PlexTrac ConceptsExtended Detection and Response (XDR)

Extended detection and response (XDR) is a cybersecurity solution that gathers and analyzes threat data from multiple sources—such as endpoints, networks, applications, and cloud environments—to enhance threat detection, investigation, and response. Through its extensive data integrations, XDR provides organizations with a comprehensive view of their environment, enabling faster and more accurate threat and vulnerability detection.

XDR also incorporates threat intelligence feeds with data correlation to facilitate collaboration and empower teams with deeper insights into potential threats and respond effectively. XDR solutions also help centralize security operations and automate threat management to reduce risks and strengthen security posture.

Extended detection and response (XDR) works by aggregating and correlating security data from many sources. It uses machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze that data in real time to identify anomalies that may be potential vulnerabilities or threats.

For example, if an endpoint detects an unusual login activity while the network registers an unauthorized data transfer, XDR can correlate these two events to recognize a potential attack. It then automatically responds by isolating the compromised device, blocking malicious traffic, or alerting security teams for further investigation.

Extended detection and response (XDR) eliminates silos and streamlines the detection and response process across multiple systems by providing a unified view — ultimately reducing the mean time to detect and respond. On top of that, the combined source reduces alert fatigue and improves insights across systems around vulnerabilities or security gaps. Rather than focusing on response, security teams using XDR can spend more time proactively hunting for threats and vulnerabilities.

Both extended detection and response (XDR) and endpoint detection and response (EDR) provide threat detection and response. However, EDR focuses solely on endpoint security, including laptops and servers, while XDR encompasses more than endpoints, including networks, applications, identity and access management (IAM) systems, and more.

For instance, if there was a laptop security threat, an EDR solution would detect that, but it cannot extend to email, networks, or cloud services like an XDR platform could. Ultimately, XDR delivers an efficient proactive security solution, enabling organizations to detect and respond to multi-vector attacks that EDR solutions may miss.

Benefits of extended detection and response (XDR) include:

• Quick and effective threat response with automated response capabilities
• Optimized security operations through a consolidated view and reduced alerts
• Integrated networks, systems, and endpoints to allow for better detection of attacks
• Improved ability to investigate and uncover the root cause of threats

Challenges of extended detection and response (XDR) include:

• Must comply with data regulations across platforms due to XDR’s vast integrations
• Implementing and integrating XDR solutions can be complex and time-consuming
• Increased false positives may require manual intervention despite its automation
• XDRs may potentially increase infrastructure needs and costs

PlexTrac supercharges the efforts of cybersecurity teams of any size in the battle against attackers. By consolidating data across systems and tools — including XDRs — automating reporting, and prioritizing risks based on business impact, PlexTrac provides actionable insights that enable proactive, effective defense and remediation.

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