Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is a cybersecurity technology that continuously monitors devices — laptops, desktops, servers, and mobile devices — for suspicious activity, detects threats in real time, and enables rapid response to contain and remediate security incidents. One82 is a managed service provider based in Los Gatos, California, specializing in IT, cybersecurity, compliance, and AI for professional services firms in the San Francisco Bay Area. EDR is a core component of the security stack we deploy for every client.

How EDR Differs from Traditional Antivirus

Traditional antivirus software works by comparing files against a database of known threats. If a file matches a known virus signature, it gets blocked. The problem is that modern attacks — ransomware, zero-day exploits, fileless malware — often do not match any known signature.

EDR takes a fundamentally different approach. Instead of relying solely on signature matching, EDR monitors the behavior of every process running on a device. If a legitimate-looking program suddenly starts encrypting files, accessing unusual system resources, or communicating with a suspicious external server, EDR flags and isolates the activity before damage spreads.

According to the Ponemon Institute’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report, organizations using EDR and other advanced security tools identified breaches 108 days faster on average than those without such tools (IBM/Ponemon, 2024).

Why EDR Matters for Professional Services Firms

Professional services firms handle some of the most sensitive data in any industry — client tax returns, legal case files, deal documents, financial models, and personally identifiable information. A ransomware attack that encrypts your document management system can halt operations entirely.

EDR matters because:

  • Cyber insurance now requires it. Most cyber insurance carriers will not issue or renew policies for firms that lack EDR on all endpoints. According to the Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers, 79% of carriers tightened cybersecurity requirements in their 2023 renewal cycles (CIAB, 2023).
  • Regulatory expectations have shifted. IRS Publication 4557, the FTC Safeguards Rule, and SEC cybersecurity rules all expect firms to deploy real-time endpoint monitoring, not just basic antivirus.
  • Attack sophistication is increasing. AI-generated phishing emails and targeted ransomware campaigns are specifically designed to bypass traditional antivirus. EDR catches what antivirus misses.

How One82 Deploys EDR for Professional Services Firms

One82 deploys managed EDR across all client endpoints as part of our cybersecurity service. This includes:

  • 24/7 monitoring and automated threat detection on every device
  • Real-time alerting and rapid containment when suspicious activity is identified
  • Regular reporting that documents your firm’s endpoint security posture for compliance and insurance purposes
  • Integration with our broader security stack — email filtering, MFA, dark web monitoring — for layered protection

Frequently Asked Questions

Is EDR the same as antivirus?

No. Traditional antivirus relies on matching files to a database of known threats. EDR monitors device behavior in real time, detecting suspicious patterns even from previously unknown threats. EDR is a significant upgrade from antivirus and is now considered the minimum standard for endpoint protection by cyber insurance carriers and regulators.

Does my firm need EDR if we already have a firewall?

Yes. Firewalls protect your network perimeter, but they do not monitor what happens on individual devices. When an employee clicks a phishing link or plugs in a compromised USB drive, the threat is already inside your network. EDR monitors each device individually and catches threats that bypass network-level defenses.

How much does EDR cost for a small firm?

EDR pricing varies by provider, but managed EDR for a professional services firm typically costs between $5 and $15 per endpoint per month when included as part of a managed security service. For most firms, the cost is included in their MSP’s monthly per-user fee.

Will EDR slow down my employees’ computers?

Modern EDR solutions are designed to operate with minimal impact on device performance. Your team should not notice any meaningful difference in speed or responsiveness. One82 selects and configures EDR tools specifically to balance protection with performance.