Your cybersecurity budget is tight; deploying an effective EDR solution for your small business may seem challenging amidst limited resources.
But suddenly, all hell is let loose; an attacker is holding your customer data—including credit card details—to ransom. They accessed the sensitive data through a rookie employee’s endpoint device and now, you have to pay hundreds of thousands of USD or risk the data being released to the public.
Thankfully, you have encrypted the data so well that it is nearly impossible for the attacker to crack. Still, you do not want it getting into the news or you may lose the customer base you have painstakingly built. You equally want to prevent a repeat of such a damaging incident by deploying the best EDR solution for your small business.
To help you choose the right tool for your not-so-uncommon challenge, this article explores the top 10 EDR solutions for small businesses and their features. It also explains the key capabilities to look out for in the best-fit EDR solution.
What is EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)?
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is a cybersecurity approach for identifying, investigating, and mitigating cyber threats on endpoint devices. EDRs continuously monitor endpoints such as servers, laptops, mobile devices, and desktops to uncover security incidents and restore compromised endpoints to their pre-attack states.
Key capabilities of EDR tools include:
- Threat detection: Whether it is uncovering suspicious activities like unusual file changes or more advanced attacks like malware injection, EDR solutions play important roles in safeguarding businesses from attacks.
- Monitoring: Much like home security systems—equipped with 24/7 monitoring systems and alarms—to detect unusual activity or access patterns, EDR tools are equipped with real-time endpoint tracking and analytics capabilities. This allows them provide complete visibility into SMBs’ numerous endpoint devices from one centralized dashboard.
- Root cause analysis: EDR platforms offer detailed logs and audit trails of user activities on endpoints, which allows security teams to swiftly uncover, contain, and find the root cause of advanced threats.
- Automated response: Both medium and small businesses (SMBs) require automatic halts to attacks. With EDR solutions, they cannot only do this, they can also isolate compromised devices, preventing any single attack from taking down the entire system.
Why Small Businesses Need EDR Solutions
Small businesses often believe they are rarely targets of cyberattacks, and this accounts for why only about 14% of SMBs institute adequate measures to combat attacks. Contrary to this belief, hackers breached over 60% of SMBs, with businesses recording an average of $25,000 in financial losses.
Essentially, SMBs’ limited human resources, combined with their small cybersecurity budgets, mean they are often vulnerable to attacks that their big business counterparts are able to deflect. With EDR solutions, SMBs can effectively address these limitations and prevent attacks.
EDR solutions automate threat detection and response, minimizing the need for dedicated security teams. They also detect these threats early, reducing the potential impact and cost of breaches. In addition, the logs and audit trails that EDR solutions aggregate are invaluable for meeting regulatory standards and avoiding skyrocketing noncompliance penalties.
Best 10 EDR Solutions for Small Businesses
With the sheer number of SMBs targeted and the rising cost of cyberattacks, one thing is clear: EDR solutions have become a must-have for small businesses. To help you choose the ideal EDR solution for your enterprise, we have put together a list of our 10 best EDR solutions for small businesses, carefully selected from the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection Platforms.
#1 SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint Security
SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint is a next-gen endpoint security platform that combines robust Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) functionalities with AI-powered threat hunting, detection, and response. Top of SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint’s benefits is its ability to mitigate attacks without human intervention, making it well-suited to SMBs with minimal human resources and limited expertise.
SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint secures numerous endpoints across enterprise infrastructures, regardless of how widely dispersed they are, using a single agent. This simplified agent-based approach provides unmatched visibility without the hassle of having to install multiple agents across various endpoints.
Unlike traditional antiviruses which only rely on regular scans and signature-based malware detection, SentinelOne EDR solution stands as an unmatched watchtower for your entire environment, accurately predicting, preventing, and halting malicious activities in real time. Using static and behavioral analysis, SentinelOne Singularity EDR solution neutralizes known and unknown exploits before they can take root in your environment.
