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What is NDR? Explaining its functions, advantages and disadvantages, and how it differs from EDR

Written by kaori_matsushita | Nov 30, 2023 3:00:00 AM

NDR is a security solution that detects and responds to anomalies on the network. It has been attracting attention recently for its high effectiveness in improving the security of internal networks. This article describes NDR's functions, merits and demerits in detail. It also explains the NDR survey for understanding malware intrusion routes and damage.

NDR is a security measure to detect and respond to network anomalies in real time

NDR stands for "Network Detection and Response," and refers to security measures to detect abnormal behavior and threats on the network and respond quickly. This presentation will explain the background of the current focus on NDR, the reasons why it is needed, and the specific functions and effects of NDR.

Background of the Need for NDR

The background of the need for NDRs is based on the following current conditions and issues. First, cyber attacks are increasing in number and sophistication. New attack methods are being created every day, which are difficult to detect with conventional security measures, and there is a risk that conventional methods will not be able to respond in time. Cyber attacks targeting network vulnerabilities are one of the recent trends, and NDR detects anomalies on the network, leading to early detection of such attacks.

Next is the increase in IoT devices and the shift to cloud computing. The current state of increasingly complex corporate network environments, the use of cloud services, and the increase in mobile devices are also factors behind this trend. The rapid spread of teleworking has increased the opportunities for employees to access the network from home and other locations, which also poses a security risk. NDRs are expected to monitor the entire network and detect abnormalities, thus addressing areas that cannot be covered by conventional security systems alone.

NDR Functions and Benefits

The functions included in NDR include collecting and analyzing communication patterns to visualize network traffic, detecting and notifying unusual behavior, and analyzing threats as they occur. Comprehensive monitoring of the company's network traffic allows administrators to respond in real time.

When NDR detects abnormal traffic, such as unauthorized access or the transmission of large amounts of data, it generates alerts in real time and notifies security personnel. By quickly collecting information on communication routes, related devices, and users, NDR enables early detection of threats that are difficult to detect with ordinary security measures alone, leading to identification of attack methods and intrusion routes, enabling appropriate and rapid responses to a variety of security incidents.

Difference between NDR and EDR

EDR is a system closely related to NDR, and it is necessary to know the functions, features, and relevance of both NDR and EDR.

Differences in functions and coverage with EDRs

EDR stands for "Endpoint Detection and Response," a security measure to detect and respond to anomalies on endpoints such as devices and terminals. It is a tool that collects and analyzes events, logs, and process execution information on endpoints. The real-time nature of EDR is similar, and it is expected to be a tool for detecting anomalies at specific endpoints, protecting them, and responding to security incidents.

→[Related Article] What is the difference between EDR and EPP (Anti-Virus)? Explaining Endpoint Security Measures

Advantages and disadvantages of implementing NDR products

This section explains what advantages and disadvantages there are when introducing NDR products, respectively.

Advantages of Introducing NDR Products

One of the advantages of implementing NDR products is "real-time threat detection. NDR detects anomalous behavior on the network in real time, and when an anomaly is detected, an alert is immediately generated and security personnel are notified. It also enables early detection of cyber attacks and breaches before they occur. There are many benefits from a preventive standpoint as well, in order to minimize damage.

Another major benefit is "speeding up and reducing man-hours for incident response. Since it is difficult to completely prevent cyber-attacks, it is important to respond quickly when damage occurs. The system reduces the time and effort required by the information system department to respond to alerts, from anomaly detection to analysis of detected threats, thereby contributing to a reduction in man-hours.

Disadvantages of Introducing NDR Products

On the other hand, one point to note when introducing NDR products is the "increased burden of introduction and operation costs. The scope of coverage and price vary depending on the product, but there are reasonable costs associated with product licenses, software updates, and so on.

It is also important to note that "a high level of specialized skills" is required for implementation and subsequent operation. If you do not have personnel with specialized knowledge and experience in-house, you will need to invest in training or consider outsourcing.

What the NDR Survey Can Reveal and Why It Is Necessary

By examining the internal network traffic logs, an NDR survey can reveal the intrusion routes of malware and other malware, as well as the extent of the damage.

Intrusion routes of malware, etc.

Real-time analysis of communication data and packet activity detects malware communications and suspicious file transfers. Quickly identifies intrusion routes by receiving and investigating alerts. This leads to the control of the spread of damage within the network.

Identification of the impacted area of damage

Detecting vulnerabilities and security holes in the network makes it easier to identify the impacted area of damage. Not only unauthorized access from the outside, but also threats from the inside by employees and related parties are detected. Identification of the impacted area as well as the cause can be performed smoothly.

Cyber-attack damage is quickly addressed with FRONTEO's "Cyber Security Investigation Package

Cyber-attacks targeting network vulnerabilities are one of the recent trends, and the number of security breaches continues to increase worldwide. Information used in business operations is at risk on a daily basis, and many companies cannot afford to be a stranger to the current state of cyber attacks. To protect your company from cyber attacks, you need to take appropriate measures.

To deal with cyber-attacks properly, it is difficult for in-house personnel to conduct investigations alone, so it is safe to ask a professional investigation company with up-to-date information and a proven track record to do the job. FRONTEO's "Cyber Security Survey Package" is a package of minimum necessary surveys in case of an emergency. FRONTEO, with its extensive experience in cybersecurity investigations, offers a high-quality investigation package necessary for initial response, and will handle investigations in response to increasingly complex cyber-attacks.

The Cyber Security Investigation Package, which can respond to a wide variety of incidents, is also effective in NDR investigations. In the event of an emergency, speedy initial investigation is necessary to minimize damage. Preparing in advance with experts from normal times will lead to prompt and accurate problem solving. Why not start by consulting with FRONTEO about the necessary preparations and countermeasures for your company?

[Related Article] Cyber Security Survey Package "Cyber Security Survey Package" service website

Contact FRONTEO for cyber security inquiries