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Symantec Endpoint Protection vs Cortex XDR

Last Updated: November 18th, 2024

Our analysts compared Symantec Endpoint Protection vs Cortex XDR based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Endpoint Security Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

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Product Basics

Symantec Endpoint Protection is a security software suite that helps protect computers from various threats like malware and viruses. It's a good fit for businesses of all sizes and works on both Windows and Mac computers. Symantec Endpoint Protection offers features such as antivirus and antispyware protection, firewall and intrusion prevention, web filtering, and data protection. It also works well with other Symantec products. Users appreciate its effectiveness in preventing infections and its ability to control device usage through a central control panel. Symantec Endpoint Protection is available for around $40 per year for each user.

Pricing and features of security software can change frequently, so it's always a good idea to check the latest information online.

Cortex XDR stands as a robust endpoint detection and response (EDR) solution, exemplifying Palo Alto Networks' commitment to advanced cybersecurity. Tailored for enterprises, its proactive threat hunting capabilities and automated response mechanisms redefine security postures. Users praise its seamless integration, emphasizing its efficacy in identifying and mitigating sophisticated threats. With a feature-rich arsenal encompassing behavioral analytics and real-time visibility, Cortex XDR excels in safeguarding against evolving cyber threats. Although some note its premium pricing, the consensus hails its unparalleled performance, positioning it as a market leader. In user perspectives, Cortex XDR emerges as a force to reckon with, outshining peers in comprehensive threat management.

Pros

Proactive threat hunting capabilities
Automated response mechanisms
Seamless integration into existing infrastructure
Real-time visibility for quick threat identification
Comprehensive behavioral analytics

Cons

Premium pricing compared to some competitors
Learning curve for extensive feature utilization
Resource-intensive in certain deployment scenarios
Customization options might overwhelm less experienced users
Dependency on continuous updates for optimal efficacy

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Product Insights

Stay Safe: With Symantec Endpoint software, users can protect valuable digital assets from malicious actors, whether it’s on or offline.
Be Proactive About Threats: The product blocks zero-day attacks by defending against common memory vulnerabilities.
Save Money: Hackers, breaches, viruses and malware can cost businesses thousands of dollars each year. By deploying endpoint software, users can protect their enterprise — and their bottom line.
Delivered by the Cloud: Symantec Endpoint Protection 15, the latest version of the software, is delivered via the cloud, providing a multi-layered defense, simple management, AI-assisted policy changes and powerful updates.
Kill Complexity: The product is a single endpoint protection suite that covers deception, hardening, detection and response with built-in integration.

Comprehensive Threat Protection: Cortex XDR delivers comprehensive protection against a wide range of cyber threats, including advanced and evolving ones. It uses advanced detection methods, including machine learning and behavioral analytics, to identify and mitigate threats in real-time. This ensures that organizations can safeguard their digital assets effectively.
Rapid Incident Response: The platform's real-time incident response capabilities enable organizations to respond swiftly to security incidents. Automated threat detection and response actions, such as isolating compromised endpoints and blocking malicious activities, reduce response times and minimize the potential impact of security breaches.
Enhanced Visibility and Monitoring: Cortex XDR provides centralized visibility into an organization's entire security landscape, encompassing both network and endpoint devices. This holistic view enables security teams to monitor and manage security events efficiently from a single interface, facilitating proactive threat management.
Proactive Endpoint Protection: Cortex XDR offers robust endpoint protection, including antivirus and anti-malware capabilities. Behavioral analysis identifies suspicious activities at the endpoint, preventing threats from spreading across the network. This proactive approach ensures that organizations can stop threats before they cause harm.
Adaptive Security Measures: The platform's adaptive security continuously updates its threat intelligence to stay ahead of emerging risks. It incorporates the latest threat indicators and tactics, ensuring that security defenses remain effective in the face of evolving threats.
Efficiency and Reduced False Positives: Cortex XDR's advanced analytics and machine learning significantly reduce false positive alerts. By accurately distinguishing between genuine threats and non-threatening incidents, it enhances the efficiency of security operations, allowing security teams to focus on real risks.
Regulatory Compliance: Cortex XDR assists organizations in achieving compliance with industry regulations and data protection standards. It offers comprehensive security controls and robust reporting capabilities, simplifying the process of demonstrating compliance and avoiding regulatory penalties.
Streamlined Security Operations: Through automation, Cortex XDR streamlines security operations, optimizing resource allocation and response to threats. Security teams can manage the increasing complexity of cybersecurity more effectively, maintaining a strong security posture.
Collaborative Threat Intelligence: Cortex XDR facilitates the sharing of threat intelligence within and across organizations. By collaborating and leveraging insights from a broader community of users, organizations can enhance their collective security, staying ahead of emerging threats.
Cloud-Ready Security: With its cloud-native architecture, Cortex XDR seamlessly adapts to cloud environments. This flexibility ensures that organizations can extend their security measures to protect cloud-based assets, maintaining security continuity during cloud migrations.

