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BackHow does XDR work?
XDR is a cloud-native security platform that unifies detection, correlation, and automated response across endpoints, network, cloud, and email. XDR works by collecting and correlating security data from all domains (endpoint, network, cloud) to build a complete attack narrative, enabling faster, unified threat detection and automated response.
Core Components and Data Sources of XDR
| Core Component | Data Source Examples | Purpose |
| Endpoint Security | EDR agents, application logs, file activity | Detailed visibility into device-level activity and potential compromise. |
| Network Security | Firewall logs, DNS requests, VPN traffic | Detecting lateral movement, command-and-control (C2) communication, and suspicious network patterns. |
| Cloud Security | IaaS/SaaS logs (e.g., AWS, Azure, O365), Identity Access Management (IAM) | Monitoring cloud configuration, user access, and resource abuse. |
| Email Security | Malicious attachments, phishing links, sender reputation | Identifying the primary vector for initial compromise and credential theft. |
This data is then normalized and analyzed using advanced analytics, machine learning (ML), and threat intelligence to link low-fidelity alerts into high-fidelity incidents.
How does XDR go beyond EDR?
XDR’s primary distinction from EDR is its extended visibility and correlation capabilities.
- EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) focuses exclusively on endpoints (laptops, servers, mobile devices) to detect, investigate, and respond to threats on the device itself.
- XDR aggregates data from endpoints, network, email, and cloud workloads. This allows it to stitch together a full attack storyline. For instance, XDR can trace an attack from a phishing email (email source), to a user clicking a link (endpoint source), to the resulting network beaconing activity (network source). EDR would only see the endpoint activity in isolation.
The result is a consolidated view that reduces alert fatigue and provides security teams with the necessary context for rapid, targeted remediation.
Hexnode’s XDR + UEM Approach: Key Features for Full-Circle Security
Hexnode achieves “full circle security” by natively integrating its XDR solution with the UEM platform, centralizing management and orchestrating automated defenses.
- Unified Console: Access all XDR incidents and UEM device controls from a single dashboard.
- Proactive Prevention: UEM enforces security baselines (patching, encryption) to reduce the attack surface before detection.
- Cross-Domain Context: XDR correlates endpoint telemetry with UEM context (compliance, user, device health) for richer threat prioritization.
- High-Fidelity Detection: Provides real-time monitoring and uses severity scoring to consolidate low-fidelity alerts into actionable incidents.
- One-Click Remediation: Enables immediate response actions like device containment and process neutralization directly from the console.
- Dynamic Response: Automatically triggers stricter UEM policies in response to a detected threat for rapid remediation.