CrowdStrike vs. Microsoft Defender for your Endpoint Security

At Red Helix we choose to incorporate CrowdStrike into our Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Service. It underpins our threat detection and alerts us to signs of attack 24/7. The cloud-centric solution can be used in conjunction with other security solutions such as Network Detection and Response (NDR) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM).

Most breaches start on an endpoint. Detecting and removing malware and stopping attacks before they cause harm is key to preventing the downtime, lost revenue, and the upset of cyber-attacks. With modern working, we rely on endpoints more than ever, making it essential for the support of hybrid work without increasing cyber security risks. Due to the increase in endpoint dependency, having an effective EDR is more essential now than ever.

There are many suppliers for EDR, and at Red Helix we chose to partner with CrowdStrike. Their platform is powerful with no hidden costs. It does not add burden to internal teams, and it is capable of alerting and monitoring for threats 24/7.

Are Microsoft Defender’s Shields Up?

In a recent report, the Cyber Safety Review Board (CSRB) found Microsoft has a multitude of problems with their security culture and programs. Microsoft’s coverage is built on signature-based AV which can be ineffective against the modern cyber threats. The protection that Microsoft products offer varies across operating system (OS) editions and versions which means the protection can be inconsistent across devices.

Microsoft is complex to operate, and to maintain, because it needs frequent OS-level upgrades and daily updates that increase the cost and operational burden on your staff. When Microsoft reboots their servers, it can require the entire system to be rebooted, which can disrupt your business functions.

Having a system like Microsoft requires additional resource, so it either impacts the workload of your current staff or you need to hire more staff to monitor the platform. The workload increase is not just due to the regular updates, the functionality operates across multiple consoles, which makes the workflows fragmented for Security Operation Centre (SOC) teams.

Microsoft offers essential additions, like threat analytics and server protection which aren’t included in standard bundles and can lead to unexpected license costs.

CrowdStrike Soars above Cyber Threats

CrowdStrike requires a single agent that Red Helix will install and manage, so it does not affect the workload of your internal team. It encompasses vulnerability patch management and assessment and identity-based segmentation. It is designed to stop security breaches, provide ransomware protection, and prevent cyber-attacks. It monitors endpoint activity and identifies potential threats, which means that our security teams can anticipate and investigate incidents.

CrowdStrike offers advanced and consistent security across all OS editions and versions. Integration of machine powered AI learning and a SOC, allows CrowdStrike to deliver breach prevention and detection 24/7. The AI component also means that the daily signature updates happen seamlessly and automatically without having to reboot your system.

The Red Helix CrowdStrike offering provides unrivalled cost-efficiency, as its efficient and streamlined approach frees up your internal team. The rapid deployment, and transparent licencing means Red Helix can help you implement and manage CrowdStrike seamlessly.