What is Extended Detection and Response (XDR)?

Introduction: what is extended detection and response (XDR)?

Extended Detection and Response (XDR) is a class of information security systems designed to proactively detect and respond to threats. XDR is a relatively newer approach that helps optimize the threat-hunting process and incident response process in real-time.

XDR unifies security-relevant endpoint detections with telemetry from security and business tools such as network analysis and visibility (NAV), email security, identity and access management (IAM), cloud security, and more. It is a cloud-native platform built on big data infrastructure to provide security teams with flexibility, scalability, and opportunities for automation. (Forrester)

For contemporary information security systems, it is a challenge to have a consolidated solution to organize high-quality defense. However, XDR solutions entered the modern market to give cybersecurity teams a handy, cohesive tool for detecting and responding to incidents. The functionality of the solution is focused on collecting only essential data and organizing a balanced analysis with results that can be tracked through a user-friendly interface, all improving the ability of the team to take protective measures.

Extended Detection and Response (XDR) technologies

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), also known as endpoint threat detection and response (ETDR).

This includes endpoint technologies that:

• collect telemetry data from systems
• perform anomaly detection for the purpose of alerting
• enable analysts to perform investigations using collected telemetry, and
• facilitate a response to incidents.

Network Detection and Response (NDR)

It scans for threats through the network and activates response actions upon detection. NDR activity is focused on the internal network and allows us to see the threats that have already penetrated the perimeter. During the operation, NDR uses a combination of non-signature-based analytical techniques and performs continuous monitoring and analysis of raw enterprise network traffic. All activity occurs in real-time mode and threat notifications are sent immediately.

Network Traffic Analysis (NTA)

NTA works in the connector mode with Endpoint Detection and Response. It performs network traffic analysis using special sensors. Through the XDR console, clients can manage all deployed sensors, monitor their status, and investigate incidents and events.

Malware Detonation Platform (MDP)

Malware Detonation Platform (MDP) is an essential tool for suspicious files and links analysis. It is performed through the virtual machine in order to control malicious activity and perform additional actions in safe mode. MDP helps understand the nature of malware and the actions it will perform in case of a successful intrusion.

Managed Services (MS)

These are the services that provide support from highly-qualified security specialists. Their work enriches detection through contextual analysis and helps in developing strategic incident response strategies.

Security Data Lake

It works as a data aggregator. XDR provides access to the Data Lake, where information about network and email traffic and activity on hosts is stored. Security Data Lake can integrate with different security analytics tools to provide a single point for hosting, parsing, and utilizing security data.

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems

SIEM solution performs data aggregation and uses sorting functions for threat identification. The basic set includes log management, event correlation, incident monitoring, security alerts, compliance management, and reporting.

Threat Intelligence

Threat Intelligence is a technology solution that gathers information about current or potential threats and attackers from various resources. The gathered information is analyzed and organized to conveniently convert it into actionable security insights used to minimize cybersecurity risks.

Know how XDR by Group-IB includes the aforementioned components, that work together as a consolidated solution for robust detection, prevention, and response to cyber threats.

How does Extended Detection and Response (XDR) work?

XDR solution is a consolidation of tools and collected data, that can detect attackers, notify users about potential and actual threats, and enable them to prevent asset contamination.

How can businesses enable advanced security with extended detection and response (XDR)?

XDR system, as a new category of the solution, is designed for advanced detection and response activity. The main functionality is aimed at threat prevention and in-depth threat analysis. It can enrich security teams’ capabilities and strengthen an organization’s level of cyber protection.

Instead of separate tools that prove to be inconvenient and inefficient when used in an isolated way, XDR provides a set of compatible tools that work in clear collaboration with each other. Essential XDR options include:

• Incident response acceleration: it can help minimize attack consequences and promptly stop intruders in case of an attack.
• High-quality cyberattack detection: XDR functionality includes automated detection and identifying phishing and different sophisticated threats. XDR’s efficiency is complemented by managed services that enrich automated analysis with context and make it more qualified and useful.
• Data correlation, collection, and analysis: security analysts can use the XDR solution as a powerful tool to monitor events on each device, analyze them, and indicate potential threats.
• Threat hunting using EDR hosts telemetry: collecting data from endpoints with the help of automation capabilities gives more time for building a threat-hunting strategy and implementing it attentively.

Combining technology + expertise: Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR)

Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) solution is a cutting-edge answer to comprehensive protection, that comes with an option of additional managed services and 24/7 support. Being a part of MXDR means that XDR can enrich information security defense with the help of Managed Services. In this way, the solution includes analytics tools for screening internal events contained in the Security Data Lake and response with the help of the Malware Detonation Platform.

In order to maintain effective information security defenses, it is advised to leverage the high-level expertise of Digital Forensic Analysts and Incident Responders.

CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team) 

This managed service maintains the human proficiency and the high-grade expertise of the CERT team that

• manages incidents effectively and efficiently.
• offers in-depth analysis and classification of attack events.
• Provides strategic recommendations for response and risk prevention.

DFIR (Digital Forensics & Incidents Response)

DFIR experts collect incident data and perform deep investigations. They also provide education for information security teams to increase competency levels and strengthen defense through

• Threat mitigation.
• Faster incident response.
• Forensic data collection and remote response actions implementation

Stay ahead of evolving threats with Group-IB MXDR

Group-IB Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) offer fully managed threat detection, hunting, and response powered by Endpoint Detection and Response (XDR). Gain an edge with MXDR solution through:

• Managed capabilities: users can additionally leverage managed services as per their need. Our CERT and DFIR experts have 11+ years of practical experience in detecting and responding to incidents (70,000+ hours of incident response).
• Seamless compatibility with other solutions: complementary modules of the solution successfully combine with other SIEM solutions. Group-IB systems do not trigger conflicts with other vendors’ solutions. This equips our clients with multi-layered protection that collects all useful elements from each solution installed in the system.
• EDR and NTA inclusions make the solution financially viable: as the clients don’t need to pay separately for these components. Purchasing a Group-IB XDR license means that EDR and NTA elements are also acquired. All modules in Group-IB XDR work in collaboration, reducing the time, and investment in allocating resources separately.

Learn more about Group-IB Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR).