CrowdStrike Falcon is designed to stop breaches and provide a robust cybersecurity solution to prevent attacks. However, an errant update last summer caused major global disruptions, which has led many to search for a viable alternative to CrowdStrike.
In this post, we’ll present some alternatives and highlight the importance of reliable endpoint protection solutions.
Why Consider Alternatives to CrowdStrike?
Why consider alternatives to CrowdStrike? All you have to do is flashback to July 2024 to get an idea of the havoc that was caused. The largest outage in the history of information technology, more than 8.5 million systems crashed and were unable to properly restart, causing major global disruptions to businesses, government operations and how peoplewent about out their daily lives.
Airlines had to cancel flights, banks couldn’t make monetary transfers, hotels couldn’t check in guests and many stores couldn’t even open their cash registers to carry out transactions. In fact, it’s estimated that worldwide financial damage is around $10 billion from the event.
To CrowdStrike’s credit, the error was quickly fixed, but many of the systems affected had to be addressed manually. Because of this, outages tended to linger on for many services much longer.
The issue that caused the mass outages was linked back to a faulty testing process in the update that was pushed out. CrowdStrike blamed a flaw in its testing software that missed this. It all underscores some of the limitations of the CrowdStrike Falcon platform, notably that its log aggregation management needs improvement. There are also privacy concerns due to it being cloud-based.
The events from July 2024 just reinforce the need for dependable and scalable endpoint security solutions. While CrowdStrike is still favored by many, there are several alternatives to also consider.
Top CrowdStrike Competitors and Alternatives
Looking for alternatives to CrowdStrike in the wake of the mass outages from July 2024? Here’s a closer look at seven alternative endpoint security platforms that you might consider implementing for advanced threat protection.
Blumira
Blumira is an SIEM platform that offers automated threat endpoint detection and response, helping security teams and organizations of all sizes better defend themselves against cyber threats. It can be deployed in hours and offer endpoint protection for a range of programs. While it’s a viable option for businesses of all sizes, it’s most commonly used by small businesses. Nettology uses Blumira as its cybersecurity provider and can confidently recommend it to other businesses looking for better data protection and advanced threat detection.
Some of the key features of Blumira are its automated, comprehensive threat detection, easy deployment and user-friendly interface. In fact, the goal of the program is to ease alert fatigue and make IT management easier to understand. One thing Blumira prides itself on is offering simplified cybersecurity.
Some advantages of Blumira are its combined SIEM and EDR capabilities, its affordability, and its customer service. As a channel-centric vendor, Blumira is a great option for small to medium businesses as it offers a streamlined setup and easy management with support from a strategic partner. This makes Blumira a practical choice for businesses seeking effective solutions without unnecessary complexity.
SentinelOne Singularity
Another top alternative to CrowdStrike, SentinelOne is a cybersecurity platform that uses artificial intelligence to protect organizations from threats. Aside from automated, AI-based threat resolution, SentinelOne works to unify protection for endpoints, clouds and identifies and centralizes data for security log analytics purposes. It offers 24/7/365 threat hunting and managed services, and processes data in real-time.
Some of the key advantages of SentinelOne Singularity is how it unifies EPP and EDR. It’s also competitively priced and has a user-friendly interface. A drawback, however, is that it lacks some of the key features that CrowdStrike and other options offer.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
If your business is based on the Microsoft suite of products, then Microsoft Defender is a viable option for you. In addition to its streamlined integration with the Microsoft 365 suite, Defender offers premium protection against malware, web threats and other security risks like suspicious files that could potentially derail your business. It also works on more than just PCs and Mac devices, but mobile devices and phones as well.
Some key features and security tools of Microsoft Defender include AI features to help offer enhanced protection, global threat intelligence and a unified security portal. Like we said, it’s an ideal option for Microsoft users (in fact, it comes included in Microsoft 365 personal or family subscriptions) thanks to its comprehensive and robust security offerings.
The main disadvantage of Defender is that it’s often not a suitable option for non-Microsoft environments.
Contact Microsoft for pricing details. While it comes included with many plans, there are also non-subscription plans that users can purchase.
Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR
Cortex XDR from Palo Alto Networks is an ideal alternative to CrowdStrike for users transitioning to XDR solutions. It’s designed to block ransomware, exploits and file-less attacks and protects endpoints when they’re both online and offline, offering robust around-the-clock coverage. Other features include machine learning analytics, threat hunting and comprehensive protection. One neat thing about Cortex is that it prioritizes threats so teams can investigate and aim to resolve the most pressing challenges first.
Advantages of the system include a holistic approach to security and its suitability to large businesses. However, some considerations you’ll want to weigh include potential complexities in deployment and its comparatively high cost to other options.
BitDefender GravityZone
Bitdefender GravityZone is a proactive endpoint protection solution that serves as a viable alternative to CrowdStrike. Like other options, it helps protect against malware, ransomware, phishing and other threats, but it accomplishes this with a multi-layered approach to its defense using machine learning and behavioral analysis to prevent, detect and block active threats.
