# What do EDR, NDR, XDR and MDR mean in plain words?

EDR watches each computer from the inside, NDR watches the traffic between devices, XDR puts several sources in one console, and MDR is a team that watches the alerts for you. EDR (endpoint detection and response) is software installed on laptops and servers that sees processes, files and memory on that machine. NDR (network detection and response) is a sensor that sees how devices talk to each other, including printers, cameras and machines where no software can be installed. XDR (extended detection and response) is a platform that combines endpoint, e-mail, identity, cloud and sometimes network signals. MDR (managed detection and response) is not software at all but a service: people who read the alerts around the clock and act. You will also see SIEM (security information and event management), which collects logs. NetSenX is an NDR; it works alongside the others and does not replace them.

FAQ: [NDR, EDR, SIEM, XDR, MDR](https://netsenx.com/en/faq/tools) · https://netsenx.com/en/faq/edr-ndr-xdr-mdr-explained-in-plain-words

## Read next

- https://netsenx.com/en/what-is-ndr
- https://netsenx.com/en/blog/2026-09-24_ndr-vs-edr-vs-siem

## Related questions

- [Does NetSenX replace my EDR or SIEM?](https://netsenx.com/en/faq/does-netsenx-replace-my-edr-or-siem)
- [Do I need NDR if I already have EDR?](https://netsenx.com/en/faq/do-i-need-ndr-if-i-already-have-edr)
- [EDR or NDR: which should a small company buy first?](https://netsenx.com/en/faq/edr-or-ndr-which-should-a-small-company-buy-first)
- [Is antivirus enough for a small business?](https://netsenx.com/en/faq/is-antivirus-enough-for-a-small-business)
- [What does network detection catch that antivirus misses?](https://netsenx.com/en/faq/what-does-network-detection-catch-that-antivirus-misses)