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Beyond EDR, MDR & XDR: Building a Fortress, Not Just a Gate

Imagine this:

A thief attempts to rob a bank. They try the front door, but it’s locked with a high-security deadbolt. They move to a side window, only to find sturdy metal bars in place. Frustrated, they consider the roof, but a network of security cameras deters them. This layered approach, where each obstacle thwarts the thief’s attempt, exemplifies the core principle of a Defense-in-Depth (DiD) cybersecurity strategy.

In today’s ever-evolving threat landscape, a single security layer is simply not enough. EDR, MDR, and XDR are powerful tools, but they’re not magic bullets. This blog post will explain why these solutions, while valuable, are not replacements for a comprehensive Defense-in-Depth strategy. Let’s first delve deeper into the concept of DiD.

Understanding Defense-in-Depth (DiD)

Defense-in-Depth is a cybersecurity strategy that employs multiple layers of security controls at different points within a network or system. Think of it as a layered cake, where each layer adds another barrier to attackers. Here’s what makes DiD so effective:

  • Layered Security Controls: DiD doesn’t rely on a single point of defense. Firewalls guard the network perimeter, endpoint security protects individual devices, data encryption secures sensitive information, and even physical security measures like access control systems play a role.
  • Redundancy: If one layer is breached, the others act as backups, hindering the attacker’s progress and giving defenders time to react.
  • Addressing Different Threats: Different security controls are designed to tackle various attack vectors. Firewalls stop network intrusions, endpoint security shields against malware, and data encryption protects sensitive information even if stolen.

The benefits of implementing a DiD strategy are clear:

  • Increased Security Posture: Multiple layers significantly bolster your overall security posture, making it much harder for attackers to gain a foothold in your network.
  • Improved Threat Detection and Response: Layered defenses provide more opportunities to detect suspicious activity and prevent attacks before they reach critical systems.
  • Reduced Damage: Even if an attack bypasses some controls, the remaining layers can limit the damage and prevent a complete system compromise.

EDR, MDR, and XDR: Valuable Tools, Not Silver Bullets

EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response), MDR (Managed Detection and Response), and XDR (Extended Detection and Response) are all acronyms gaining traction in the cybersecurity world. Let’s explore what each solution offers:

  • EDR: Focuses on monitoring and protecting endpoints (laptops, desktops, servers) from threats. EDR solutions typically offer features like malware detection and prevention, endpoint behavior monitoring, and incident investigation and response tools.
  • MDR: Combines EDR technology with a managed service component. MDR providers offer 24/7 monitoring, threat detection, investigation, and response capabilities, leveraging the expertise of security professionals.
  • XDR: Extends EDR capabilities by collecting and analyzing data from various security tools across the network (firewalls, email security, etc.) in addition to endpoint data. XDR provides a more holistic view of security threats and enables better correlation of events across the security landscape.

So, how do these solutions contribute to a DiD strategy?

  • EDR: Strengthens endpoint security, a crucial layer in DiD for protecting against endpoint-based threats like malware and unauthorized access.
  • MDR: Enhances the effectiveness of endpoint security by adding a layer of human expertise and centralized management, allowing for faster and more efficient threat detection and response.
  • XDR: Provides broader threat detection across different security layers by correlating data fro
  • m various security tools. This improves DiD by offering a more comprehensive view of potential security incidents.

While EDR, MDR, and XDR are valuable tools, they have limitations in a DiD context:

  • Limited Scope: These solutions primarily focus on endpoint security or threat detection and response. They don’t address other crucial DiD aspects like network security, physical security, or data security.
  • Endpoint Reliance: EDR and MDR solutions heavily rely on endpoint data for threat detection. This can create blind spots if attackers target other areas of your network infrastructure.

Building a True Defense-in-Depth Strategy

To achieve a truly secure environment, you need a multi-layered approach that goes beyond EDR, MDR, or XDR. Here are some additional DiD controls to consider:

  • Network Security: Firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and network segmentation tools can help control network traffic and identify suspicious activity.
  • Data Security: Encryption of sensitive data

While a robust Defense-in-Depth (DiD) strategy might seem like the domain of large corporations, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can implement effective DiD measures on a budget. Here’s why:

Cost Concerns are Valid:

  • Limited Resources: SMEs often have smaller budgets and fewer IT personnel compared to larger organizations.
  • Sophisticated Solutions: Some DiD solutions can be expensive, particularly those requiring dedicated security teams or complex tools.

However, there are Ways to Make DiD Affordable for SMEs:

  • Focus on the Essentials: Prioritize free or low-cost security controls that offer significant protection.
  • Phased Implementation: Implement DiD in stages, starting with the most critical controls and gradually adding more as resources allow.
  • Leverage Managed Services: Consider partnering with Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) for affordable access to expertise and tools.
  • Open-Source Alternatives: Explore open-source security tools for basic functionalities like firewalls and intrusion detection.

