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Symantec Endpoint Protection vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

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Our analysts compared Symantec Endpoint Protection vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint 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.

Overview Pricing Benefits & Features Analyst Ratings Comparison Charts User Ratings Analyst Summary Screenshots
Symantec Endpoint Protection Software Tool
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Software Tool
SelectHub Award Winner
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Product Basics

Analyst Rating

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Detailed Analysis

User Sentiment

Great User Sentiment (2043 Reviews)

Analyst Rating

84 Detailed Analysis

User Sentiment

Great User Sentiment (64 Reviews)

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.

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Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is an advanced security solution designed to protect businesses against sophisticated cyber threats. Ideal for enterprises of all sizes, it offers robust features such as endpoint protection, detection and response, and automated investigation and remediation. Users commend its seamless integration with other Microsoft 365 services. According to one user, "Defender for Endpoint's unified security platform simplifies our cybersecurity strategy." While praised for its efficacy, some users note a learning curve during implementation. Pricing varies based on organizational needs. Users generally perceive it favorably, with one stating, "Microsoft Defender for Endpoint stands out in its ability to provide comprehensive security without compromising user experience, setting it apart from competitors."

Pros
  • Integrated with Microsoft 365 services.
  • Advanced endpoint protection.
  • Automated investigation and remediation.
  • Effective against sophisticated cyber threats.
  • Seamless user experience.
 Cons
  • Initial implementation may have a learning curve.
  • Varied pricing based on organizational needs.
  • Requires careful configuration for optimal performance.
  • May not suit smaller businesses with simpler needs.
  • Dependency on Microsoft ecosystem for full functionality.
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Product Assistance

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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. 
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  • Advanced Threat Protection: Defender for Endpoint provides robust protection against a wide range of advanced threats, including malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. It employs cutting-edge threat intelligence and machine learning to proactively identify and block malicious activities, keeping your organization's endpoints secure.
  • Real-Time Threat Detection: With its real-time monitoring and detection capabilities, the platform continuously scans for suspicious behavior and indicators of compromise. It swiftly identifies and responds to potential threats, reducing the dwell time of attackers within your network.
  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Defender for Endpoint offers EDR functionality, enabling security teams to investigate and respond to incidents effectively. It provides detailed insights into endpoint activities, helping organizations understand the scope and impact of security incidents.
  • Automated Incident Response: The platform streamlines incident response with automation. It can isolate compromised devices, remediate threats, and even roll back changes made by attackers, minimizing the impact of security breaches.
  • Threat Intelligence Integration: Microsoft integrates global threat intelligence into Defender for Endpoint, enhancing its ability to identify and mitigate emerging threats. This intelligence is continuously updated to keep defenses current against evolving attack techniques.
  • Cloud-Powered Security: Leveraging the cloud, Defender for Endpoint can scale effortlessly to protect organizations of all sizes. It benefits from the vast computing power of Microsoft's cloud infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance and protection.
  • Centralized Security Management: The platform offers a unified management console, allowing organizations to oversee and configure security policies across all endpoints from a single interface. This simplifies administration and ensures consistent security posture.
  • Integration with Microsoft 365: For organizations using Microsoft 365, Defender for Endpoint seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft security services, creating a cohesive security ecosystem. This integration enhances visibility and control over security threats.
  • User and Device Risk Assessment: Defender for Endpoint assesses the risk associated with both users and devices. It evaluates user behavior and device health, enabling organizations to enforce access policies based on risk levels.
  • Threat Analytics and Insights: The platform provides detailed analytics and insights into security threats and trends. This data helps organizations make informed decisions to strengthen their security posture and adapt to evolving threats.
  • Reduced Security Complexity: By consolidating security functions into a single solution, Defender for Endpoint simplifies security management. It reduces the need for multiple security tools and streamlines operations, ultimately lowering the total cost of ownership.
  • Compliance and Reporting: The platform assists organizations in meeting regulatory compliance requirements by offering reporting and auditing capabilities. It helps organizations maintain transparency and demonstrate adherence to security standards.
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  • 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.
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  • Antivirus and antimalware protection
  • Endpoint detection and response (EDR)
  • Automatic investigation and remediation
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Product Ranking

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#52

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Analyst Rating Summary

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Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Symantec Endpoint Protection
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
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Attack Prevention Attack Surface Reduction Endpoint Detection And Response (EDR) Exploit Prevention Managed Detection And Response (MDR) Services Mobile Capabilities Platform Capabilities Vulnerability Management 93 100 98 97 92 38 59 100 0 25 50 75 100
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User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 2043 reviews
Great User Sentiment 64 reviews
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.

88%
of users recommend this product

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 88% when considering 64 user reviews from 1 recognized software review sites.

4.4 (1)
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Awards

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SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Vulnerability Management.

Vulnerability Management Award

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.
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Effective Threat Detection: Users praise Defender for Endpoint's ability to detect and mitigate a wide range of threats effectively, including malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
Seamless Microsoft Integration: The product seamlessly integrates with the Microsoft ecosystem, making it convenient for organizations already using Microsoft services.
Real-Time Monitoring: Real-time monitoring and threat detection provide immediate visibility into security incidents, allowing for swift responses.
Automated Incident Response: Users value the platform's automated incident response capabilities, which reduce the manual effort required for handling security incidents.
Centralized Management: Organizations can easily manage security policies across all endpoints from a centralized console, simplifying administration and ensuring a consistent security posture.
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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.
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Resource Intensive: Users have reported that Microsoft Defender for Endpoint can be resource-intensive, impacting the performance of older or less powerful devices.
Complex Configuration: Some users find the initial setup and configuration complex, especially those without extensive cybersecurity expertise. This can lead to misconfigurations that affect security effectiveness.
False Positives: Like many security solutions, Defender for Endpoint can generate false positives, flagging legitimate activities as suspicious, potentially causing disruptions and requiring additional investigation.
Cloud Dependency: Users in areas with unreliable or limited internet connectivity may face limitations due to the platform's cloud dependency, impacting security when offline.
Cost for Small Businesses: Pricing concerns have been raised, particularly by small businesses, who may find it less budget-friendly, potentially straining their cybersecurity budgets.
Learning Curve: Users transitioning from other security solutions may encounter a learning curve when adapting to the platform's features and functionalities, affecting operational efficiency.
Compatibility Challenges: Some users have reported compatibility issues with specialized or legacy software, necessitating additional configuration or exceptions, which can add complexity to deployments.
Endpoint Management: Effective endpoint security relies on proper configuration and maintenance of devices. Neglected or misconfigured endpoints can be more vulnerable to threats, requiring vigilant management.
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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.

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Users consistently praise Microsoft Defender for Endpoint for its robust security features, with one user commending its "advanced endpoint protection" and another highlighting its "seamless integration with Microsoft 365 services." Many appreciate the automated investigation and remediation capabilities, emphasizing its effectiveness against sophisticated cyber threats. While the product's efficacy is widely acknowledged, some users mention a learning curve during the initial implementation. One user notes, "The implementation process had its challenges, but the benefits far outweighed the initial hurdles." Pricing variability based on organizational needs is a common concern, with users suggesting careful consideration to align the solution with budgetary constraints. Comparatively, users believe Microsoft Defender for Endpoint stands out from competitors, offering comprehensive security without compromising user experience. One user succinctly states, "It's a top-tier solution in its ability to provide holistic security." However, a few users caution that optimal performance may require careful configuration, and dependence on the Microsoft ecosystem for full functionality may not be suitable for all organizations. Despite these considerations, the prevailing sentiment is positive, with users appreciating the product's efficacy in safeguarding against evolving cyber threats.

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Screenshots

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