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.
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, non-native 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.
CloudStrike relies upon a cloud-hosted platform and does not support hybrid solutions. Today, many companies are moving toward hybrid solutions for greater levels of security, speed and control.
Learning curve
Users generally recognize SentinelOne as being particularly intuitive and user-friendly. Individuals with a moderate skill level can deploy a SentinelOne installation, and it’s ready to go out of the box, with no configuration needed.
Comparatively, CrowdStrike’s products are highly technical and require advanced knowledge of cybersecurity threats. An expert or specialist should deploy and configure CrowdStrike for the best results.
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.
CrowdStrike uses several machine learning models to identify potential threats, but users primarily recognize SentinelOne as having more robust and well-integrated machine learning solutions.
Linux support
SentinelOne offers complete protection for Linux systems, including the ability to detect and block malware and monitor and report on system activity.
CrowdStrike’s products do not provide native Linux protection. Third-party security solutions, combined with CrowdStrike, will provide coverage on Linux systems, but it will be a more challenging process than if native support was made available.
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 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.
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.
SEE: Windows, Linux, and Mac commands everyone needs to know (free PDF) (TechRepublic)
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 during some portions of 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 or don’t require native Linux support.
- You have an expert who can help your organization deploy, configure and maintain your CrowdStrike platform.