IT

Best EDR Security Systems Compared

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Looking for the best way to protect and monitor your endpoints with automated threat responses? Our research specialists spent two weeks trying to break the best EDR security systems on the market and comparing them across dozens of features, including the number of endpoints allowed, response types, and monitoring tools. Along the way, we found Sophos Intercept X to be the most versatile high-performance option because of its wide range of features, price points, and performance levels for different types of IT security needs.

The Best EDR Security System for Most

Sophos Intercept X logo

Sophos Intercept X

Best for Most

Sophos offers advanced EDR solutions with extended capabilities. For businesses seeking a higher level of EDR protection, you can use the managed threat and response plan with 24/7 expert monitoring. It supports all major operating systems and uses deep learning technology to secure endpoints.

Sophos Intercept X is an intelligent endpoint detection and response solution designed to stop endpoint security breaches before they start. Using the power of deep learning, Sophos can detect and prevent both known and unknown malware. You’ll also benefit from features like ransomware file protection, automatic file recovery, and a unified endpoint security console.

This security system stands out from the crowd with its extended endpoint detection and response, leveraging cross-product data sources for better visibility. Sophos even has a managed threat response package for businesses that want the highest level of EDR protection.

The Best EDR Security System Options to Consider:

  1. Sophos Intercept X — Best EDR security system for most
  2. Cynet 360 — Best EDR system for response automation
  3. CrowdStrike Falcon Complete — Best for managed endpoint detection and response
  4. VMware Carbon Black — Best for consolidating your endpoint security stack
  5. Cisco Secure Endpoint — Best for fast investigations and incident management

When it Makes Sense to Invest In EDR Security Systems

EDR (endpoint detection and response) security systems are an advanced form of endpoint protection. While traditional endpoint systems cover things like malware scanning and basic device security for end-users, EDR systems are much more sophisticated.

With EDR security systems, businesses can detect and investigate incidents while remediating endpoints before they get infected. 

In many cases, EDR security systems are designed for mid-to-large-sized businesses. Smaller organizations with 30-50 employees or fewer can usually get away with a basic endpoint security system. However, some common scenarios would trigger the need to upgrade and protect your business with an EDR system.

The rise of BYOD (bring your own device) in the workplace is creating a higher demand for EDR security. If your company is allowing employees to use their own devices in the workplace for business-related tasks, an EDR system can help protect your organization.

If your IT security team is overwhelmed with different tools, databases, and solutions, EDR security systems can solve this problem. The best EDR systems offer a consolidated console that can help simplify security stacks. This makes it easier for teams to detect threats and act quickly.

Limitations in your IT operations would be another buying trigger for EDR security software.

There are managed solutions on the market that take EDR to the next level with proactive monitoring, threat detection, and expert response. So if you can’t rely on your IT staff to be available 24/7, you should consider an advanced EDR security system.

#1 – Sophos Intercept X Review — The Best for Most

Sophos Intercept X logo

Sophos Intercept X

Best for Most

Sophos offers advanced EDR solutions with extended capabilities. For businesses seeking a higher level of EDR protection, you can use the managed threat and response plan with 24/7 expert monitoring. It supports all major operating systems and uses deep learning technology to secure endpoints.

Sophos is one of the most reputable names in the broader industry of software security. So it should come as no surprise to see Intercept X rank so high on our list of EDR security systems.

In addition to its robust technology, Sophos Intercept X works so well for most people because it’s so versatile. 

For starters, there are three different security packages to choose from—each with a different level of powerful features and capabilities.

  • Intercept X Advanced — Starting at $28 per user per year
  • Intercept X Advanced with EDR — Starting at $48 per user per year
  • Sophos Managed Threat Response — Starting at $75 per user per year

The Advanced plan is a robust endpoint protection package but doesn’t come with EDR features. So you’ll need to sign up for the mid-tier package, at a minimum, if you want endpoint detection and response. 

For businesses seeking a managed solution with 24/7 expert threat hunting and remediation, the Sophos Managed Threat Response package is at the top of its class. You’ll have a team of security experts taking proactive actions to stop even the most sophisticated threats. 

