What Is EDR, MDR and XEDR?
In today’s cybersecurity landscape, it’s no longer enough to rely on basic antivirus software. The threats have evolved — and so have the tools to combat them. That’s where terms like EDR, MDR and XEDR come in.
If these acronyms sound intimidating, don’t worry. This guide is here to demystify them and help you understand which one may be right for your business or your clients.
EDR – Endpoint Detection & Response
EDR is the modern evolution of antivirus. It provides real-time monitoring of endpoints (like laptops, servers, and workstations) to detect, analyse and respond to threats.
EDR tools go beyond simply blocking malware — they give IT teams visibility into how an attack started, how it spread, and what needs to be done to stop it.
MDR – Managed Detection & Response
MDR includes all the features of EDR but adds human expertise. With MDR, a dedicated team monitors your systems 24/7, investigates incidents, and takes action to stop them.
Think of it as having your own Security Operations Centre (SOC) without the cost or complexity of building one yourself.
XEDR – Extended Detection & Response
XEDR (Extended Detection and Response) combines data from multiple sources — endpoints, users, cloud services, networks — and correlates it for better threat detection.
This unified approach helps identify sophisticated, multi-layered attacks that traditional tools might miss. XEDR is especially useful for larger or more complex environments.
Which One Do You Actually Need?
Here’s a simple breakdown based on business size and risk level:
- EDR: Ideal for small businesses or organisations with in-house IT who want visibility and control.
- MDR: Perfect for mid-sized companies or MSPs that want managed protection without growing their team.
- XEDR: Best suited to complex environments, multi-tenant setups, or regulated sectors that need deeper visibility across systems.
Want to explore the options?
We offer scalable Bitdefender packages built around all three levels — starting from just £4.99 per endpoint.
👉 Explore our Advanced Threat Security page
📩 Or email us directly at [email protected] for a personalised recommendation.
Why It Matters
Cyberattacks are no longer isolated. Threats are stealthier, faster, and more persistent. That means businesses must be just as proactive — with detection and response systems designed for today’s risks.
Understanding the differences between EDR, MDR and XEDR is the first step in building smarter, more resilient protection.
Need help choosing the right approach?
Visit our Bitdefender solution page
Or email us at [email protected] to speak with one of our experts.
We’ll help you secure what matters — without overcomplicating it.
