While SentinelOne and CrowdStrike are similar offerings, there are critical differences in terms of environment, audience size, scalability and audience. Let’s compare the major differences between these top EDR products.
What is SentinelOne?
SentinelOne is a security platform offering endpoint detection and response, advanced threat intelligence and network defense solutions. Through SentinelOne, organizations gain real-time visibility across their network and real-time protection against both known malware and zero-day attacks. SentinelOne is fueled by machine learning algorithms, behavior monitoring and custom scripts.
In addition to traditional antivirus software features, SentinelOne also includes network defense capabilities, such as botnet detection and file blocking. The SentinelOne platform includes the following solutions: SentinelOne Endpoint Protect, SentinelOne Advanced Threat Intelligence and SentinelOne Network Defense.
What is CrowdStrike?
CrowdStrike is a robust cybersecurity solution including EDR, network security and cyber-threat protection. Through its advanced software tools and machine learning capabilities, CrowdStrike can detect and respond to a wide range of malware attacks, including known malware, zero-day exploits, phishing scams, ransomware attacks and other traditionally difficult-to-detect threats.
The CrowdStrike platform includes the following solutions: Falcon Endpoint Protection and Falcon Overwatch. They can be used together to provide complete EDR and network security. CrowdStrike also includes NGAV capabilities powered by threat intelligence, which SentinelOne lacks and must license from a 3rd party provider.
SentinelOne vs. CrowdStrike: Feature comparison
| Feature | SentinelOne | CrowdStrike |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Hybrid | Cloud |
| Market | SMBs, enterprises | Enterprises |
| Complexity | Moderate | Difficult |
| Log storage | 365 days | 90 days |
| Supported systems | Windows, Linux, Mac | Windows, Linux, Mac |
Head-to-head comparison: SentinelOne vs. CrowdStrike
Environment
SentinelOne is a hybrid platform that operates on endpoints and the cloud. Deployment of SentinelOne can occur either on the cloud or on-premise, although the agent-driven will also require deployment on the protected endpoints. SentinelOne’s on-premise version cannot accommodate Deep Visibility data; it acts as a local controller for AV alerts only.
CrowdStrike relies upon a cloud-hosted platform but provides full protection from threats, including in air-gapped environments without network connectivity for on-sensor AI capabilities. Today, many companies are moving toward hybrid solutions for greater levels of security, speed and control.
Learning curve
SentinelOne requires a reboot to enable protection on the system, and SentinelOne does not provide an automatic agent update capability. Updates must be installed manually by an administrator.
Comparatively, CrowdStrike provides full protection instantly upon installation without requiring a reboot, and the platform incorporates an auto-update feature.
Machine learning
SentinelOne uses advanced machine learning algorithms to analyze real-time network traffic and behavior on endpoints, allowing for highly accurate threat detection and rapid response.
CrowdStrike also offers powerful machine learning capabilities, with the ability to detect threats at both the file and behavioral levels.
Zero-trust protection
SentinelOne’s platform provides zero-trust protection for an entire network, with the ability to detect and block malicious attacks at every point. However, SentinelOne does not provide native capabilities for identity protection, which could be a potential vulnerability.
CrowdStrike’s identity protection capabilities detect and block compromised entities at the earliest stages of the kill chain. It uses an intelligence-based approach to protect high-value assets from targeted attacks. As an integrated solution, CrowdStrike protects all endpoints, including legacy systems, unmanaged systems and SaaS platforms. CrowdStrike has fully native and automated sandbox analysis of any unknown binary. In addition, CrowdStrike achieved a 100% effectiveness rating in a 2022 MITRE Engenuity ATT&CK Evaluation.
Scalability
SentinelOne offers rapid, cloud-based deployment that can quickly scale to support the needs of large enterprises. If installed on-premise, SentinelOne may require hardware modifications to scale.
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CrowdStrike provides flexible, easy-to-use cloud-based solutions that allow organizations to deploy, manage and scale their cybersecurity rapidly. For organizations with many endpoints, CrowdStrike may provide more agility.
Industries and use cases
SentinelOne is ideal for businesses of all sizes and in many industries. The platform’s flexibility and scalability make it a good fit for companies with complex security needs. Industries served by SentinelOne include energy, health care, finance, government and education.
Meanwhile, CrowdStrike is best suited for larger organizations with more sophisticated cybersecurity needs. The platform’s comprehensive capabilities make it a good fit for companies in highly regulated industries. Industries served by CrowdStrike include finance, retail, health care and government.
Reliability
During the third-party testing process MITRE Engenuity ATT&CK Evaluations, SentinelOne consistently outperforms the CrowdStrike platform. SentinelOne scores well in a variety of areas, ranging from visibility to detection count. MITRE’s evaluations replicate attacks from known common cybersecurity threats.
However, CrowdStrike has also ranked highly on MITRE Engenuity ATT&CK Evaluations, garnering 100% prevention on the test.
Choosing SentinelOne vs. CrowdStrike
Choose SentinelOne if:
- You wish to leverage advanced machine learning capabilities and real-time protection against malware and threats.
- Your organization requires a flexible, scalable security solution that can be deployed on-premise in the cloud.
- You need a solution that will be easy to deploy, use and maintain.
Choose CrowdStrike if:
- You need a comprehensive solution that can be easily integrated with existing security infrastructure and third-party platforms.
- You are running a Windows system.
- You have an expert who can help your organization deploy, configure and maintain your CrowdStrike platform.
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