Why Endpoint Detection and Response Is Becoming Essential for Small Businesses
Cybersecurity threats aren’t limited to large corporations. Recent data shows small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are now the most frequent targets of cyberattacks. This is mainly because SMBs often have fewer in-house security resources, making them more attractive to attackers.
According to the 2024 IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average total cost of a breach these days — including downtime, legal fees, customer loss, and recovery — is $4.88 million. While the exact impact varies, these events can be disruptive and financially damaging to any organization.
What Is Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)?
Endpoint Detection and Response is a security approach designed to monitor computers, laptops, and other connected devices for suspicious activity. It uses a behavior-based approach and can detect unusual actions even if malware hasn’t already been identified.
Here’s how it works:
- Continuous Monitoring: Tracks logins, file changes, and unusual patterns of activity in real time.
- Threat Identification: Detects both known and emerging threats — not just viruses it has seen before.
- Automated Response: It can isolate an affected device.
Why EDR Is Becoming More Common?
Cyberattack methods have evolved:
- Criminals use stolen credentials to log in as legitimate users.
- Malicious code can be disguised inside standard file formats.
- Attacks may remain hidden until triggered by a specific action.
EDR helps address these newer tactics by flagging unusual device activity early.
A Note on Cyber Insurance
Many cyber insurance providers are now including EDR as part of their minimum security requirements. Without it, a policy may not provide full coverage for a breach.
Next Steps for Business Owners
If your business hasn’t evaluated its security setup in the past year, it may be worth:
- Reviewing what protections are already in place.
- Considering whether EDR or similar tools would strengthen your defenses.
- Checking your cyber insurance policy for any updated security requirements.
Cybersecurity isn’t a one-time setup — it’s an ongoing process.
As threats evolve, so should the tools we use to detect and respond to them. Endpoint Detection and Response isn’t just for large corporations; it’s quickly becoming a standard part of modern business security for organizations of all sizes.
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