As the trend of working remotely increases, information security becomes more vulnerable than before. Data from McAfee in 2022 shows that cyber threats will increase by 63 percent compared to the previous year.
Although traditional security solutions such as firewalls, antivirus, and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) have been used to protect systems and data, these solutions often have limitations in detecting, preventing, and responding to increasingly sophisticated and complex threats.
For this reason, companies need a more integrated and responsive security approach, for example the XDR (eXtended Detection and Response) approach which can provide integrated solutions to respond to threats quickly.
So, what is XDR, why is XDR able to prevent and respond to cyber-attacks better than antivirus, firewall or other security systems, are you curious? Read the full details in the following article.
What is XDR?
XDR (eXtended Detection and Response) is an approach that integrates and unifies security solutions to detect, investigate, and respond to cross-platform cyberattacks.
XDR works by expanding the scope of threat detection systems and incident response systems to cover more than one type of device or system. Typically, XDR will combine data from multiple sources such as endpoints, networks, clouds, and applications to provide more comprehensive visibility into threats.
The XDR concept aims to provide a more integrated and automated solution for detecting and responding to attacks, thereby enabling companies to have a better understanding of threats and improve their capabilities in dealing with increasingly complex cyberattacks.
What are the Benefits of Implementing XDR and Why is it Important for Business?
Implementing XDR provides several significant benefits for businesses, including:
Wider Visibility
XDR can integrate data from multiple sources, such as endpoints, networks, clouds, and applications, providing more comprehensive visibility into cyber threats that may go undetected by more fragmented security solutions.
Better Threat Detection
Enables companies to detect strange patterns and suspicious activity that traditional security solutions might miss. This helps in detecting cyber-attacks more quickly and accurately.
Faster Response
XDR not only detects threats, but also provides the ability to respond quickly and efficiently. With greater automation and integration between security solutions, XDR enables rapid response actions to cyber-attack.
Operational Efficiency
Integration between security solutions reduces the complexity of managing security infrastructure. This saves time and resources by simplifying the process of analyzing and responding to threats.
Security Improvements
Helps reduce security risks and potential losses due to cyber-attacks. This helps businesses to maintain their reputation and reduce the financial impact of security breaches.
How Does XDR Work?
XDR works by collecting data from various security sources, such as endpoints, networks, clouds, and applications, and then analyzing that data to detect and respond to cyber threats.
In detail, the process can be described in several stages:
1. Data Collection
XDR collects data from a variety of security sources, including logs, user activity, and other relevant information from endpoints, networks, clouds, and applications.
2. Data Analysis
The collected data is then analyzed using threat detection techniques, such as behavioral modeling, malware analysis, and detection of signs of attack (indicators of compromise/IoC), to identify suspicious activity.
3. Correlation and Prioritization
XDR correlates data from multiple sources to understand the context of an attack and identify the most dangerous or significant attacks. This helps in determining response priorities.
4. Response and Action
Once a threat is detected, XDR can respond automatically or provide recommendations for actions to be taken by security analysts. Responses may include endpoint isolation, access restrictions, or other actions to reduce the impact of the attack.
How to Implement XDR?
Implementing XDR involves several steps, including:
1. Needs Evaluation
Identify your company’s security needs and determine how XDR can integrate and enhance your existing security infrastructure.
2. Solution Selection
Choose an XDR solution that fits your company’s needs and security environment. Make sure the solution you choose can integrate data from multiple sources and provide robust analytics.
3. Implementation
Implement XDR solutions into your enterprise security infrastructure. This may involve software installation, configuration, and integration with existing security systems and tools.
4. Training and Awareness
Train your security team to use and manage XDR solutions effectively. Make sure they understand how the solution works, capabilities and features.
XDR System Components
XDR system components can vary depending on the vendor and specific implementation, but generally include several core elements such as:
Endpoint Sensors
Software or hardware installed on endpoints to collect activity data and identify threats.
Network Sensors
Software or hardware installed on a network to monitor network traffic and detect suspicious activity.
Analysis Engine
Components that analyze data from endpoint sensors, network sensors, and other data sources to detect threats and provide response recommendations.
Management Console
The user interface is easy to use, enabling security analysts to view and manage threats, provide responses, and track security events.
Integration with Other Security Solutions
XDR is usually integrated with other security solutions such as SIEM (Security Information and Event Management), EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response), and cloud security solutions to increase visibility and response capabilities to threats.
Now you must understand what XDR is, how it works, how to apply it, and what the system components are. So, if your company is interested in implementing an XDR security approach, you can use an integrated and holistic approach, such as Cortex XDR from Palo Alto which can effectively respond and detect cyber threats across multiple platforms in real-time.
Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks
Source: Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks Datasheet
Cortex XDR from Palo Alto Networks is a security platform designed to detect, prevent, and respond to security threats in real-time across endpoints, networks, and clouds.
Using a data-driven approach and AI (Artificial Intelligence), Cortex XDR integrates data from various sources such as endpoints, firewalls, and network sensors to provide comprehensive visibility into the IT environment. This allows security teams to detect complex attacks and analyze strange patterns that may indicate threat activity.
One of the key features of Cortex XDR is its ability to perform in-depth behavioral analysis of every endpoint in the network. Using machine learning and advanced threat detection techniques, the platform can identify signs of unusual threats or suspicious activity across a company’s IT infrastructure.
Additionally, Cortex XDR also provides the ability to respond to threats automatically or manually, including isolating infected endpoints or restricting access to sensitive resources.
By providing powerful integration between security solutions and using a data-driven approach, Cortex XDR helps companies improve their operational efficiency and effectiveness in the face of increasingly complex and frequently changing security threats.
By providing better visibility, deeper analysis, and rapid response capabilities, the platform helps companies reduce the risk of security threats and protect their assets from potentially damaging attacks.
Virtus as Authorized Distributor of Cortex XDR
It’s time to create an integrated cyber security system to detect, prevent and respond to security threats in real-time across various endpoints, networks and clouds through the Cortex XDR by Palo Alto solution from Virtus Technology Indonesia (VTI).
Virtus, as an advanced authorized partner of Palo Alto Networks, will help you from the consultation stage, and deployment, to after-sales support to avoid trial and error. For more information about Cortex XDR, contact us by clicking the following link.
Author: Ary Adianto
Content Writers CTI Group