What is the role of endpoint detection and response (EDR) in malware protection?

The role of endpoint detection and response (EDR) in malware protection primarily focuses on providing visibility into endpoint activities after a threat has been detected. EDR solutions continuously monitor endpoints for signs of malicious activity, allowing security teams to analyze the behavior of systems and identify potential security breaches. By investigating post-detection, EDR helps teams respond appropriately to threats, mitigate damage, and prevent future incidents.

This visibility is crucial as it allows for contextual understanding of how a threat entered the environment, which systems were affected, and what actions were taken. In addition to visibility, EDR also provides incident response capabilities, allowing security personnel to contain and remediate threats effectively.

Other options are not aligned with the specific function of EDR. While blocking threats before they reach the network is typically a function of preventive security measures such as firewalls or antivirus software, EDR is more about analyzing and responding to threats once they have made it to the endpoint. Accessing restricted sites and managing device configurations are also unrelated to the primary purpose of EDR, which is focused on detection, investigation, and response.