What is EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response)?
EDR continuously monitors what happens on laptops, PCs and servers, flags suspicious behaviour and makes it possible to act immediately. It is the successor to traditional antivirus. Updated on 23 October 2026.
In short
Antivirus looks for known malicious files. EDR looks at behaviour: which process starts what, which files are changed, which servers are contacted. If something stands out, an administrator receives an alert with full context and the device can be isolated with one click. Everything is also recorded, so you can see afterwards exactly what happened.
How EDR works
- 01
Record
An agent on each device records processes, file changes and network connections.
- 02
Analyse
Rules and behaviour analysis recognise patterns that point to an attack.
- 03
Alert
The administrator or the SOC receives an alert with timeline and context.
- 04
Respond
Isolate the device, stop the process, remove the file, from the console.
What EDR delivers
Visibility of unknown attacks
Attacks without a known signature also stand out through their behaviour.
Fast response
An infected device can be taken off the network within seconds.
Investigation afterwards
You see how an attacker got in and what they did.
Demonstrability
Logging and reporting help with audits and legislation such as NIS2.
Antivirus, EDR and containment compared
| Antivirus | EDR | Xcitium (EDR + containment) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Based on | Known signatures | Behaviour | Behaviour plus Zero Trust for unknown files |
| New ransomware | Often not recognised | Recognised during or after the attack | Runs isolated, cannot encrypt anything |
| Insight afterwards | Limited | Full | Full |
| Someone needed to follow up on alerts | Hardly | Yes | Less, or outsourced through Managed EDR |
Do you need EDR?
EDR makes sense if one or more of these apply to you:
- You process sensitive customer or patient data
- A day of downtime costs more than a year of security
- You fall under NIS2 or supply an organisation that does
- Your insurer or customers ask about your security measures
Complete your coverage
EDR
Full insight and fast response per device, with containment as a safety net.
ViewManaged EDR
24/7 SOC that monitors your endpoints, investigates and acts immediately.
ViewEDR, MDR and XDR: the difference
The difference between EDR, MDR and XDR in one overview.
ViewEndpoint security selection guide
Step-by-step plan and printable checklist for choosing endpoint security.
ViewFrequently asked questions
Is EDR only for large companies?
No. SMEs without their own security team benefit in particular, especially combined with a service that follows up on alerts (Managed EDR).
Does EDR replace my antivirus?
With Xcitium it does: antivirus, firewall, containment and EDR are in the same agent.
What is EDR? in your environment?
In a short demo we show you how it works, discuss your situation and make a proposal. No obligation, in English or Dutch.
Product information: xcitium.com. Xcitium, ZeroDwell, OpenEDR and related logos are trademarks of Xcitium Inc.