Cyber threats have evolved beyond what traditional antivirus (A/V) solutions can handle. While standard A/V remains an essential layer of protection, it is no longer sufficient against today’s sophisticated attacks. Businesses need a multi-layered approach that includes both Managed Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Managed Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR)—both backed by a 24/7 human-led Security Operations Center (SOC).

Traditional Antivirus (A/V) vs. Managed Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)

Most businesses are familiar with traditional antivirus (A/V) solutions. These are definition-based security tools that identify and remove known threats using signature-based detection. While effective against known malware, A/V has several limitations:

  • Lack of Behavioral Analysis: A/V primarily detects threats based on pre-existing signatures, meaning new or sophisticated attacks that don’t match known patterns can bypass detection.
  • No Active Threat Hunting: A/V does not proactively search for hidden or emerging threats.
  • No Human-Led Investigation or Response: When a threat is detected, A/V cannot provide expert analysis or coordinated remediation.

Managed Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) goes far beyond standard A/V by providing real-time monitoring, proactive threat hunting, and expert-driven response. With Managed EDR, your endpoints (desktops, laptops, servers) are continuously monitored by a 24/7 SOC that investigates suspicious activity and takes action before a threat escalates.

Key advantages of Managed EDR:

  • Advanced Threat Detection: EDR uses behavioral analysis and machine learning, with the addition of a 24×7 human-led security operations center to detect suspicious activities that traditional anti-virus might miss. This includes zero-day threats and fileless attacks, providing a more comprehensive layer of security.
  • Proactive Threat Hunting: With EDR, SOC security teams can proactively search for threats before they cause harm. This proactive approach helps in identifying vulnerabilities and addressing them before they are exploited by attackers.
  • Real-Time Response: Unlike traditional anti-virus software, EDR solutions can automatically respond to threats in real-time. This rapid response capability helps contain and mitigate the impact of an attack, reducing downtime and potential damage.

The Growing Threat of Identity-Based Attacks & The Role of Managed ITDR

Even with strong endpoint protection, attackers are increasingly targeting identities (Microsoft 365 Accounts) instead of devices. Managed Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) is essential to securing user accounts, credentials, and authentication processes. This includes Comprehensive Microsoft 365 Security – ITDR secures critical business applications like Exchange (email), OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams, and OneNote, ensuring that unauthorized access is detected and blocked in real time. Attackers frequently target these cloud-based platforms to steal data, compromise accounts, and launch phishing attacks from within an organization. Our SOC continuously monitors Microsoft 365 activity for customers with ITDR detecting anomalies such as unusual login locations, impossible travel activity, and unauthorized file access, preventing data breaches before they occur.

A growing concern with Microsoft 365 accounts is Adversary-in-the-Middle (AiTM) attacks, which allow hackers to bypass MFA and steal authentication tokens—often without the user even entering their credentials. According to Duo Security, attackers can intercept authentication sessions and gain persistent access without needing a password. This means traditional MFA alone is no longer enough to protect your business.

With Managed ITDR, our 24/7 SOC actively monitors and responds to threats against user identities, including:

  • Proactive Identity Threat Detection: Identify and stop identity-based threats before they impact your business. Including credential theft, privilege escalation detection, anomalous login activity, AiTM attack detection, and other identity-based attacks.
  • Rogue App Detection: Attackers will often add misused (“Traitorware”) or unique malicious applications (“Stealthware”) to M365 environments, which will be analyzed and monitored.
  • Rapid Incident Response: Minimize downtime and damage with swift and effective threat mitigation, including automatic revocation of compromised tokens.

The Cost of Opting Out: Higher Incident Response Rates

Without Managed EDR and ITDR, your company is not receiving proactive threat hunting or expert-driven remediation. If an incident occurs, response efforts will require additional time and resources. That’s why a new incident response labor rate applies to customers who have opted out of these security services, ensuring that cybersecurity expertise is available when they need it—but at an increased cost due to the urgency and risk involved.

Protect Your Business with Proactive Security

Cyber threats are more sophisticated than ever, and businesses that rely on traditional A/V alone are left vulnerable. Managed EDR secures your endpoints, while ITDR protects your users and authentication processes. Both are backed by our 24/7 human-led SOC, providing expert oversight and real-time response.

Don’t wait for a breach to realize the need for advanced security. Contact us today to ensure your business is protected with Managed EDR and Managed ITDR.