DefinitionXDR (Extended Detection and Response) is a security approach that gathers and correlates data from multiple layers, such as endpoints, network, cloud, identity and email, in a single platform to detect threats and coordinate response.
How it works
XDR extends the EDR approach beyond the endpoint. It collects telemetry from different sources, normalizes the data and correlates events that would look harmless in isolation: a phishing email, an unusual login and a suspicious network connection come to be seen as a single attack chain. A typical XDR platform offers:
- Cross-layer correlation to build the incident timeline.
- Analytic detections based on behavior, many of them mapped to MITRE ATT&CK.
- Coordinated response, such as isolating a host, blocking an IP and disabling an account from the same console.
Native XDR vs Open XDR
Native XDR relies mainly on tools from a single vendor. Open XDR is vendor-agnostic: it integrates solutions from different vendors the company already owns, preserving investments and avoiding lock-in to a single provider.
XDR vs EDR vs SIEM
EDR sees the endpoint in depth. NDR does the same for network traffic. SIEM centralizes logs from almost any source and is strong in retention, search and compliance. XDR focuses on correlated detection and response, with less rule-engineering effort. In practice, many operations use XDR and SIEM together, and all of them depend on analysts to investigate and decide.
Network Secure runs an Open XDR platform integrated with its SOC.
Frequently asked questions
Does XDR replace SIEM?
Not always. XDR focuses on correlated detection and response; SIEM remains useful for centralizing logs from many sources, retention and compliance. Many companies use both.
What is the difference between XDR and EDR?
EDR monitors and responds only on endpoints. XDR correlates endpoints with network, cloud, identity and email, giving a more complete view of the attack.