnerabilities within the environment.
• Automated response: Implement automated actions to contain threats, such as blocking malicious IPs or isolating infected endpoints.
• Incident response orchestration: Coordinate response efforts across security teams and tools.
• Continuous improvement: Analyze incident data to refine detection and response capabilities, enhancing the overall security posture.

Efficient XDR platforms possess the following features:

Incident detection

XDR platforms pull data from a wide range of security tools and filter it through endpoint telemetry. Doing so enables XDR to identify standard threats and catch more complex threats that might be undetectable to other platforms.

Incident analysis

After XDR detects an incident, the platform clusters similar alerts, providing a story of how an attack unfolds. With a clear understanding of the context behind an attack, the XDR system can prioritize threats and handle the most severe attacks first.

Response

Next, the XDR system initiates the appropriate response and mitigation sequences based on the priority level a threat is assigned during the analysis phase. If the threat is proven to be malicious, XDR platforms address it via endpoint isolation, blocking indicators, session management, or a password reset. If the incident is benign, the system will close it out.

Continuous improvement

Real-time monitoring and regular scans enable XDR to keep networks clean and compliant. They also allow the platform to learn from previous threats and continuously improve to keep even the most complex digital architecture safe.

Implementing an XDR platform equipped with the core features we discussed provides the following benefits for your business:

Improved visibility

XDR systems can analyze internal and external traffic and use machine learning to broaden visibility to the full landscape of cyberthreats. Because these platforms contextualize attacks, they can guide teams toward the most effective response and remediation plan.

Simplified security workflows

XDR can simplify security workflows through streamlined threat visibility and automation. With this level of visibility, platforms can identify threats faster, cluster alerts to provide greater attack context, and leverage automation for faster incident response.

Improved response times

Modern XDR tools can identify and triage threats faster when they group threat alerts. Clustering alerts provides an overall timeline of the threat and enables quick threat hunting and response.

Reduced complexity and costs

The coordinated response an XDR tool provides you can drastically reduce the complexity of your cybersecurity operations. All alerts for a particular threat can be viewed in one place, facilitating quicker response times that prevent further loss. Additionally, having one tool that does it all can help your bottom line.

It’s important to understand that XDR exists on its own, in a vacuum, separate from other security platforms. In fact, the power of XDR stems from the fact that it isn’t these other tools. Let’s explore how XDR differs from other popular platforms.

XDR vs. security event and incident management (SIEM)

Compared with XDR, SIEM platforms can be more reactive and only handle threats from a set of predefined rules. On the other hand, XDR can synthesize security data from multiple endpoints, enabling proactive threat detection.

XDR vs. endpoint detection and response (EDR)

EDR only monitors endpoint devices (such as laptops, desktops, phones, and tablets). XDR uses telemetry to monitor data from these sources throughout the attack cycle.

XDR vs. managed detection and response (MDR)

MDR provides the same protection as EDR. The only difference is a third party manages it, meaning you purchase MDR as a service from a cybersecurity provider.

XDR vs. identity threat detection and response (ITDR)

ITDR supplies threat detection to the privileged and service accounts on your network. XDR covers these accounts and more, spanning your entire digital architecture.

You may have some experience implementing the cybersecurity tools mentioned above. Since XDR works differently, the implementation process is more nuanced than EDR or ITDR. Here are the steps you should follow to implement XDR properly.

Assess and plan

The best way to start the process is by evaluating your current security needs and establishing clear goals. Understanding what processes and data sources you currently use and your primary reason for implementing XDR will help illuminate the gaps XDR can handle for your team.

Select a vendor

Explore the different vendors available (there are many). Research and evaluate options based on their track records, third-party reviews, and industry expertise. Ultimately, choose a vendor that provides the features you need, offers strong support, and aligns with your business goals.

Integrate and implement

Since all data sources are linked via telemetry in XDR, you can expect more seamless integration and implementation. Having access to all the information you need in a centralized dashboard also eases implementation and integration through the consolidation of your cybersecurity tech stack.

Train employees

Proper training and education help you get the most out of XDR’s cybersecurity potential. Additionally, cross-training teams from different departments (e.g., IT, security, and compliance) ensures complete alignment of XDR strategy implementation.

Continually monitor and improve

Once you’ve implemented your XDR solution, regularly audit its performance and best practices. Continually assessing your XDR’s optimization and staying up-to-date on industry trends enables the highest level of performance and protection possible.

• What is XDR — and why should you use it?
• Barracuda XDR insights: How AI learns our patterns to protect you
• Why XDR is essential for MSPs
• XDR round-up: High-severity threats on the rise, peak during holidays

XDR is a must-have for any security team looking to usher their threat protection into the future. While many solutions are available, Barracuda XDR is the premier platform to improve visibility and reduce the complexity of your cybersecurity stack.

Are you ready to experience cybersecurity protection in a seamless, centralized dashboard backed by AI-powered threat protection? Contact our team for your XDR consultation today.