Another unique standout of Sophos Intercept X is the fact that it goes beyond basic endpoint detection and response. The software uses deep learning and cross-product data sources to extend your endpoint security capabilities. 

Sophos Intercept X is compatible with all major devices and operating systems. 

You can use it on Windows, Mac, Google, iOS, Android, Linux, and more—including desktops, laptops, mobile devices, and servers. 

Whether you’re looking for basic endpoint protection, robust EDR, or managed threat and response packages, Sophos Intercept X has something for everyone. 

#2 – Cynet 360 Review — Best EDR System for Response Automation

Cynet 360 logo

Cynet 360

Best EDR Security System for Response Automation

Take advantage of Cynet 360’s custom workflows that will automatically get triggered based on specific alerts. Put your EDR system on autopilot, so your team won’t need to manually act if there’s an incident or potential threat.

Cynet 360 is arguably the most feature-packed EDR system on the market. 

The platform comes with XDR (extended detection and response), 24/7 monitoring, and response automation—making it easy to detect threats on endpoints and networks.

What makes Cynet 360 unique is its automated response capabilities. You can customize workflows across your entire IT security environment based on certain triggers. 

So depending on the alert, a specific remediation trigger will automatically be activated. 

This is the perfect way to ensure fast actions for things like malicious files, compromised accounts, infected hosts, and even attacker-controlled network traffic. Cynet 360 can automatically perform remediation on the endpoint or remediate the threat using infrastructure components, like firewalls.

Cynet 360 also offers quality EDR security features like:

  • Network traffic analysis
  • User behavior analysis
  • Next-generation AV
  • Threat hunting
  • Remote incident response
  • Attack reports

It’s easy to get started. Once you sign up, you can have all of your endpoints protected in less than 24 hours. Sign up for a 14-day free trial to request more information on pricing. 

#3 – CrowdStrike Falcon Complete Review — The Best for Managed Detection and Response

CrowdStrike Falcon Complete logo

CrowdStrike Falcon Complete

Best EDR Security System for Managed Detection and Response

CrowdStrike offers 24/7 monitoring, detection, and response from a dedicated team of security experts. The system detects threats in less than 60 seconds, and CrowdStrike investigates the problem in under ten minutes.

CrowdStrike Falcon Complete is a managed solution for endpoint security. You’ll benefit from the Falcon OverWatch team, which CrowdStrike’s human threat detection unit designed to identify and neutralize the most sophisticated threats. 

These security analysts use a proprietary methodology paired with CrowdStrike’s robust security software to find potential threats even in hidden areas. 

These experts have over 200+ years of security experience in diverse backgrounds, including law enforcement, government agencies, commercial enterprise, defense, intelligence, and more. 

The average incident response time is less than ten minutes, ensuring that all threats are quickly investigated and stopped in their tracks. 

You’ll also benefit from features like:

  • Proactive surgical remediation
  • Breach prevention warranty
  • Proactive platform management
  • Executive dashboards

Sign up for a 15-day free trial and request a quote to get started. 

#4 – VMware Carbon Black Review — The Best For Consolidating Your Endpoint Security Stack

VMware Carbon Black logo

VMware Carbon Black

Best EDR Security System for Consolidating Your Endpoint Security Stack

Simplify endpoint security with a single, user-friendly console. VMware Carbon Black makes it easier to detect threats and respond in a timely manner without bouncing between multiple security systems. It helps accelerate investigations and closes gaps in IT security.

VMware Carbon Black is a modern solution for EDR.

The platform supports threat hunting, incident response, and advanced capabilities to prevent attacks that would normally bypass a traditional endpoint security system. 

What makes this solution unique compared to others on the market is its simplicity. VMware Carbon Black consolidates various endpoint security capabilities into a single console. 

For IT admins and security teams, this really makes everyone’s life much easier. 

The platform reduces headaches and allows security admins to respond faster to potential threats and incidents. In turn, this minimizes downtime and allows critical CPU functions to get back to normal.

VMware Carbon Black also analyzes the behavior of attackers and hackers to detect patterns and neutralize deceptive threats. 

Schedule a personalized demo to get started.

