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Can XDR Be Successful In Today's Security Threats?
The Cyber Security Review | Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Cybersecurity products generally use preventive physical and software measures to protect the network and its assets from unauthorized access, modification, destruction, and misuse.
FREMONT, CA: XDR and Open XR are two new buzzwords in the cybersecurity tools market, but there are many definitions of XDR and several approaches to delivering it. So let's clear the air a little.
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Cybersecurity products generally use preventive physical and software measures to protect the network and its assets from unauthorized access, modification, destruction, and misuse. In addition, these products typically protect specific support on the web:
Firewalls: avoid unauthorized users from accessing the network by enabling or denying traffic.
Anti-Virus/Malware software: defends network endpoints and servers from infecting by damaging software that can corrupt files, delicate export data, or perform other malicious activities.
Application Security: systems look for and block susceptibility points in application software.
Network Access Control: systems manage access approvals for authorized users and devices, avoiding unauthorized users from obtaining access.
User Behavior Analytics: solutions monitor user activity, normal baseline behavior, and alert on activities that deviate from regular exercise.
Network Traffic Analysis: Network Detection and Response (NTA/NDR) products study network traffic, look for unusual patterns indicating attacks, and act contingent on the results. Network traffic does not lie and contains tactical data for threat detection.
Cloud Security: solutions shield resources in the cloud.
Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS): watch for and block attacks from external users or processes that get past the firewall.
Security Information & Event Management (SIEM): SIEM products gather data from different device logs on the network and can monitor for anomalies. Traffic-founded NTA/NDR products complement SIEMs by analyzing records and acting. NTA/NDR is vital to advancing visibility beyond logs.
There's much to protect in a network and many approaches. Yet rather than having a dozen or more point solutions (each with its interface console) to manage, wouldn't it be easier, faster, and more efficient to have just one? That's where XDR / Open XDR comes in.
Definitions of XDR
Initial definitions of XDR – eXtended or Entirety Detection and Response – imagined it as a single platform that unites detection and response across the entire security kill chain. The idea is that contrary to operating a dozen or more separate security consoles to monitor and protect the network, XDR unifies the telemetry from those tools and presents it in a single dashboard. The more advanced products unify the data and correlate and analyze it automatically to give a prioritized list of threats with recommendations about how to neutralize them.
How can the market define XDR, specifically? That depends on who you ask. As Rik Turner, a lead analyst at Omdia who coined the XDR acronym, XDR is "a single, stand-alone solution that provides integrated threat detection and response capabilities." To meet Omdia's criteria to be classed as a "comprehensive" XDR solution, a product must offer threat detection and response functionality across endpoints, networks, and cloud computing environments.
Gartner's definition is alike in that it points to attributes such as alert and incident correlation, built-in automation, multiple streams of telemetry, multiple forms of detections (built-in detections), and multiple response methods. However, Gartner requires XDR to be accomplished through consolidating multiple proprietaries and vendor-specific security products.
Forrester's definition of XDR needs the platform to be anchored around an EDR. Therefore, it defines Native XDR as EDR incorporating a vendor's security tools; Hybrid XDR as EDR integrating with third-party security tools; an SAP (Security Analytics Platform) as a platform without built-in EDR but with built-in NAV and SOAR with third-party integrations; and SSA (Standalone Security Analytics) as those platforms that depend solely on third-party tools for telemetry sources and responses.
Open XDR
Stellar Cyber initially created open XDR with the same features Gartner mentions, except that not all the safety products/components have to be from the same vendor. Rather, the platform is open and integrates with third-party security tools. As a result, some parts are built-in, and others are added through deep third-party integrations.
The Open XDR moniker was caught by vendors relying purely on a wide ecosystem of third-party tools for telemetry sources and response but didn't offer any built-in components.
How Open XDR Helps
Open XDR addresses a key fact in organizational cybersecurity infrastructures: companies have invested heavily in security tools and don't want to give up those investments to adopt XDR. Instead, Open XDR permits companies to leverage these present investments while making them more useful by automatically correlating their data with data from other tools and sensors.
Moreover, the more advanced Open XDR platforms influence AI and machine learning to reduce analysts' "alert fatigue." For example, rather than managing thousands of alerts from a dozen or more tools, XDR combines related alerts into higher-level incidents and automatically dismisses many warnings based on what it "learns" to be normal behavior in any given environment.
