Who uses EDR?

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is used by virtually any organization—from small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) to large, multinational corporations—that needs advanced, real-time protection against sophisticated cyber threats like ransomware, fileless malware, and persistent intrusions that bypass traditional antivirus tools.

Any organization that stores, processes, or transmits sensitive data and needs to protect against advanced cyber threats like ransomware, fileless malware, and Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) uses EDR.

EDR Use Cases by Organizational Type

EDR is a sophisticated cybersecurity technology that continuously monitors and records all activity on endpoints (such as laptops, servers, and mobile devices) to detect, investigate, and swiftly respond to threats that bypass traditional antivirus software.

For SMBs

  • Necessity in Remote Work: SMEs often have less dedicated IT staff, making the comprehensive, automated nature of EDR vital for securing a remote or hybrid workforce that connects to less protected environments.
  • Target of Opportunity: Cybercriminals increasingly target SMEs because they often have valuable data (supply chain access, customer information) but lack enterprise-grade defenses. EDR provides advanced detection to close this security gap.
  • Compliance Support: Even small firms must meet industry regulations (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR, PCI DSS). EDR provides continuous monitoring and detailed audit trails needed to demonstrate security compliance.

For Large Enterprises

  • Scale and Complexity: Large organizations have vast, complex networks and thousands of endpoints, making manual investigation impossible. EDR’s automation and centralized analysis are essential for triggering a massive volume of security alerts.
  • Advanced Threat Hunting: EDR tools enable dedicated Security Operations Center (SOC) teams to proactively search for subtle, pre-existing threats (threat hunting) that automated systems may have missed.
  • Incident Response: EDR is critical for reducing “dwell time”—the period between a breach to start and its detection—by providing the forensic data required for rapid containment, root cause analysis, and effective remediation.

EDR Adoption by Industries

While all sectors benefit, specific industries face regulatory and threat environments that make EDR non-negotiable.

Industry   Primary EDR Driver  Key Use Case 
Financial Services  Strict regulatory mandates (e.g., PCI DSS, SEC)  Real-time monitoring of endpoints handling financial transactions and customer data. 
Healthcare  HIPAA/HITECH compliance; high-value data (PHI)  Rapid containment of threats to protect electronic health record (EHR) systems and secure mobile carts/devices. 
Government/Defense  Protection against nation-state APTs  Identifying subtle, persistent intrusions and preventing lateral movement within highly sensitive networks. 
Manufacturing/OT  Business continuity/IoT security  Securing legacy Windows systems and critical operational technology (OT) endpoints from ransomware disruption. 

Hexnode’s Unique EDR Value Proposition: UEM-Integrated Security

Organizations that adopt EDR alongside a Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) platform achieve unparalleled efficiency. Hexnode delivers this combined capability, making it a critical choice for security teams. By integrating EDR features directly within the UEM console, Hexnode uniquely offers:

  • Single Pane of Glass Control: IT and Security teams can perform a comprehensive device rollback or quarantine an infected device immediately after a threat is detected, all from the same console used for device provisioning and patch management.
  • Breadth of Protection: Hexnode manages the broadest range of endpoints—from standard Windows PCs and Macs to specialized devices like digital signage and rugged kiosks—extending EDR’s deep protection to endpoints other solutions often miss.