#5 – Cisco Secure Endpoint Review — The Best for Fast Investigations and Incident Management

Cisco Secure Endpoint logo

Cisco Secure Endpoint

Best EDR Security System for Fast Investigations and Incident Management

For businesses with 50+ employees, Cisco Secure Endpoint comes with robust features for endpoint detection and response. The advanced search capability helps you find answers fast, and you’ll have everything you need to take the appropriate actions during an investigation or incident.

Cisco Secure Endpoint is a newly rebranded version of its AMP for Endpoints software. 

This solution has robust EDR capabilities, including threat hunting and endpoint isolation. It also comes with integrated XDR (extended detection and response) functionality to provide simplified incident management tools. 

One unique standout of Cisco Secure Endpoint is its advanced search capability. This allows you to quickly find the answers you need during an investigation in a matter of seconds. 

You’ll also have easy access to Cisco’s advanced malware analysis and threat intelligence portal, allowing you to take the appropriate actions based on the potential threat. 

Other top features and benefits of Cisco Secure Endpoint include:

  • Next-generation antivirus
  • Continuous behavior monitoring
  • Dynamic file analysis
  • Endpoint isolation
  • Secure malware analytics threat grid
  • Threat hunting

Feature availability is based on the licensing package you select. Overall, the solution has everything you need to simplify investigations and act fast during an incident. 

Cisco Secure Endpoint is only available for businesses with 50+ employees. Sign-up for a 30-day free trial to try it out and get more pricing information. 

Methodology For Choosing The Best EDR Security Systems

There are certain factors that must be taken into consideration as you’re evaluating EDR systems and narrowing down the best option for your business. Below, you’ll learn more about what matters and what does not, so you can make an informed decision according to your personal needs.

Number of Endpoints and Endpoint Types

The first thing you need to consider is how many devices you need to secure. In many cases, this number is tied directly to the number of employees you have. 

For organizations with less than 100 or 200 employees, it’s common for EDR software vendors to charge on a per-user or per-endpoint basis. These solutions provide deep insight into users, files, network endpoints, hosts, and more. 

Companies with several hundred or thousands of endpoints to protect typically need a more advanced solution. Features like deep learning and advanced data analytics can help identify threats quickly and begin the remediation process automatically.

You’ll also need to consider the types of devices that need protection. 

Are you just protecting smartphones and laptops? Or do you need protection for servers and network endpoints? What operating systems are those endpoints using?

All of these criteria will help you narrow your search.

Managed Detection and Response (MDR)

MDR is a service within the EDR category. It takes endpoint detection and response to the next level using human monitoring from your software provider.

These solutions are great for organizations that lack the resources of an in-house IT security team. Even if you have a small IT security department, you might not have it staffed 24/7. That’s where MDR can fill those gaps.

Furthermore, managed detection and response help identify and prevent sophisticated attacks. So it’s a great option for businesses that want the highest level of protection with an EDR system.

Incident Response Process

Identifying a threat is just one component of EDR. But you also need to look at the response method as you’re evaluating different tools.

What exactly needs to happen after a threat has been detected?

In some instances, a third-party security team will act on your behalf (mentioned above). Other times, your security team will need to start the remediation process. This could involve locking down endpoints or activating certain network security features.

Automation is a key feature to look for here as well. Certain alerts will automatically trigger an action, such as isolating an endpoint.

Not every EDR security system has the same automation features. So this is definitely something you’ll want to look at closely as you’re comparing options. 

Sophos Intercept X logo

Sophos Intercept X

Best for Most

Sophos offers advanced EDR solutions with extended capabilities. For businesses seeking a higher level of EDR protection, you can use the managed threat and response plan with 24/7 expert monitoring. It supports all major operating systems and uses deep learning technology to secure endpoints.

Summary

EDR security systems help protect your organization beyond basic endpoint protection. 

Sophos Intercept X will be the best option for most of you. But there are other excellent options to consider as well—it all depends on your needs.

We recommend CrowdStrike Falcon Complete if you’re seeking MDR features. VMware Carbon Black is ideal for simplifying your IT security stack. Cynet 360 works best for businesses that want to set up an automated response workflow.

For businesses with 50+ employees looking for a fast way to investigate threats and manage incidents, check out Cisco Secure Endpoint. 

Regardless of your endpoint security needs, you can find what you’re looking for using this guide.


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