Given the uprising tide of cybersecurity attacks impacting every type of organization, combined with a global shortage of cybersecurity analysts and high analyst turnover rates and burnout, any solution that enhances protection and analyst productivity is welcome. That's the real promise of XDR.
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Growing Demand for Flexible Security Leadership
More organizations now view vCISO services as an essential part of their security strategy. Many operate in dynamic environments where threats shift quickly, and internal teams often struggle to keep pace. A virtual security leader fills this gap by providing ongoing oversight, policy development, and incident readiness tailored to each business.
Smaller and mid-sized companies see substantial value in the vCISO model because it grants access to senior expertise at a manageable cost. Larger enterprises also tap into virtual security leadership to support regional operations, handle specialized projects, or bridge leadership gaps during transitions. The shift toward remote work and distributed systems makes flexible leadership even more relevant, as companies need continuous monitoring and rapid decision-making.
Industries with strict compliance requirements increasingly depend on vCISO guidance. External specialists help organizations interpret evolving standards and structure long-term programs that reduce exposure. This practical support enables companies to stay ahead of audits, certifications, and legal obligations while building a more resilient security culture.
Focus on Proactive Risk Management and Scalable Models
vCISO services now emphasize proactive security rather than reactive response. Providers implement structured risk assessments, develop scalable frameworks, and introduce security metrics that support informed decision-making. Stakeholders gain a clear view of vulnerabilities, threat patterns, and business impact, allowing them to prioritize investments more effectively.
Scalability represents another major trend. vCISO engagements now adapt to the client’s maturity level, whether a company requires basic governance or a comprehensive transformation. Modular service packages allow organizations to expand or reduce support as their needs change. This approach creates a long-term partnership rather than a one-time consultation.
Technology integration also strengthens modern vCISO models. Security leaders rely on advanced monitoring tools, automation, and analytics to enhance visibility. These capabilities allow experts to detect abnormalities early and guide swift remediation. Organizations benefit from structured processes that support continuous improvement, incident preparedness, and stronger defense strategies. ...Read more
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How Can Cloud Security and Data Protection Be Ensured?
Cloud security has become an urgent issue as more and more companies migrate their operations to the cloud. Cloud platforms have given businesses the necessary flexibility and scalability for data storage and access, but they have also come with vulnerabilities. Some of the threats associated with the cloud infrastructure include data breaches, unauthorized access, and insecure third-party integrations. In response to these threats, organizations are adopting ultra-modern encryption approaches, multi-factor authentication, and more controls over access to secure sensitive information.
The innovative cybersecurity solutions are offering real-time threat detection with automated responses, thus significantly minimizing damage from breaches. As the adoption of cloud grows, these security solutions will change and become more mature in the protection of organizations against various cyber threats.
AI and ML are changing how cyber threats are countered by proactively defending organizations against risks that are changing every second. Applied security has worked well in some cases, but routinely falls short of securing modern enterprise setups due to performance and supporting execution. AI and ML algorithms are capable of performing in-depth analysis of big datasets within a short time and determining the pattern of behavior or detecting any anomalous behavior that suggests a potential threat. With the help of these technologies, businesses are able to identify and respond to cyberattacks in a matter of seconds, sometimes even before these attacks can escalate into full-blown incidents.
By automating threat detection and response abilities in real time, businesses can limit the time it takes to minimize security risks and mitigate damages caused during an attack. The role of AI and ML will therefore become even more stringent as cybercriminals refine their art of deception against traditional measures.
What is the Zero Trust Security Framework?
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The Zero Trust thought process works on the assumption that any user and device trying to access the system, be it inside or outside the network, cannot be trusted by default. Therefore, no access is given without rigorous verification, and once verified, only the minimum possible access is granted. This can exceptionally help in putting these checks in place against insider threats and external breaches. By far, as businesses are embracing remote and hybrid working, the Zero Trust framework will keep gaining more prominence and offer a complete, modern solution for the various areas in cybersecurity. ...Read more
Companies can create a strong metrics framework to determine what matters in a security awareness program.
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Analytics to measure: It becomes much simpler to determine what KPIs businesses should prioritize once they approach security awareness and risk management through this lens. Companies should decide in advance if they want to assess and track behavior by job, department, or business unit instead of by an individual. Whenever tracking at the individual level is used, take precautions to safeguard each person's privacy and information. Companies may also need to collaborate with an internal expert in data analytics or business intelligence to help standardize and evaluate results, depending on the size of the organization and the volume of data being collected.