Here are some Cost-Effective DiD Controls for SMEs:

  • Free Security Tools: Many free security tools offer basic protection, such as firewalls for routers, open-source antivirus software, and web filtering software.
  • Employee Training: Security awareness training can significantly reduce the risk of human error, a major entry point for cyberattacks. This training can be conducted internally or through affordable online resources.
  • Data Backups: Regularly backing up data to a secure location allows you to recover critical information in case of a cyberattack or system failure. Cloud storage services often offer affordable backup solutions.
  • Strong Password Policies: Enforce strong password policies and two-factor authentication to improve account security. This is a simple and free way to significantly increase security.
  • Segmenting your Network: Dividing your network into separate segments (e.g., guest network, employee network) can limit the damage if a breach occurs in one segment. Many routers allow for basic network segmentation.

By implementing these cost-effective controls, SMEs can establish a solid foundation for their DiD strategy.

Remember, even a basic DiD strategy is significantly better than no security strategy at all. Every layer you add increases your overall security posture and makes your organization a less attractive target for attackers.

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Jonathan Meyn

Director of Channel Sales

Jonathan is responsible for the Channel Strategy at Cyberleaf. He has over 10 years of experience in various technology solutions sales leadership roles. He has driven cybersecurity strategy and growth within the nation’s leading managed service providers.

Jonathan has a Communications Degree from Pennsylvania State University.

Brant Feldman

CSO

Brant served in Naval Special Warfare for 11 years.  He separated as a Lieutenant Commander having served at SEAL Team TWO, SEAL Team FOUR, and SEAL Team SIX.  Following his Naval service, Brant joined ADS in 2008 and was ultimately promoted to Chief Sales Officer, where he directed all sales, supplier, and marketing efforts.  His team was comprised of over 200 sales professionals who drove $3.2B in annual sales.  In 2022, Brant left ADS to pursue opportunities in Private Equity.

Brant has a Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law, an Executive MBA from the Darden School of Business and degrees in Economics and Government from the University of Virginia.

Will Sendall

CFO

Will served as Chief Financial Officer to various private equity and VC backed high growth technology companies where he managed the financial and operational functions.  Will has also successfully executed multiple debt and equity fundraising processes and led both buy and sell sides of M&A processes.

Will has a MBA from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill and a degree in Accounting from Appalachian State University. 

Marshall Howard

Executive Vice President

Marshall is responsible for engineering and project management for Waterleaf. He has over 20 years of executive experience across startup operations and Fortune 500 companies in multiple areas including Operations, Engineering, Technology Implementation, Business Planning/Budgeting, Finance/M&A, Revenue Assurance, and Regulatory Affairs.

Previously Marshall served as a Vice President at T3 Communications, Inc., a Fort Myers, FL-based CLEC and managed services provider. Before joining T3, Marshall served as VP of Network Technology and Business Development at Cleartel Communications (now part of Birch Communications), where he played a major role in acquiring and integrating three other CLECs.

Marshall earned a BS in Physics from Rhodes College, an MSEE from Vanderbilt University, an MBA from Southern Methodist University, and completed post-graduate work in Finance and Economics at Vanderbilt University. In addition, he has earned a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, and last but not least, he is a Certified CMMC Assessor.

David Levitan

President

David has over 30 years of experience as a telecommunications industry executive, leading technology and services organizations that have designed, built, and maintained fiber and wireless infrastructure across the US and internationally. He has extensive development, product marketing and general management experience operating independent, sponsor-backed, and publicly traded companies.

David’s previous experience includes executive leadership roles in start-up and publicly traded companies. As President of C-COR Network Services, he drove over 30% sales growth through a team of 400 employees delivering network infrastructure services for broadband operators, while also serving as an officer of parent company C-COR, Inc. At Scientific-Atlanta, Inc David held a progression of leadership and executive positions as the broadband division grew from ~$100 million to over $1.5 billion in annual sales. During his tenure he held product management, strategic planning, and general management roles, including overseeing the rapid growth of the company’s largest business unit, and establishing and scaling a unit delivering domestic and international professional services. As Vice President of CableMatrix, David also helped raise $5 million in series A venture funding for a policy management software startup.

David completed his undergraduate work at Cornell University with a BA in Economics and holds an MBA from the Harvard Graduate School of Business. 

Adam Sewall

CEO

Adam has been a successful senior executive and entrepreneur in the telecomm industry for more than 20 years. Adam has demonstrated success in complex technology deployments, as well as strategic planning, corporate development M&A, business development, operations, and general management. This experience also includes several significant liquidity events for shareholders.

Adam has had significant experience in the design, deployment, and operation of fiber, cellular, point-to-point and other communications networks in the US, Asia and SE Asia. Included in these deployments are AMPS, GSM, CDMA/TDMA, spread spectrum, Wi-Max/Wi-Fi and various Metro and long-haul fiber networks.

Prior to Waterleaf Adam was the President and CEO of T3 Communications Inc. www.t3com.net a next generation CLEC based in Florida. He has also held executive management positions in operations, strategic planning and corporate development at T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless.

Adam’s technical background includes work in RF engineering, SDR, mobile s/w development, hardware engineering and telecommunications architecture. His project management and operations background include certifications in project management, GSM/PCS, numerous telecom standards and the successful integration of complex infrastructure as well as global deployments of software and communications networks.

He holds a BS Degree from SUNY and has completed graduate studies in engineering, finance, mathematics and economics at Stevens Institute, Columbia and Pace Universities.