Last updated: 7 November 2026
EDR (endpoint detection and response) is security software on every laptop, desktop and server that watches behaviour rather than just known viruses. It spots suspicious activity such as mass file encryption or credential theft, isolates the device, and gives your IT team the evidence to clean up. It is the modern replacement for traditional antivirus.
How is EDR different from antivirus?
| Traditional antivirus | EDR | |
|---|---|---|
| Looks for | Known malware signatures | Suspicious behaviour, including brand-new threats |
| When it acts | On a file match | Continuously, while a program runs |
| If something gets in | Often silent | Alerts, isolates the device, records what happened |
| Investigation | Limited | Full timeline of processes, files and connections |
| Typical result | Misses new attacks | Catches attacks in progress |
What does EDR do, step by step?
Monitor
Records what programs, scripts and users do on each device, all day.
Detect
Flags behaviour that looks like ransomware, hands-on-keyboard attackers or stolen credentials.
Contain
Isolates an infected device from the network in seconds so the attack cannot spread.
Investigate
Shows the timeline so the root cause can be removed, not just the symptom.
Why EDR matters for UK businesses
Malware protection is one of the five technical controls in the Cyber Essentials scheme, and insurers increasingly ask whether you run EDR on every device. EDR on its own can raise alerts at 2am, so it works best when a security operations centre (SOC) reviews them. That managed version is called MDR.
How ABCOM helps
Managed EDR is built into ABCOM managed IT plans. We deploy it to every device, monitor it around the clock through a security operations centre, and contact you directly when something needs action during business hours (8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday).
Quick answers
Do I still need antivirus if I have EDR?
No. Modern EDR includes next-generation antivirus. Running two engines usually slows devices and can conflict, so the aim is one well-managed product on every endpoint.
Is Microsoft Defender an EDR?
Microsoft Defender Antivirus is built into Windows. Defender for Endpoint, included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium, adds full EDR. It needs to be configured and monitored to be effective.
Does EDR work on Macs and servers?
Yes. Good EDR covers Windows, macOS and Linux, and servers as well as laptops, so the whole estate is protected.
Want to know if every device in your business is genuinely protected? We will check for free.
Related answers and guides
- What is endpoint protection?
- What is SIEM?
- What is ITDR?
- EDR, MDR, XDR, SIEM, SOC and ITDR explained
- How do you monitor our devices?
- Microsoft Defender and Purview
- All ABCOM FAQs
Sources and further reading
Related questions
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