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BackWhat is cloud-based EDR?
Understanding cloud-based EDR
Cloud-based Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) utilizes cloud computing to monitor endpoints and detect threats in real-time. It eliminates the need for on-premises infrastructure. By centralizing data collection in the cloud, this model provides security teams with instant visibility and rapid response capabilities.
How does cloud-based EDR improve security operations?
Traditional security relies on heavy, on-premises infrastructure that often creates visibility gaps, especially for remote employees. Cloud-based Endpoint Detection and Response solves this by deploying lightweight agents on endpoints that stream telemetry data directly to a cloud-hosted analytics engine.
This cloud-native approach delivers three critical operational benefits:
- Instant Scalability: Organizations can deploy agents to thousands of devices immediately, without the need to procure or configure physical hardware.
- Real-Time Threat Intelligence: The cloud environment leverages massive computational power to run advanced behavioral analysis and Machine Learning (ML), detecting zero-day threats faster than local appliances.
- Global Reach: Security teams maintain continuous monitoring of endpoints, regardless of whether the device is on the corporate network, a home Wi-Fi network, or a public hotspot.
Difference between cloud-based EDR and on-premises EDR?
The primary distinction lies in infrastructure management and agility. While on-premises solutions offer local data control, they often lack the speed and flexibility required for modern threats.
| Feature | Cloud-Based EDR | On-Premises EDR |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | Instant. SaaS model requiring no hardware. | Slow. Requires server installation and cooling. |
| Scalability | Infinite elasticity. Scales up or down instantly. | Limited by physical hardware capacity. |
| Threat Intel | Real-time, global updates automatically applied. | Manual updates required. Often delayed. |
| Remote Visibility | Native support for roaming/remote endpoints. | Difficult. Usually requires complex VPN backhauling. |
How does Hexnode XDR redefine endpoint defence?
Hexnode XDR closes the gap between device management and security. While standard tools only flag alerts, Hexnode enables immediate remediation. Because the XDR is built on top of Hexnode’s UEM architecture, IT admins can isolate, quarantine, or wipe compromised endpoints instantly from a single dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Cloud-based EDR data secure?
Yes. Leading providers use strict end-to-end encryption for data in transit and at rest. Additionally, offloading analytics to the cloud eliminates the need to secure and patch on-premise management servers, effectively reducing your local attack surface.
2. Does cloud-based EDR work when devices are offline?
Yes. The lightweight agent installed on the endpoint continues to monitor and record activity even without internet access. While cloud analysis occurs upon reconnection, local behavioral policies on the agent can still block known malicious processes and isolate threats in real-time.
3. Does cloud EDR impact network performance?
No. Unlike legacy tools that transmit massive raw data logs, modern cloud EDR agents are optimized to send only relevant telemetry and metadata. This architecture ensures minimal bandwidth consumption, preventing latency even when securing thousands of remote devices.