My Views on SIEM vs EDR (Hiring companies neglecting candidates with EDR experience)

A topic that frequently surfaces is the comparison between Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions. While people mostly say that SIEM is better than EDR. For me, the two serve different, yet complementary, functions within the security landscape.

EDR:

EDR solutions are the guardians of endpoints.

The most important benefits I can think of are:

1. Threat Detection: As it uses AI and behaviour and multiple engines. It becomes very effective to detect threats and malicious activities on endpoints.

2. Incident Response: Very best benefit, EDR provide enabling quick actions to contain and mitigate security incidents. (for example Sentinel One is its ability to capture snapshots at regular intervals, such as every four hours, as a proactive measure against threats like ransomware. These snapshots serve as crucial checkpoints in the event of a security incident, allowing for a potential rollback action to restore the endpoint to a previous, uncompromised state)

On other hand SIEM:

SIEM, on the other hand, acts as the central intelligence hub for network-wide security. It collects and analyzes data from diverse sources, including network devices, applications, and systems.

The most important benefits I can think of are:

1. Centralized Data Analysis

2. It correlates data from multiple sources, helping organizations understand the full context of the threat.

Now for me where Defense-in-Depth Approach comes into place:

In truth, EDR and SIEM are not adversaries; they play complementary roles in your cybersecurity strategy. EDR acts as the frontline protector of endpoints, ensuring real-time monitoring and incident response. SIEM serves as the network-wide guardian, offering comprehensive incident management, compliance adherence, and historical data analysis.

In Conclusion: (I have seen multiple hiring Companies neglect experience in EDR, I still don't understand why)

For me EDR plays an indispensable role in cybersecurity. Neglecting EDR in favor of SIEM can leave an organization vulnerable to endpoint-focused threats.