Some key advantages include its user-friendly interface, flexible pricing options and its strong preventative measures that eliminate threats before they even have an opportunity to become a real problem. One disadvantage, however, is that the reporting features tend to be a little less detailed compared to other options.
GravityZone pricing options vary based on the device you’re running the system on and the length of the contract that you decide on.
Trend Micro Vision One
Does you business have more advanced cybersecurity needs? Trend Micro Vision One may be your ideal security solution.
Featuring coverage that monitors, secures and supports users and their devices, the system relies on AI, threat research and data scientists to gain insight into cybercriminal tactics and nip them in the bud. Other key features include remediation suggestions, custom playbooks and managed services. Some advantages include its suitability for small and medium-sized businesses as well as large enterprises. Customer support is also a key benefit. The biggest disadvantage is that some of the features require add-ons, which may cost more.
Cybereason Defense Platform
The final CrowdStrike alternative that we’ll cover here is Cybereason. Known for its advanced threat visualization capabilities, the system takes a unique malicious operation approach and offers advanced threat tracking, managed defense options and high MITRE scores. It’s known for its excellent detection rates and visual threat mapping, however some drawbacks include pricing transparency issues and limited quarantine functions.
Contact Cybereason today for pricing and demonstration information.
How to Choose the Right Endpoint Security Solution
How do you go about selecting the best CrowdStrike alternative? It all starts with determining your business’ needs and then selecting the option that you believe will best suit those needs.
Some of the factors beyond business need that you’ll want to consider include:
- Budget: Pricing may vary based on contract length and the type of package you’re interested in.
- Company size: Some CrowdStrike alternatives are best suited for small and medium-sized businesses, while others are more intended for larger enterprises.
- Specific security requirements: Some businesses have different security requirements than others. When you’re selecting the right endpoint security solution, it’s important to keep this in mind and ensure you’re getting the solution that best suits your needs.
Additionally, it’s worth exploring free trials or thorough demonstrations of each solution you’re interested in to experience it before you get in too deep. This helps ensure you’re comfortable navigating the platform and comfortable with the features it offers. We also advise learning more about each vendor’s customer support and customer service offerings. In other words, if you experience a problem or have a question, what’s the best way to get in contact with someone so that it’s resolved quickly?
Rethinking Your Endpoint Security Strategy
If you’re fed up with CrowdStrike and looking for viable endpoint security software alternatives, know that there are plenty out there. The challenge is selecting the right one that can meet the needs of your business in the present as well as the future. Make sure you’re proactively evaluating the advanced endpoint protection solution options you have to choose from and make the best decision for your business.
Partner with Nettology for Enhanced Security
A robust cybersecurity solution is crucial to the safety and well-being of your company – and that’s why you can’t downplay the importance of it for your operations. From endpoint security to threat intelligence to cyberattack response services, the right security systems are important for business continuity and maintaining the trust of your customers. Nettology is here to help you find the right enhanced security solutions for your business.
At Nettology, we have the experience and expertise to pair your business with the right cybersecurity solution – and we’ll work with you to ensure it’s implemented and you can rest easy that your networks are properly protected. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a consultation. You can reach us by calling 610-978-5160 or visiting us online at www.nettology.net.
FAQs
Who are the main competitors to CrowdStrike?
There are several competitors to CrowdStrike – and many businesses have turned to these competitors following the July 2024 CrowdStrike outage. Some of the most popular alternatives include Blumira, SentinelOne Singularity, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR, Bitdefender GravityZone, Trend Micro Vision One and Cybereason Defense Platform, among others.
What should I look for in an endpoint security solution?
The most important thing to look for is a solution that’s designed to meet your company’s unique needs. Also, be sure to weigh the full scope of protection, ease of deployment and integration with existing systems and customer service offerings.
Is it necessary to switch from CrowdStrike after recent outages?
Though it may not be necessary, it’s certainly more of a motivating reason to do so. The July 2024 outage is being dubbed the largest outage in information technology history, as more than 8.5 million systems crashed or were unable to turn on. This resulted in widespread disruptions to businesses, government operations and daily life in general.
How do the pricing models of these competitors compare?
Pricing depends on many different factors. For some vendors, pricing is determined by the length of the contract. Others weigh pricing based on the type of package that you select. Pricing is comparative to CrowdStrike, but it’s important to consider the different variables.
Can these alternatives integrate with my existing systems?
That’s something that you’ll have to figure out for yourself based on the alternative that you select. Nettology can help! While most systems do a nice job integrating with existing systems, there are some exceptions. For instance, Microsoft Defender may have difficulty integrating with non-Microsoft platforms.
What is the difference between EDR and XDR solutions?
While endpoint detection and response (EDR) and extended detection and response (XDR) are both cybersecurity solutions, XDR tends to offer a more comprehensive view of an organization’s overall security position. XDR solutions collect data from more than just endpoint devices, which helps to better detect attack vectors and put forward a faster response to any detected incidents.
