As the landscape of cyber threats grows increasingly complex, traditional antivirus software alone struggles to keep pace. This shift is driving a need for more advanced cybersecurity solutions, particularly Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) systems. According to Kaspersky Türkiye General Manager Ilkem Ozar, EDR solutions are rapidly becoming essential for organizations keen on securing their digital infrastructure.
The Evolution of Cybersecurity Needs
EDR technologies take a proactive approach, designed to monitor and analyze unusual behavior on endpoint devices in real time, facilitating immediate threat detection and rapid response. Unlike their traditional counterparts which typically block known malware, EDR systems offer a comprehensive solution by identifying attack sources, recording suspicious activities, and halting threats before they escalate.
Ozar likens EDR systems to comprehensive airport security, where traditional antivirus software is comparable to basic passport control. The surge in smart device usage—from glasses and watches to point-of-sale systems—has expanded potential vulnerability points, necessitating the advanced capabilities of EDR to protect both IT networks and operational technologies.
Necessity Across Sectors
Ozar emphasized the integral role of security training in cybersecurity defenses and pointed out the significant variation in awareness levels across different sectors. While the finance sector generally leads in cybersecurity, manufacturing, retail sectors, and notably small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) require substantial improvement.
Kaspersky, recognizing these gaps, has significantly invested in regions like Türkiye, Brazil, and India. They focus on strengthening local pre- and post-sales support teams and ensuring regular cybersecurity training for business partner technical teams. For Türkiye, which ranks among the most targeted countries for cyberattacks, such measures are crucial.
Emerging Threats and EDR’s Role
Despite a 16% drop in ransomware attacks, with incidents numbering between 28,000 to 30,000, the threat landscape is evolving. Attacks are increasingly personalized and sophisticated, transitioning from mass attacks to focused campaigns on specific organizations. SMEs, often assumed less likely targets compared to large corporations, face similar threats, underscoring the necessity for comprehensive EDR implementation irrespective of an organization's size.
Additionally, the myth of fully isolated closed network systems has been dispelled, as updates and data transfers often necessitate external connections that could compromise security. Here, EDR solutions provide critical visibility, uncovering potential vulnerabilities.
The trend toward integrated security frameworks is taking root, with a distinct call for SMEs to adopt this mindset. As Ozar succinctly put it: Advanced cybersecurity is now non-negotiable wherever technology exists. EDR solutions are emerging as a new standard, and it won’t be long before every endpoint is protected by EDR technology.
