XDR vs. SIEM: What’s the Difference?

XDR vs. SIEM: which one is right for your business? Both XDR and SIEM are powerful security tools that help capture data sources such as network data and log data. This information is then converted into valuable intelligence and insights for IT security. However, there are several crucial differences between XDR and SIEM that you should know about.

What is XDR?

First coined in 2018, the term “extended detection and response” (XDR) refers to a threat detection and response platform with capabilities that extend across the enterprise. An XDR platform unites several tools for threat detection and response and data analytics across an organization’s networks, servers, cloud deployments, endpoints, and more.

The key benefits of an XDR platform are:

• Unified perspective: XDR offers a “single pane of glass” that provides visibility throughout the enterprise.
• Faster response times: By collecting all this information within a single platform, XDR provides security teams with a quicker detection and response capability.
• Lower total cost of ownership: XDR platforms combine multiple security products under a single roof, helping businesses save money instead of purchasing them individually.

What is SIEM?

Security information and event management (SIEM) applications collect, analyze, and store large quantities of log and event data across the organization. SIEM tools have been around much longer than XDR, first emerging in 2005.

The key benefits of a SIEM solution are:

• Greater IT efficiency: By swiftly processing and analyzing your company’s log and event data, SIEM software can help your security team perform faster threat hunting and incident response.
• Stronger compliance: The log management capabilities of SIEM platforms help your business remain compliant with applicable laws and regulations for data security and privacy.
• Cutting-edge tech: Over time, SIEM platforms have grown to incorporate new tech trends such as big data, machine learning, and behavioral analytics.

XDR vs. SIEM: The Key Differences and Why They Matter

Both XDR and SIEM seek to improve your organization’s IT security posture by guarding against cybersecurity threats. Whereas XDR adopts a unified approach that combines multiple security tools, SIEM emphasizes the analysis of log and event data.

There are several critical points of distinction between XDR and SIEM:

• Domain: XDR platforms focus on threat detection and response. SIEM software includes threat detection and response and other objectives such as compliance and reporting.
• Focus: XDR platforms engage with a wide range of data sources, including networks, servers, endpoints, and more. SIEM software is typically limited to log and event data.
• Data storage: XDR platforms can typically work with data stored in any location. SIEM software usually assumes that data will be stored or migrated inside the SIEM tool itself.

What are SOAR and EDR?

In addition to XDR and SIEM, two more essential IT security terms are SOAR and EDR.

• SOAR (security orchestration, automation, and response) is a cybersecurity technology that is very similar to SIEM but with a crucial distinction. Whereas a SIEM alerts security team members when it detects an anomaly or threat, SOAR platforms can automate responses to these issues, handling many problems without requiring human intervention.
• EDR (endpoint detection and response) is an IT security concept that serves as the foundation for XDR. An EDR tool allows businesses to monitor their endpoints and send alerts when suspicious behavior is detected. XDR platforms extend the functionality of EDR to encompass not only endpoints but also the complete enterprise IT landscape.

XDR, SIEM, SOAR, and EDR: How to Make the Right Choice

So far, we’ve discussed four different IT security products: XDR, EDR, SIEM, and SOAR. In which business context is each of these products the best choice?

• EDR is best if your company only needs to monitor its endpoint devices without the additional features of an XDR platform.
• XDR is best if you require a feature-rich IT security platform that monitors and collates all information from across the enterprise.
• SIEM is best if your business has additional concerns beyond threat detection and response, such as compliance, data storage, and reporting.
• SOAR is best if you would like to enhance your IT security posture with automation and orchestration to reduce the burden on your security team.

Making The Best Choice

XDR, SIEM, SOAR, or EDR: regardless of which product you select, there’s another question ahead of you. How can you choose the right managed detection and response provider?

UncommonX provides our unified BOSS XDR platform for businesses that need keen, cutting-edge cybersecurity insights. From protecting against threats to responding and recovering after an incident, the BOSS platform offers everything you need to improve your company’s IT security.

To learn more about how UncommonX’s XDR platform can benefit your organization, contact our team to request a demo and talk about your specific security needs.