In addition to real-time threat detection, SentinelOne EDR solution’s Storyline technology correlates events across policies, devices, and configurations, effectively visualizing attack paths in your stack. This facilitates comprehensive forensics analysis for malware and threats and empowers administrators with the critical context needed to automatically triage and resolve issues quickly.
View the tour video to see how SentinelOne compares when it comes to securing your endpoints, accurately detecting incidents, and correlating threats.
Platform at a Glance
Rated Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for four years in a row, SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint combines the power of endpoint protection with network security, via Singularity Ranger. Here is a high-level view of its offerings for small businesses:
- Centralized endpoint protection: SentinelOne’s single-pane-of-glass view provides complete visibility into, and control of data and workflows on all endpoints in your cloud estate.
- AI-powered insights: The Sentinel EDR solution is the ultimate platform for instantaneous ML-based contextual insights on all emerging threats, including advanced malware and ransomware.
- Single-click rollback: SentinelOne restores your encrypted files and systems to the pre-attack phase at a single click, easily preventing downtimes and data loss. This rollback feature also eliminates the burden of hefty ransoms or non-compliance fines.
- Network attack surface management: SentinelOne Singularity Ranger fingerprints all IP-enabled devices in your stack to detect inbound and outbound malicious packets.
- Automated threat isolation: SentinelOne automatically isolates compromised devices, minimizing the blast radius of attacks, and their impact on your business.
Features:
- EDR-as-part-of-CNAPP to secure your entire cloud, networks, endpoints, and data in a single platform
- Offensive Security Engine for performing pen testing and red-teaming operations on endpoints
- Verified Exploit Paths for demonstrating the exploitability of incidents detected, minimizing false positives
- Support for legacy systems and end-of-life devices
- Threat prioritization and classification based on the MITRE ATT&CK framework
- 350+ custom and built-in vulnerability and configuration management scripts to continuously benchmark configurations against industry best practices
- Intelligent user behavior analytics for seamless insights into indicators of comprises (IoCs)
Core problems that SentinelOne Eliminates
SentinelOne resolves many common problems small businesses face with endpoint security, including the following:
- High MTTR: SentinelOne accelerates threat detection and investigation, minimizing the mean time to respond (MTTR).
- High false positives: SentinelOne reduces false positives via its AI/ML, whitelisting, and Verified Exploit Path capabilities.
- Usability challenge: With SentinelOne’s intuitive interface, SMB security teams do not need advanced training to manage their endpoint security.
- Configuring new endpoints: SentinelOne continuously discovers and secures managed and unmanaged endpoints in real time.
- Scalability: SentinelOne’s scalable threat detection ensures SMBs can effectively secure numerous endpoints as usage needs rise.
Testimonials
“The detection rate for Sentinel One has been excellent and we have been able to resolve many potential threats with zero client impact. The ability to deploy via our RMM allows us to quickly secure new clients and provides peace of mind.”
—Jeff D., Operations Manager at Proton Dealership IT
“A complete platform for endpoint protection. I have used SentinelOne for more than 8 years with excellent results.”
—Organization in Manufacturing; Income 250M-500M USD.
See SentinelOne Singularity EDR ratings and reviews on Gartner Peer Insights and Peerspot.
#2 Cortex from Palo Alto Networks
Cortex is an Extended Detection and Response (XDR) solution that integrates with endpoints to detect and respond to attacks. Cortex XDR offers tools for endpoint visibility, threat detection, and root cause analysis, catering to advanced security requirements.
Features:
- Endpoint Visibility: Offers deep insights into endpoint activities, enabling the detection of malicious behaviors.
- User-Friendly Platform: Designed with an intuitive interface to streamline security operations.
- Automated User Behavior Analytics: Utilizes machine learning to analyze user and entity behaviors, identifying anomalies that may indicate threats.
- Threat Detection via Host Firewall: Includes host-based firewall capabilities to monitor and control network traffic, enhancing threat detection.
