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MDR vs. EDR comes down to capability versus service: EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) monitors and can act on endpoint devices, while MDR (Managed Detection and Response) is a provider-operated service for detecting and responding to threats. EDR software can take configured actions automatically; with MDR, provider analysts investigate and carry out the actions authorized by the service agreement. The acronym alone does not determine who can isolate a device, approve remediation, or take over incident handling.
What is the difference between EDR and MDR?
EDR describes a cybersecurity capability focused on endpoints—devices such as computers and servers—and the activity recorded on them. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) states: “The EDR capability provides cybersecurity monitoring and control of endpoint devices.” Its guidance covers detection, response, follow-up analysis, and integration with an organization’s response workflow. CISA, CDM Technical Capabilities Volume 2, version 2.5 (2023); NIST CSRC, EDR glossary.
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MDR describes a managed detection-and-response service: a provider operates detection and response work for a customer. It is not simply another name for endpoint software. NIST expands MDR as Managed Detection and Response. NIST CSRC, MDR glossary.
| Question | EDR | MDR |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | An endpoint-focused detection and response capability. | A managed service for detection and response. |
| Who operates it? | Customer staff, automated policy, or a separately contracted provider may operate it; the acronym does not specify staffing. | Provider analysts operate the contracted service; the customer’s remaining responsibilities depend on the agreement and workflow. |
| Where does it look? | Instrumented endpoints and their activity. | The contracted telemetry scope, which may include endpoints, networks, and cloud signals. |
| Who can respond? | The product can support or execute configured endpoint actions; people still need to handle work assigned to them. | Provider analysts investigate and may take agreed actions; authorization and escalation must be defined. |
What does EDR cover, and does it respond automatically?
EDR focuses on endpoint devices and the activity its sensors can observe. CISA describes the capability as supporting monitoring and control, with actions configurable to fit an organization’s response workflow. Depending on the product and its configuration, an EDR platform can take endpoint actions such as containment. That technical ability does not mean an analyst is watching alerts or that the software owns the whole incident.
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Whether EDR actions happen automatically depends on the product’s settings and the organization’s policies. A team might configure an action to run automatically, require approval, or handle the alert through a separate response process. CISA’s guidance describes configurable actions and workflow integration, rather than a universal rule for how every deployment must be operated. CISA, CDM Technical Capabilities Volume 2, version 2.5 (2023).
What does an MDR provider do?
MDR adds provider-operated human work: analysts monitor the contracted signals, investigate alerts, and perform the response activities covered by the service. The provider’s work can supplement or operate alongside a customer’s internal security staff, depending on the arrangement.
Coverage is not identical across providers. For example, Cisco describes its MDR offering category as including managed threat detection, threat hunting, and response, potentially across endpoints, networks, and cloud. That is a description of Cisco’s offering, not a universal definition of every MDR service. Cisco, What Is Managed Detection and Response?
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The provider handles the human investigation and response actions assigned to it by the service agreement and operating procedures. The customer may still need to approve actions, make business decisions, manage affected systems outside the provider’s scope, or perform remediation that was not included. “MDR” alone does not establish whether the provider can isolate a device without approval, who contacts affected teams, or who leads incident coordination.
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Incident-response practices vary by technology and organization; NIST finalized SP 800-61 Revision 3 in April 2025. The practical division of work therefore needs to be agreed between the provider and customer rather than inferred from the service label. NIST CSRC, Incident Response.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to compare an EDR deployment with an MDR service
Compare actual product capabilities and contract terms, not just the acronyms. For each offering, establish what signals it covers, who is on duty to review them, and what happens after a credible alert.
- Assets and telemetry: Which endpoints, networks, cloud environments, and other signals are included or excluded?
- Monitoring coverage: When does monitoring occur, and who reviews alerts during uncovered hours?
- Investigation and hunting: Does the offering investigate alerts, proactively hunt for threats, or both? Which data can analysts access?
- Containment and remediation: Which actions may the platform run automatically, and which may provider staff take? Does each action require customer approval?
- Escalation and notification: What triggers escalation, how and when is the customer notified, and who is the point of contact?
- Response commitments: What response-time commitments are stated, and what events or conditions do they apply to?
- Workflow integration: How do alerts and actions fit the customer’s existing incident-response process and tools?
- Customer responsibilities: Which decisions, approvals, communications, and remediation tasks remain with the customer?
For a particular offering, the agreement and operating procedures—not the MDR or EDR label—are the authoritative place to verify coverage, approval thresholds, authority, escalation, and responsibilities.
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