Phishing: At a global level, phishing has been the leading cause of breaches. Cybercriminals learn to work around them no matter how many technical measures we take to address this issue. We must thus instruct individuals on how to recognize and report these attacks. What do we measure, then? Once people have received training, assess their vulnerability to phishing scams. This risk is the easiest to quantify among the top human risks, which explains why it is a widely used metric.
Passwords: Passwords have been a major cause of breaches for many years. To more easily pivot and move through a victim organization while avoiding detection, cyber attackers have changed their tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), moving away from gaining access or lateral movement through continuous system hacking and infection. Instead, they now use legitimate accounts. Strong passwords, as has the secure usage of such passwords, have become essential.
Updating: This ensures that users' software and apps on their computers and other devices are up-to-date and relevant. This is not a problem for some businesses because IT actively patches employees' work-issued devices, denying them administrative privileges or control. Yet, this is a problem for many firms because so many individuals now work remotely from home and frequently utilize personal devices or home networks to reach the workplace. There are various methods for measuring this.
The operations, IT, and possibly even vulnerability management teams should be able to remotely monitor the update status of any devices the firm issues. Certain systems, like mobile device management (MDM), may be installed on user-owned devices and track the progress of updates.
Any device that connects to the learning management system (LMS) or phishing platform may be able to automatically trace the device, operating system, and browser version.
To determine if your workforce understands the value of updating and is actively doing it on their own devices, including allowing automatic updating, assess and survey them. ...Read more
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Here are seven essential best practices for ensuring SaaS security:
Implement Centralized User Authentication and Access Controls
Controlling application access and defining user privileges are essential to enhancing the security posture of a SaaS environment. Organizations can establish centralized access rights and privileges by integrating an Identity and Access Management (IAM) solution with each SaaS application. This approach allows for a consistent and manageable way to govern who can access specific applications and the level of access granted once logged in.
Scan and Train for Shadow SaaS
Shadow SaaS presents significant risks, as employees may utilize unapproved SaaS applications that need appropriate security measures. To mitigate this risk, organizations should implement training programs to raise awareness among employees about the dangers of creating their own SaaS accounts. Continuous scanning for Shadow SaaS is also advisable, utilizing specialized tools to monitor endpoints for unauthorized activities. This enables timely alerts to relevant personnel and facilitates appropriate remediation measures.
Include SaaS in Security Incident Response and Recovery Plans
Organizations must prepare for security incidents impacting SaaS applications. Whether dealing with a data breach or an outage, an incident response plan is necessary. This involves establishing data backup protocols within the SaaS environment to enable rapid remediation during a breach. Additionally, a comprehensive incident response playbook should be developed, outlining steps for isolating affected endpoints, communicating with the SaaS provider, and notifying necessary internal stakeholders.
Conduct SaaS Vendor Security Assessments
Engaging with SaaS vendors requires careful consideration, which entails a significant business relationship. Conducting a thorough security assessment of potential SaaS vendors during procurement is essential. This assessment should encompass inquiries about the vendor’s security measures, certifications, encryption practices, and other relevant security protocols to ensure alignment with organizational security standards.
Vet Third-Party SaaS Integration Plugins
Third-party integration plugins can introduce vulnerabilities, making it important to vet these tools for security risks. Organizations should assess the level of support available for each plugin, as unsupported or outdated plugins can pose significant security challenges. To mitigate associated risks, it is advisable to regularly review the age and maintenance status of plugins.
Continuously Monitor the Entire SaaS Environment
Lack of visibility across multiple SaaS applications is a prevalent issue in SaaS security. Implementing continuous monitoring throughout the entire SaaS environment is a best practice that enhances security. This may involve monitoring user sessions for suspicious activities and regularly verifying the security of third-party integration plugins and configurations. Utilizing a Security SaaS Posture Management (SSPM) platform can support this continuous monitoring initiative.
Map SaaS to Compliance Programs
SaaS applications must align with compliance processes related to financial transactions, health information, and privacy regulations. Compliance personnel must know where SaaS applications store sensitive data pertinent to regulatory frameworks. Additionally, SaaS system owners must understand how their applications intersect with compliance requirements, ensuring user permissions align with necessary controls to adhere to regulations effectively.
As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, a proactive approach that includes regular security assessments, access controls, and comprehensive employee training is vital for mitigating risks. By embedding a culture of security into their SaaS usage, businesses can defend against potential breaches and enhance their overall resilience, ensuring a secure and efficient digital landscape for their operations. ...Read more
