Three Cybersecurity Tools For Small Business Owners

While routinely finding myself explaining the differences between the three basic tools of business data care (Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Managed Detection and Response (MDR), and eXtended Detection and Response (XDR)), I find I'm always looking for new ways to explain it to people.

In this article, I'll talk about my top three favorite cyber tools for small businesses and how they serve as the foundation of a good security profile. I'll also touch on the role of larger, pricier tools in making cybersecurity more accessible for budget-conscious entrepreneurs.

Farewell to Traditional Antivirus Solutions

Traditional antivirus software is just not enough anymore. Not on a business network anyway. In today's fast-evolving cybersecurity landscape, the reliance on traditional antivirus solutions within business networks is proving inadequate.

Assuming plain antivirus software is enough protection for your data care is like drafting a 90-year old grandfather as your NFL quarterback.

The days of random viruses causing chaos have given way to sophisticated criminals, targeting businesses for financial gain through ransomware and extortion tactics. As threats evolve, so too must our defensive strategies.

Here's Why Traditional Antivirus Software Might Fall Short

They focus on known threats: Traditional antivirus relies on a known list of previously encountered malware signatures.

Evolving threats: Cybercriminals are constantly developing new and sophisticated attack methods, making it difficult for traditional antivirus to keep up.

Targeted attacks: Modern attacks often involve targeted vulnerabilities in systems throughout an industry, bypassing traditional detection.

While antivirus, firewalls, and virtual-private-networks (VPNs) are essential for most offices, today's business cybersecurity environment requires more robust solutions.

The New Basic Cybersecurity Tools

Say hello to Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Managed Detection and Response (MDR), and eXtended Detection and Response (XDR) – three key tools in the cybersecurity arsenal. (I usually include Vulnerability Management, for which I am a big fan of, but that comes into play before EDR, MDR, and XDR. If you want to read more about Vulnerability Management, Click here.)

Endpoint (Threat) Detection & Response

Let's start with EDR, which focuses on identifying and responding to suspicious behaviors rather than just the known threats that most antivirus tracks. Liken this to a maintenance manager who knows the habits of a building. A good building manager knows how a building "breathes" and operates, and when something doesn't seem quite right, they take note and investigate further.

By monitoring device activities for anomalies that could indicate malicious actions, EDR provides a proactive approach to threat detection. For example, if a user suddenly attempts to access a vast amount of network data simultaneously, EDR would flag this for investigation, as it could indicate an attempt to infiltrate the system.

EDR not only records suspicious activities for future analysis but also enables tools to mitigate potential attacks. However, one challenge with EDR is the volume of alerts it generates, which requires careful management and analysis.

Managed Detection & Response (Taking it a step further)

Let's now add a layer of protection with a managed service that combines EDR software with some human expert oversight. This approach not only reduces the burden on your internal IT staff but also ensures a higher level of threat detection with some active response.

MDR uses advanced tools and off-site security experts to continuously monitor your systems, identify potential threats like malware or hacking attempts. It takes action to stop intrusions before they can cause damage.

In my opinion, not every small business needs MDR services. It depends on your industry compliance requirements, and MDR varies in quality and features, so it's essential to choose a provider that offers comprehensive filtering and advice.

Can MDR Get Any Better? Say Hello To XDR!

Moving on to XDR, which expands the scope beyond endpoints and MDR's human factor by integrating data from across your entire office network. By pulling in logs from systems (like firewalls), XDR provides a holistic view of potential threats, offering enhanced visibility and proactive defense measures... And always remember, anytime someone adds an "X" in front of anything, it means it's better!

SIEM And SOAR Lend A Helping Hand

Now, let's quickly (very quickly) discuss how SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) and SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response) come into play.

As a small business, you shouldn't get caught up with these four-letter acronyms because they're expensive alternatives that are utilized by bigger companies that have the budgets to justify their features.

In a nutshell, SIEM platforms take in security data from across the network and correlate it to detect suspicious activity. Meanwhile, SOAR automates response actions to security incidents, streamlining incident management processes. Just remember, SIEM and SOAR are traditionally for big enterprise companies, and generally more expensive and complex.

The great news is XDR incorporates some of the SIEM and SOAR features to make EDR and MDR better.

EDR, MDR, And XDR Work For Small Business

Mainly, these three-letter acronyms leverage some of the best features of SIEM and SOAR to provide more affordable and accessible cybersecurity solutions.

In summary, small businesses can enhance their data care efforts by leveraging tools like EDR, MDR, and XDR, which offer varying levels of threat detection and response capabilities.

By understanding the unique features and benefits of each tool, business owners can make better decisions to protect their networks from evolving cyber threats and improve data-care without killing the budget.