- Alert Grouping: Aggregates related alerts into incidents, reducing alert fatigue and simplifying investigation processes.
- Threat Hunting: Provides tools for proactive threat hunting, allowing security teams to search for indicators of compromise across the environment.
- Unified Threat Analysis and Response: Consolidates threat data from multiple sources, enabling coordinated and efficient responses to security incidents.
Uncover insights about Cortex XDR by reviewing first-hand accounts of the software on Gartner Peer Insights.
#3 Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is powered by one of the largest threat intelligence networks globally, analyzing over 78 trillion signals daily. This extensive network helps detect and respond to both known and emerging threats, delivering enterprise-grade security to businesses of all sizes. You can opt for one of the two security tiers for SMBs: Plan 1 for essential anti-malware and risk reduction and Plan 2 for advanced protection with EDR, threat hunting, and automated investigation.
Features:
- Automatic Device Discovery: Quickly identifies all devices within the network, including unmanaged and IoT devices, making it easy for SMBs to maintain full visibility.
- Endpoint Attack Surface Management: Helps reduce vulnerability by controlling which apps and devices can access your network.
- Granular Policy Controls: Provides straightforward options to set security policies and configurations without needing extensive IT resources.
- Automated Response: Automates actions based on security thresholds to minimize downtime, allowing SMBs to respond to threats faster.
- Prioritized Alerts: Sorts and prioritizes alerts with easy-to-follow recommendations, helping SMBs address the most pressing issues first.
See how Microsoft Defender for Endpoint works as an EDR solution from verified users on Gartner Peer Insights.
#4 Crowdstrike Endpoint Security
Falcon Enterprise is Crowdstrike’s EDR solution, equipped with threat intelligence, antivirus and incident response modules. “CrowdStrike Falcon Enterprise uses a scalable, pay-per-endpoint pricing model.
Falcon Enterprise also offers specialized onboarding and dedicated SMB support, making sophisticated protection accessible without the infrastructure demands typically associated with such solutions.
Features:
- Historical view of endpoint attack surfaces
- Endpoint security scores
- Automated incident analyses
- Rich array of APIs for integration with other security tools
- Threat isolation and classification
- Remote threat remediation
- Low false positives
Check out detailed feedback on CrowdStrike Falcon on Gartner Peer Insights.
#5 TrendMicro Vision One-Endpoint Security
Trend Micro Vision One operates as a sophisticated XDR solution, designed to monitor endpoints with relentless precision against malware, ransomware, and advanced exploits. For SMBs, this means highly scalable, effective security that integrates effortlessly with existing systems—no extensive reconfiguration required. Its streamlined third-party integrations create a comprehensive security ecosystem, extending visibility across critical areas like email, network, and cloud applications. The intuitive dashboard presents security insights in a clear, accessible format, allowing even lean IT teams to quickly identify and neutralize threats with the efficiency of much larger operations.
Features:
- AI/ML-powered threat detection for improved accuracy
- Rollback feature for data loss prevention
- Remote endpoint monitoring and threat detection
- Single agent for seamless monitoring across all endpoints
- Advanced threats and ransomware detection
Find users’ feedback on how TrendMicro XDR works and its capabilities from users on Peerspot.
#6 Sophos Intercept X Endpoint
Sophos Intercept X offers SMBs a powerful, multi-layered defense, combining EDR and XDR capabilities that is enhanced by machine learning for precise threat hunting. Its CryptoGuard technology acts as a vigilant safeguard against ransomware and file encryption attacks—threats that can be catastrophic for smaller businesses.
Designed with accessibility in mind, Intercept X delivers advanced protection without requiring extensive IT resources. Seamlessly integrating with existing tools, it provides a streamlined, practical approach to enterprise-grade security, making sophisticated defense both efficient and attainable for SMBs.
