With threats such as malware and ransomware becoming more complex, companies need to take caution to increase their network security. Both Microsoft Defender and Trellix Endpoint Security are top endpoint detection and response (EDR) software tools with a variety of features designed to help protect networks, devices and data.
Jump to:
- What is Microsoft Defender?
- What is Trellix?
- Microsoft Defender vs. Trellix feature comparison
- Choosing Microsoft Defender vs. Trellix
What is Microsoft Defender?
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is an endpoint security tool that provides threat alerts and attack mitigation for phishing, malware and ransomware. The software integrates expertly with Microsoft’s other products to secure Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and network devices against sophisticated threats.
What is Trellix?
Born from the merger of McAfee and FireEye products in January of 2022, Trellix Endpoint Security is a strong EDR software tool that leverages behavioral and machine learning to automate threat and attack detection. In addition, it helps to reduce CPU demands with a common service layer and an anti-malware core engine as well as an adaptive scanning process that can focus resources on only suspicious or unknown sources.
Microsoft Defender vs. Trellix feature comparison
Microsoft Defender and Trellix Endpoint Security share many similarities in their features, including their ability to utilize machine learning to detect and mitigate threats. But where Microsoft offers plenty of flexibility, as well as familiarity for those who already use Windows and Microsoft-based products, Trellix provides users with the ability to be proactive in their security efforts.
| Feature | Microsoft Defender | Trellix Endpoint Security |
|---|---|---|
| Malware protection | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-phishing | Yes | Yes |
| Behavioral threat analysis | Yes | Yes |
| Single-agent model | No | Yes |
| Machine learning | Yes | Yes |
| Threat defense for mobile devices | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud-based threat detection | Yes | Yes |
| Two-factor authentication | Yes | Yes |
Attack detection and mitigation
Microsoft Defender does a great job of detecting both known and unknown attacks. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint’s has a managed threat hunting service that provides proactive hunting, prioritization, and adds additional context and insights to detected threats. It also leverages automated threat and attack detection to investigate threats, secure networks, find vulnerabilities and stop attacks.
Trellix Endpoint Security includes advanced malware scanning to proactively defend against known or unknown attacks. If the software identifies suspicious activity including any attempts to encrypt or access data, Trellix immediately puts the suspected threats in quarantine and creates safe copies of your sensitive files, so nothing is lost.
Machine learning and behavioral AI
Microsoft Defender leverages both machine learning as well as a behavioral AI algorithm to detect and mitigate threats and attacks. Microsoft’s behavioral sensors collect and process behavioral signals from the operating system and send this sensor data to detect any vulnerabilities or threats. This data is stored securely in a private, cloud-based location.
Trellix also leverages behavioral and machine learning capabilities to detect zero-day threats. This allows for significantly earlier detection of threats than traditional threat detection or scanning systems. Trellix also uses behavioral learning by recording process-level behavior throughout the system and analyzing the data recorded for signs of attack techniques and procedures.
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Single-agent vs. multi-agent design
Microsoft has a multi-agent design rather than a single agent design. This provides enhanced flexibility for administrators and can be useful if you have multiple endpoints that you would like to secure with different security needs. However, it does require an update to the entire OS in order to update the platform.
Trellix Endpoint has a single-agent design with integrated defense features including threat containment, machine learning and endpoint detection. Single-agent designs are preferred by some administrators, as they are easier to deploy and manage.
Choosing Microsoft Defender vs. Trellix
Microsoft Defender and Trellix are strong options for those in need of endpoint detection and response tools. Both EDR tools address the needs of businesses of all sizes including small, medium and enterprise businesses.
Microsoft Defender is a strong choice for those who already use Windows and Microsoft-based systems because it integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products including Active Directory and Exchange Server. But while Trellix is fairly new, its history as McAfee and FireEye make it a strong contender for endpoint security with a sizable reputation it is already building on with its zero-day threat detection and mitigation.
Leading EDR Solutions
1 ESET PROTECT Advanced
Protect your company computers, laptops and mobile devices with security products all managed via a cloud-based management console. The solution includes cloud sandboxing technology, preventing zero-day threats, and full disk encryption capability for enhanced data protection. ESET Protect Advanced complies with data regulation thanks to full disk encryption capabilities on Windows and macOS. Get started today!
2 Alert Logic
Control threats and manage incidents from employee workstations, points of sale, servers, and more. With Alert Logic’s EDR, organizations can monitor and isolate endpoint attacks at the earliest opportunity before any damage is done. Our managed detection and response platform can work alongside any existing antivirus tools to provide an additional layer of defense.
3 SecurityHQ
SecurityHQ's Managed Endpoint and Response (EDR) service leverages the world’s best EDR tooling, together with 24/7 SOC analytics and 300+ security analysts, to detect otherwise concealed malicious behaviour. Get a fully managed service to reduce the cost of IR, with more effective remediation. Detect advanced threats with thorough forensics and rapid root cause analysis. Decrease dwell time from the start, without fine-tuning.
4 Heimdal Security
A fully compliant XDR solution supported by a live team of experts. Heimdal’s XDR replaces fragmented, legacy tools and unresponsive data-gathering software for a consolidated approach, offering you a seamless experience. Data gathered from across your ecosystem is fed into Heimdal’s Intelligence Center for fewer false positives and rapid and accurate detection. The fully automatic functionality allows for greater incident response operations while keeping down the costs.
5 ManageEngine Desktop Central
Using too many tools to manage and secure your IT? Desktop Central bundles different IT management and security tools in one unified view without cutting corners in end-user productivity and enterprise security. From keeping tabs on your enterprise devices, data, and apps to securing those endpoints against threats and attacks, Endpoint Central ticks all the boxes of a unified endpoint management solution. Try it for free on unlimited endpoints for 30 days.