Anti-Malware: This software has proactive anti-malware features that actively monitor and scan for malicious software on the device. Symantec checks against a database of known software to defend against threats.
Beat Ransomware: Uses a combination of signatures and critical endpoint technologies to detect and defend against ransomware, which can cripple an organization.
Machine Learning: A machine learning database using Symantec’s Global Intelligence Network, identifies threats automatically and learns from attackers. The Global Intelligence Network is the largest civilian threat database in the world.
SEP Deception Suite: This software comes equipped with additional deception software. It bates and lures attackers with false vulnerabilities, coaxes them into revealing their attack methodology, and then automatically adjusts user’s actual infrastructure to defend against it.
Multi-layered Defense: A multi-layered defense suite is included with the software, and can be tuned to work on the fly.
Simplified Rollout and Management: On-premise or in the cloud, group policies and network-wide updates are simplified, reducing update fatigue.
Platform Agnostic: Run on Mac, PC and Linux. The software is a good fit for small or medium-sized businesses looking for comprehensive protection.

Advanced Threat Detection: Cortex XDR leverages cutting-edge technologies, including machine learning and behavioral analytics, to identify and mitigate advanced cyber threats. It continuously monitors network and endpoint activities to detect malicious behavior and potential security breaches in real-time.
Real-time Incident Response: With real-time incident response capabilities, Cortex XDR automates threat detection and response actions. This includes isolating compromised endpoints, blocking malicious activities, and containing threats to minimize their impact. These actions are executed swiftly to mitigate security incidents effectively.
Centralized Visibility: The platform provides centralized visibility into an organization's security environment. Security teams gain a holistic view of network and endpoint devices, allowing them to monitor and manage security events from a single, unified interface. This comprehensive visibility streamlines security operations.
Endpoint Protection: Cortex XDR delivers robust endpoint protection features. It includes antivirus and anti-malware capabilities to prevent malware infections. Additionally, behavioral analysis identifies suspicious activities at the endpoint, preventing threats from spreading through the network.
Adaptive Security: Cortex XDR's adaptive security approach ensures that defenses remain effective in the face of evolving threats. It continuously updates its threat intelligence, incorporating the latest threat indicators and tactics to proactively protect against emerging risks.
Reduced False Positives: Leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning, Cortex XDR significantly reduces false positive alerts. By distinguishing between genuine threats and non-threatening incidents, it minimizes unnecessary interruptions and allows security teams to focus on actual risks.
Compliance Readiness: The platform assists organizations in achieving compliance with industry regulations and data protection standards. It provides comprehensive security controls and robust reporting capabilities to help organizations demonstrate their adherence to regulatory requirements.
Efficient Security Operations: Through automation, Cortex XDR streamlines security operations, enhancing efficiency. Security teams can manage the increasing complexity of cybersecurity more effectively, optimize resource allocation, and respond to threats with agility.
Threat Intelligence Sharing: Cortex XDR facilitates the sharing of threat intelligence within and across organizations. Security teams can collaborate and leverage insights from a broader community of users to enhance their collective security posture.
Cloud-native Architecture: Cortex XDR's cloud-native architecture seamlessly adapts to cloud environments. It ensures that organizations can extend their security measures to protect cloud-based assets, maintaining security continuity as they transition to the cloud.

Product Ranking

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#50

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Analyst Rating Summary

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User Sentiment Summary

84%

of users recommend this product

Symantec Endpoint Protection has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 84% when considering 2043 user reviews from 6 recognized software review sites.

92%

of users recommend this product

Cortex XDR has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 92% when considering 386 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

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4.4 (461)

4.7 (43)

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4.6 (281)

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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Easy to Use: Its basic level of functionality is easily integrated, deployed and managed, as noted by all the reviewers who mention ease of use.