Features:
- Advanced detection of known and zero-day viruses, malware and fileless attacks
- 60 out-of-the-box incident response modules
- Intuitive interface for non-expert users
- Guided forensic analysis for faster incident investigation and resolution
- Automatic ransomware rollback to return data to preattack states
- Adaptive Attack Protection for dynamically increasing protection for compromised endpoints
Learn from verified users’ experiences to see how Sophos Intercept X works.
#7 Symantec Endpoint Protection
Developed by Broadcom Inc., Symantec Endpoint Protection is a comprehensive security solution tailored to safeguard SMBs with precision. Combining antivirus, anti-spyware, intrusion prevention, and attack surface reduction, it protects against a wide spectrum of threats.
For SMBs, its user-friendly management interface and flexible deployment options simplify robust security, while advanced threat detection operates seamlessly in the background. The result? Enterprise-level defense with minimal impact on daily operations, making it a valuable asset for smaller teams.
Features:
- Automatically blocks unapproved or malicious programs
- Aggregates user patterns to detect and respond to anomalous behavior
- Built-in and custom access policies
- Designed specifically for servers and desktop devices, though may offer some protection for mobile devices
- Threat quarantine to minimize the damage of attacks
Find out what works and what does not with Symantec by evaluating reviews on Peerspot.
#8 McAfee Endpoint Security
McAfee Endpoint Security offers SMBs reliable defense for servers, laptops, and desktops, tackling threats like malware, ransomware, and phishing. With next-generation antivirus and real-time EDR, it dynamically detects and addresses threats, including zero-day vulnerabilities. Designed to require minimal oversight, McAfee’s automated updates and intuitive management tools help SMBs stay secure without straining resources, making enterprise-level security accessible for smaller teams.
Features:
- Signature-based threat detection
- Global Threat Intelligence feeds for zero-day exploit detection
- Unified threat monitoring and analysis console
- Threat hunting for proactive threat detection
- Custom policy-based device activity control to prevent malicious code execution of devices
Browse through reviews to understand how McAfee performs as an endpoint protection solution from users on Gartner Peer Insights here.
#9 Bitdefender Endpoint Security
Bitdefender GravityZone merges EDR and XDR into a cohesive threat detection and response system precisely engineered for SMBs seeking comprehensive protection.
Bitdefender Endpoint Security applies behavioral analytics to identify potential attack paths and detect vulnerabilities in endpoint systems.
This proactive approach empowers SMBs to address weak points before they become entryways for threats, allowing small teams to stay ahead without extensive resources.
Features:
- Content and IP filtering to block malicious traffic, code execution and files
- Centralized management console to ensure consistent endpoint security
- Endpoint device control based on preconfigured policies to prevent unauthorized data transfers and malware injection
- Lightweight, user-friendly solution
Check here to see if the user experience with Bitdefender GravityZone is what you are looking for.
#10 Cisco Secure Endpoint
Cisco Secure Endpoint is a versatile EDR solution tailored for SMBs, protecting endpoints—including USB devices, servers, and laptops—through a unified agent. It delivers deep visibility into incidents and threat origins, mapping exactly which user action or device triggered a specific response.
This transparency not only simplifies incident tracking but also empowers smaller teams to manage security effectively, even without dedicated IT personnel. Cisco’s intuitive interface and scalable options make it an accessible, high-impact choice for growing SMBs.
Features:
- XDR functionalities for broader endpoint security
- User access monitoring for swift threat detection
- MITRE ATT&CK framework-based threat hunting
- Threat isolation at a single click
- High-fidelity alerts with low false positives
Check out Cisco’s performance and gauge its compatibility with your security goals from verified user reviews.
How to Choose the Right Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Solution for Your Small Business
Top capabilities to look out for in the right EDR solution include:
- Continuous monitoring and behavior analytics: An ideal EDR solution is one that tracks user activity in your networks non-stop, helping SMBs establish a baseline for normal vs. anomalous activity, and ensuring swift, accurate threat detection.
