In the world of cybersecurity, two of the most commonly used technologies are antivirus and endpoint detection and response (EDR). Antivirus has been the primary method for protecting computer systems from malware for decades. However, as cyber threats continue to evolve, antivirus alone is no longer sufficient to keep systems safe. This is where EDR comes in, as it offers a higher level of protection than traditional antivirus software. In this blog, we will explore why EDR is better than antivirus.

Firstly, EDR offers more comprehensive protection than antivirus. Antivirus software is designed to detect and remove known threats based on signatures and behavioral patterns. This means that it can only detect threats that have been previously identified and added to its database. On the other hand, EDR is designed to detect and respond to both known and unknown threats in real-time. This is achieved through continuous monitoring and analysis of system activity, network traffic, and user behavior. As a result, EDR is better equipped to detect and respond to new and emerging threats that traditional antivirus may miss.

Secondly, EDR provides a faster response to threats than antivirus. Antivirus software relies on regular scans and updates to detect and remove threats. This means that it can take hours or even days for an antivirus solution to identify and respond to a new threat. EDR, on the other hand, is designed to provide real-time detection and response to threats. It does this by monitoring system activity in real-time, analyzing events as they occur, and providing alerts and actions when threats are detected. This rapid response time is critical in preventing cyber attacks from causing damage to systems and data.

Thirdly, EDR offers better visibility and control over system activity than antivirus. Antivirus software typically operates in the background, performing periodic scans and updates. It provides limited visibility into system activity and user behavior. EDR, on the other hand, provides a more comprehensive view of system activity, network traffic, and user behavior. This allows security teams to detect and respond to threats more quickly and effectively. Additionally, EDR allows for greater control over system activity, enabling security teams to block or quarantine suspicious processes or applications.

In conclusion, while antivirus software is still an essential component of any cybersecurity strategy, EDR offers a higher level of protection and faster response times. Its ability to detect and respond to both known and unknown threats in real-time, provide better visibility and control over system activity, and offer a faster response time makes it a better choice for organizations looking to protect their systems and data from cyber threats.