What is Threat Detection & Response?
Threat Detection & Response, often implemented through Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) platforms, provides continuous monitoring of your computers and servers to detect malicious activity. Unlike traditional antivirus that looks for known malware signatures, EDR uses behavioral analysis to identify threats based on what they do, not what they look like.
When threats are detected, automated response capabilities contain the attack while security analysts investigate and remediate.
Why Traditional Antivirus Isn’t Enough
Traditional antivirus has significant limitations:
| Traditional AV | Modern EDR |
|---|---|
| Signature-based | Behavioral analysis |
| Catches known threats | Catches unknown threats |
| Limited visibility | Full endpoint telemetry |
| No investigation tools | Forensic capabilities |
| Standalone operation | Managed response |
| Updates lag threats | Real-time adaptation |
Modern attackers know how to evade signature-based detection. They modify malware slightly to avoid detection, use legitimate tools maliciously (“living off the land”), and encrypt their communications. Behavioral analysis catches these tactics.
The Process
Deploy Agent
Lightweight endpoint agent installed on all devices for continuous monitoring.
Learn Normal
System learns baseline behavior to identify anomalies accurately.
Detect Threats
Behavioral analysis and threat intelligence identify malicious activity.
Alert & Contain
Automated response isolates threats while alerting our security team.
Investigate
Analysts investigate to understand scope and ensure complete remediation.
Remediate
Remove threats completely and prevent recurrence.
Deploy Agent
Lightweight endpoint agent installed on all devices for continuous monitoring.
Learn Normal
System learns baseline behavior to identify anomalies accurately.
Detect Threats
Behavioral analysis and threat intelligence identify malicious activity.
Alert & Contain
Automated response isolates threats while alerting our security team.
Investigate
Analysts investigate to understand scope and ensure complete remediation.
Remediate
Remove threats completely and prevent recurrence.
How EDR Works
Continuous Monitoring
The EDR agent records endpoint activity:
- Process creation and termination
- File system operations
- Network connections
- Registry changes
- User authentication
- Script execution
Behavioral Analysis
AI and machine learning analyze activity:
- Establish baseline “normal” behavior
- Identify anomalies and suspicious patterns
- Correlate events across multiple endpoints
- Compare against known attack techniques
Threat Detection
Multiple detection methods work together:
- Machine learning - Pattern recognition for unusual behavior
- Behavioral indicators - Known attack techniques (MITRE ATT&CK)
- Threat intelligence - Known malicious IPs, domains, hashes
- Custom rules - Organization-specific detections
Automated Response
When threats are detected:
- Network isolation - Disconnect endpoint from network
- Process termination - Kill malicious processes
- File quarantine - Prevent malicious file execution
- User session lock - Prevent compromised account use
Human Investigation
Security analysts provide:
- Alert triage and validation
- False positive elimination
- Attack scope assessment
- Complete remediation guidance
Key Benefits
Catch Zero-Days
Behavioral analysis detects new threats without relying on known signatures.
Rapid Response
Automated containment stops threats in seconds, not hours.
Full Visibility
See every process, connection, and file change across all endpoints.
Investigation Tools
Timeline and forensic data to understand exactly what happened.
Expert Backup
Our security team analyzes alerts so you don't need in-house expertise.
Compliance Ready
Logging and reporting for regulatory requirements.
Managed Detection & Response (MDR)
EDR provides the technology, but you need expertise to use it effectively. Our Managed Detection & Response service includes:
24/7 SOC Monitoring
Security Operations Center analysts monitor alerts around the clock. Critical threats get immediate attention regardless of when they occur.
Alert Triage
We analyze alerts to separate real threats from false positives. You only hear about confirmed incidents, not noise.
Investigation & Response
When real threats are found, we investigate scope, contain damage, and guide remediation. You get expert response without needing in-house security staff.
Threat Hunting
Proactive searching for threats that haven’t triggered alerts. We don’t just wait for detections—we actively look for hidden attackers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between antivirus and EDR?
Traditional antivirus relies on signatures—known patterns of malware. It works well for known threats but misses new ones. EDR uses behavioral analysis to detect suspicious activity regardless of whether it's seen it before. EDR also provides investigation and response capabilities that antivirus lacks.
Do we still need antivirus if we have EDR?
Many EDR solutions include antivirus capability (next-gen antivirus). Where they don't, running both provides defense in depth. We typically recommend EDR solutions that include NGAV to simplify management and reduce conflicts.
What gets monitored on endpoints?
Everything that matters: process execution, network connections, file system changes, registry modifications, user authentication, script execution, and more. This telemetry enables both real-time detection and forensic investigation.
Will this slow down our computers?
Modern EDR agents are designed for minimal impact—typically less than 2-3% CPU overhead. They're much lighter than older endpoint protection products. We test compatibility before deployment.
What happens when a threat is detected?
Automated responses kick in first—isolating the affected endpoint from the network to prevent spread. Our security team is immediately alerted and begins investigation. We contact you with findings and remediation status.
Can you investigate past incidents?
Yes, if the EDR agent was installed. Telemetry is retained (typically 30-90 days) enabling retrospective investigation. This is invaluable for understanding incidents and improving defenses.