- Forensic analysis: When security incidents occur, the speed with which they are resolved largely determines if your SMB will experience downtimes, revenue setbacks, and reputational damage. So, choose a solution that provides intelligent threat correlation and forensic data to hasten root cause analysis.
- Alert prioritization: Many critical alerts get ignored because SMBs’ limited security personnel have to deal with thousands of alerts daily. Consider a tool that not only groups alerts by interrelated incidents but also ranks alerts by business criticality, empowering your teams to resolve high-risk threats first.
- Ease of use: Due to limited cybersecurity expertise, even after investing heavily in security tools, SMBs still face challenges securing their endpoints. Select an EDR solution with an easy-to-use console for maximum security and ROI.
- Scalability: As a growing business, choose a tool that scales easily to ensure you do not have to change tools every time your demand grows.
- Integration: Consider a solution that integrates easily with other security solutions like firewalls and SIEMS for extensive protection and triaging.
- Dynamic endpoint discovery: Adding new or removing old endpoints can be a hassle; choose a tool that automatically discovers endpoints to prevent gaps in threat detection.
- Budget-Friendly Options: Ensure the EDR solution offers flexible, scalable pricing that aligns with SMB budgets without sacrificing essential security features.
- Minimal IT Resources Required: For SMBs with limited IT staff, an EDR solution that is straightforward to deploy and maintain is crucial, reducing the operational load.
- Reliable Support and Training: Many EDR providers offer support and training designed specifically for SMBs, helping smaller teams maximize security without extensive cybersecurity expertise.
Conclusion
For small businesses seeking to secure data and IT systems, prevent business disruptions, and maintain regulatory compliance, reliable EDR solutions are an absolute necessity. These solutions not only offer robust threat detection capabilities, they also automate incident response and threat containment, ensuring that SMBs do not have to deploy scarce resources to employ dedicated threat response teams.
When choosing the best-fit EDR, SMBs must consider the tool’s user-friendliness, cost-efficiency, seamless integration with various legacy and modern tools, guided post-incident investigation, and scalability to meet increasing demands as businesses grow. These capabilities and more are where SentinelOne outcompetes other EDR solutions, as evidenced by user reviews on Gartner, PeerSpot and similar platforms. See the difference yourself—request a demo today!
FAQs
1. What is Endpoint Detection and Response and why is it important for small businesses?
EDR is a security technique for uncovering and automatically containing cyber threats on endpoint devices like desktops, mobile devices, and servers. EDR solutions are important to SMBs as a last line of defense against attacks.
2. Is EDR affordable for small businesses?
Though pricing may vary across different EDR platforms, EDRs are relatively affordable for small businesses. With their automated threat response capabilities, they are cost-efficient solutions for small businesses that need to deploy EDRs without the overhead of employing expert threat containment and investigation teams.
3. What are some common threats that EDR protects against?
Common threats that EDRs safeguard against include malware, ransomware, advanced persistent threats (APTs), insider threats, and Living-Off-the-Land (LotL) attacks.
4. What are the deployment options for EDR in small businesses?
Small businesses can choose from a number of EDR deployment options, including cloud-based, on-premise, and hybrid options. For example, SentinelOne is a hybrid EDR solution that secures both cloud and on-premises environments, making it ideal for flexible protection..
5. What features should small businesses look for in an EDR solution?
Small businesses should prioritize EDR features like automatic threat detection and response, along with contextual event correlation, to streamline and accelerate threat investigation.
6. How much should a small business expect to pay for an EDR solution?
Small businesses can typically expect to pay between $6 and $16 per endpoint per month, depending on the platform and functionalities offered. For instance, SentinelOne’s basic endpoint protection costs about $5, EDR+EPP tier about $6, and EDR+XDR around $13, offering scalable options for SMB budgets.
7. Can EDR replace all other security measures for a small business?
No, EDR alone cannot replace all other security measures. Instead, it should complement measures and tools like zero-trust security architecture, encryption, antivirus, SIEM, and other relevant solutions for a comprehensive defense strategy.