Built-in Firewall: Offers protection against medium-scale threats and outbreaks with an effective built-in firewall, as observed by 80% of the users who refer to firewalls.

Security Policies: All the reviewers who specify enhanced security report that different security policies can be set up across the entire network if needed.

Scheduled Scanning: Pre-installation on all the endpoint devices provides scheduled scanning and updates, as stated by 100% of the users who refer to scans.

Effective Threat Detection: Users consistently praise Cortex XDR for its advanced threat detection capabilities. It excels in identifying and mitigating various threats, including zero-day attacks and sophisticated malware, ensuring robust security.

Real-time Incident Response: Cortex XDR's real-time incident response features receive high acclaim. Users appreciate its speed and efficiency in automating threat detection and response actions, allowing organizations to swiftly contain and resolve security incidents.

Centralized Visibility: The platform provides centralized visibility into an organization's entire security landscape. Users find this holistic view invaluable for monitoring and managing security events from a unified interface, enhancing proactive threat management.

Reduced False Positives: Cortex XDR's ability to significantly reduce false positive alerts stands out. This feature enhances the efficiency of security operations, ensuring that security teams focus on genuine threats rather than being inundated with false alarms.

Compliance Support: Organizations in regulated industries appreciate the compliance support offered by Cortex XDR. Users find it invaluable for achieving and maintaining compliance with industry-specific regulations and data protection standards.

Slow Performance: Regular scanning can slow down certain devices’ performance, as noted by 70% of reviewers who mention speed.

Block Sources: Incorrect judgments can quarantine legitimate sources as suspect objects, as observed by all the users who refer to aggressive protection.

False Positives: Around 70% of reviewers who specify false positives note that it picks up false positives during scanning.

System Resources: Uses a large number of system resources, as stated by around 80% of reviewers mentioning resource utilization.

Complex Implementation: Some users find the initial setup and configuration of Cortex XDR to be complex and time-consuming, which can pose challenges for organizations without experienced cybersecurity teams.

Resource Intensive: A few users report that Cortex XDR's resource-intensive processes can impact the performance of endpoint devices, especially on older hardware, leading to slowdowns and delays.

Costly: Cost is a common concern among users. Several organizations, especially smaller ones, find Cortex XDR's comprehensive features to be associated with a higher price point, potentially straining their cybersecurity budgets.

Learning Curve: Users note that while Cortex XDR offers powerful features, there can be a learning curve in fully understanding and utilizing all aspects of the platform effectively.

Occasional False Positives: While Cortex XDR excels in reducing false positives, a few users report occasional false alarms, which may require additional investigation and can lead to unnecessary interruptions.

Integration Challenges: Some users have faced integration challenges when incorporating Cortex XDR into their existing security infrastructure, particularly when it comes to compatibility with certain third-party tools and systems.

Documentation Issues: A minority of users have mentioned that the platform's documentation could be more comprehensive and user-friendly, making it easier for administrators to troubleshoot and configure settings.

Symantec Endpoint Protection provides multi-layered defense and AI-assisted policy updates in its latest version delivered through the cloud. It is a user-friendly solution that provides regular updates and scanning. However, users note that constant scanning can slow down the performance of devices. Many reviewers have noted that it can be annoying with false positives and blocked sources. It is best suited for small to medium-sized organizations; if you have a large organization that regularly faces advanced threats, then this might not be an appropriate product.

User reviews highlight Cortex XDR's strengths in proactive threat detection and response. One user praises its "advanced behavioral analytics and machine learning," emphasizing its efficacy against evolving threats. The seamless integration into existing infrastructures stands out, with users commending its ability to complement various security tools. A user notes, "It integrates well with our SIEM system, providing a comprehensive security ecosystem." On the flip side, some users mention a learning curve for extensive feature utilization. One user expresses, "While powerful, it took time for our team to fully leverage its capabilities." Additionally, there are occasional comments on resource-intensive deployments in specific scenarios. Users consistently appreciate Cortex XDR's real-time visibility, with a user stating, "The solution's real-time insights are crucial for quick threat identification." Comparisons to similar products often favor Cortex XDR, citing its comprehensive threat management capabilities. A user concludes, "It outshines competitors with its ability to adapt and protect against emerging threats." In summary, Cortex XDR earns acclaim for its proactive approach, integration flexibility, and real-time visibility. While acknowledging a learning curve, users find its robust features position it as a leader in the realm of advanced endpoint detection and response.

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FAQ

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