EDR vs MDR: How to Choose the Right Solution for Your Business Needs

EDR vs MDR: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters for Your Business

As cyber threats continue to evolve, businesses—especially small to mid-sized ones—face a growing challenge: how to detect and respond to threats without overburdening their teams or budgets.

Two common solutions are Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Managed Detection and Response (MDR). While they may sound similar, understanding their differences—and their limitations—is critical to building the right defense strategy.

What Is EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response)?

EDR is a security solution that sits on your devices (endpoints) and continuously monitors for suspicious activity. It collects telemetry, detects threats using behavioral analysis, and allows in-house teams to investigate and respond.

EDR gives you the tools—but not the team.

If you choose an EDR-only solution, you’re expected to:

• Monitor alerts

• Investigate potential incidents

• Validate whether it’s a false positive or a real threat

• Respond quickly and decisively

For organisations with a mature, in-house security operations team, this may be feasible. But for many businesses, it’s like giving you a fire alarm without a fire brigade.

What Is MDR (Managed Detection & Response)?

MDR takes EDR a step further—by adding people, process, and intelligence. It’s a 24/7 managed service that handles the detection, investigation, and response for you.

With MDR, you get:

• Continuous threat monitoring

• Expert-led investigations

• Proactive threat hunting

• Incident triage and guided response

• Fewer false positives reaching your team

In short, MDR is the fully managed security team you didn’t know you could afford.

EDR vs MDR: Key Demarcation Points

How CyberSure Does MDR Differently

At CyberSure, we believe cybersecurity should be accessible and effective—without the enterprise price tag. That’s why we’ve reimagined MDR with AI at the core of our triage and investigation processes.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• AI-Augmented Investigations: Our AI rapidly evaluates and prioritises alerts, drastically reducing noise and false positives.

• Faster Incident Response: Automated workflows speed up containment and response, backed by human expertise where it matters most.

• Affordable for Small Businesses: By automating much of the initial triage, we reduce operational costs—making enterprise-grade security within reach.

• No Compromise on Protection: You get 24/7 detection, human oversight, and continuous improvement of your security posture.

Why MDR is the Right Fit for Most Businesses

If you’re a growing business without a full-scale security operations team, MDR is not just helpful—it’s essential. You don’t just need tools. You need answers. Fast.

CyberSure’s AI-driven MDR gives you exactly that.

Don’t settle for alerts—demand outcomes. Let us help you detect, investigate, and respond—while you focus on running your business.