XDR Security

eXtended Detection and Response

Cyberattacks frequently evade detection in an increasingly complex threat landscape. Once they penetrate your network, they hide amidst normal IT traffic and cannot be detected by siloed, disconnected tools that lack correlated detection and response. At the same time, overwhelmed security teams fail to identify these attacks because of noisy and disjointed attack viewpoints.

Man in a dress shirt and lanyard holding a laptop and typing on it

The eXtended Detection and Response concept, or XDR, is a SaaS tool that unifies the traditionally stove-piped deployment of cybersecurity tools so that defenders have a single correlated view of risks and threats and how to mitigate them.

XDR collects telemetry data and automatically correlates detections across multiple security domains including endpoint, identity, email, network, and Cloud. Using AI and machine-learning technologies, XDR then performs automatic analysis to integrate them into a centralized security system. As a result, security professionals get unified incident experience to take quicker remediation actions to stop a threat before it spreads within the organization.

XDR breaks down the silos caused by disparate security tools, using a centralized approach that gathers and cross-detects threats from multiple security domains. XDR then automatically correlates these security alerts, turning them into larger incidents, allowing security teams greater visibility into attacks and providing incident prioritization, helping them to understand the risk level of the threat.

XDR adds value by consolidating multiple security products into a cohesive, unified security incident detection and response platform. It also offers a range of security benefits that equip organizations with holistic, flexible, and efficient protection against threats. Unified visibility across all your data automatically detects and responds to sophisticated attacks, streamlines notifications and reduces noise, identifies incident prioritization, and increases security team productivity.

Related Blogs

Read more

How Is XDR Different?

Blue lock icon made of lights with circuit board patterned lines coming from the left side

XDR vs. EDR

XDR is a natural evolution from endpoint detection and response (EDR), which primarily focuses on endpoint security. XDR broadens the scope of security, integrating protection across a wider range of products, including endpoints, network, email, and more. From there, XDR combines prevention, detection, investigation, and response, providing visibility, analytics, correlated incident alerts, and automated responses to improve data security and combat threats.

Hand reaching out to touch a floating white lock icon surrounded by other icons

XDR vs. SIEM

XDR complements existing enterprise security information and event management (SIEM) systems. Primarily a detection tool, SIEM aggregates large volumes of shallow data and identifies security threats and anomalous behavior. But it cannot respond to or remediate threats, and usually requires manual responses. XDR adds this response capability and works in tandem with SIEMs as part of an organization’s security portfolio, taking advantage of the extensive data SIEM makes available.

Blue circle pattern

XDR vs. SOAR

Security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) connects security tools and integrates disparate security systems, being the connecting layer that streamlines security processes and powers automation. In contrast, XDR is a simple, intuitive, zero-code solution that offers advanced detection, rapid response, and intuitive automation that meets most customers' needs without the added complexity, expertise, and cost that a SOAR solution requires. When looking at SIEM and SOAR tools, XDR should be treated as an optional complementary product.

waves made of golden lights going across a shiny background

XDR vs. NDR

NDR (Network Detection and Response) focuses specifically on monitoring and analyzing network traffic using machine learning to identify suspicious activities, anomalies, and potential security breaches within a network. Most XDR solutions are extensions of EDR focused on unifying alerts and remediation. Few XDR solutions incorporate network data or NDR capabilities. When looking at XDR tools, be sure to find solutions that include endpoint, Cloud, and network telemetry.

Silhouettes of two people working in front of large monitors in a SOC

XDR vs. MDR

Managed detection and response (MDR) services offer dedicated personnel and/or solution capabilities to provide an alternative to an in-house SOC (security operations center) to improve the effectiveness of security operations in threat identification, investigation, and response. Often MDRs use XDR tools to meet an enterprise’s security needs, operating everything themselves.

Addressing an Increasingly Complex Threat Landscape

XDR Solution Brief
Adopting XDR can help minimize visibility gaps, alert fatigue and staffing challenges, while improving productivity, detection and response times, and the overall strength of your security posture.
Explore XDR

How WatchGuard Can Help

WatchGuard's ThreatSync is uniquely architected across products and designed to be the industry's smartest, fastest, and most effective XDR security platform. It empowers security experts, providing them with comprehensive visibility, cross-detection, and orchestrated threat response features. The solution is suitable for any organization, regardless of their budget, size, or complexity, instilling confidence in their security measures.

Hands on a laptop keyboard with document icons floating in front

Simple to Use: Zero Configuration

Not all XDR solutions are created equal. Some XDR setup and configuration steps require specialized knowledge and the deployment of significant hardware. WatchGuard delivers AI-driven XDR features for a skills-deprived market with an intuitive interface and AI-driven automation. The entire solution runs natively in the WatchGuard Cloud, eliminating the need for additional hardware.

Silver 3D dollar symbol standing in front of a glowing bar chart

Reduce Overall Cybersecurity Expenses

XDR is an essential tenet of effective cybersecurity for every security team. WatchGuard puts XDR at your fingertips through its WatchGuard cloud-native deployment model, eliminating the need to purchase additional hardware and significantly reducing deployment and operational costs. ThreatSync, the core of WatchGuard's XDR solution, reduces the expenses associated with correlating and remediating multiple-point solutions in-house without additional fees.

Open hand with WatchGuard Cloud icon floating above raining app icons

Enhance Defenses with an Integrated Platform

Improve your cyber defenses by implementing a platform where solutions work together. WatchGuard's ThreatSync operates across WatchGuard products, and ThreatSync+ extends its capability to include third-party firewalls and infrastructure. This provides a complete range of security products that unite to safeguard environments, users, and devices.

Unlock Comprehensive Security

Are You Ready to See XDR in Action?

ThreatSync and ThreatSync+ solutions are at your fingertips, offering fast detection and automated responses that reduce staff burdens.

Try Now in WatchGuard Cloud