When it comes to cybersecurity, dealerships face a unique set of challenges. With sensitive customer data, financial information, and networks to protect, keeping up with evolving cyber threats can feel like a full-time job. That’s why having the right tools and expertise to detect and respond to those threats is crucial.
You’ve likely heard of Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Managed Detection and Response (MDR). But how do you know which one is the right fit for your dealership? This blog discusses the differences between EDR and MDR and why MDR is the better choice for most dealerships.
What Is Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)?
EDR is a tool designed to detect and respond to cybersecurity threats on individual devices, or endpoints, such as computers or servers. EDR tools collect data from these endpoints, detect suspicious activities, and can automatically respond to certain threats in real-time.
For example, if an employee’s laptop gets infected with malware, the EDR tool might isolate the device or stop the suspicious software from spreading. While EDR is a significant improvement over traditional antivirus software, it’s still a reactive approach, meaning it kicks in after the threat has already entered your system.
One big challenge with EDR is that it relies on your internal team to handle the alerts and respond to threats. This means you need an in-house cybersecurity team with the skills to interpret the data, manage the tool, and act when things go wrong. For many dealerships, hiring and maintaining such a team is costly and impractical.
What Is Managed Detection and Response (MDR)?
MDR takes endpoint security to the next level by combining advanced tools like EDR with human expertise. In other words, MDR is like having an outsourced security team working around the clock to monitor your systems, investigate threats, and respond proactively. It’s security “as a service” for dealerships that don’t have the resources to build an internal cybersecurity team.
With MDR, you’re not just relying on software to react to threats. You have a dedicated team of cybersecurity experts continuously monitoring your network, proactively hunting for threats, and responding before they can cause significant damage. This proactive approach is key, especially when dealing with fast-moving threats like ransomware.
EDR vs. MDR: Reactive vs. Proactive
To better understand the difference between EDR and MDR, let’s look at a common scenario: ransomware.
With EDR, the system is designed to react once the ransomware is already in your network. The tool may detect the ransomware as it starts encrypting your files and automatically attempt to stop it. However, by the time EDR responds, some damage may already be done.
In contrast, MDR takes a proactive approach. Rather than waiting for ransomware to start causing chaos, the MDR team is actively hunting for signs of trouble before the attack even begins. This means they can spot suspicious activity, like failed login attempts or unusual data transfers, long before ransomware has a chance to do any damage. With MDR, your dealership’s cybersecurity defense isn’t just waiting for an attack—it’s actively preventing one.
Why MDR Is the Better Choice for Auto Dealerships
Here are some of the key reasons why MDR might be the best choice for your dealership:
- Expertise You Can Trust
MDR provides you with a team of skilled cybersecurity professionals who are trained to detect and respond to advanced threats. You don’t need to worry about filling critical IT positions or managing a security team internally.
- 24/7 Monitoring
Cyber threats don’t take a break, and neither does MDR. With constant monitoring, you can rest easy knowing that your systems are being watched and protected around the clock. Please note: 24/7 “monitoring” is NOT the same as 24/7 “support.” “Monitoring” is the active surveillance of your data and systems. “Support” is simply your ability to contact support if you have an issue or a question. Make sure that the service you select provides true “monitoring.”
- Fewer False Positives
One common issue with EDR is false positives—alerts that flag normal activity as a potential threat. With MDR, human analysts review these alerts, cutting down on unnecessary distractions and ensuring your dealership’s team only focuses on real threats.
- Proactive Threat Hunting
Instead of waiting for a threat to surface, MDR’s cybersecurity experts are actively searching for vulnerabilities and unusual activity that could lead to an attack. This proactive stance significantly reduces your risk.
- Cost-Effective Solution
Building an in-house security team is expensive. With MDR, you get top-tier security expertise and technology without the overhead, making it a cost-effective way to protect your dealership from cyber threats.
Why It Matters for Your Dealership
A cyberattack can damage your reputation, result in lost customers, and lead to regulatory fines. Having the right security solution in place is no longer optional—it’s essential. While EDR provides some level of protection, MDR offers a more comprehensive, proactive defense tailored to meet the specific needs of your dealership.
Choosing MDR over EDR means you’re investing in a service that goes beyond simple reactionary measures. With a team of experts on your side, you can focus on what you do best — selling and servicing cars and trucks.
