Introduction to CrowdStrike
It is well known that CrowdStrike is a leading and one of the largest cybersecurity providers for businesses in the UK. It offers advanced features like endpoint protection and AI-driven threat intelligence solutions. However, it may not cater to the requirements of all types of businesses. Businesses may seek CrowdStrike alternatives depending on multiple factors including pricing, features, scalability, UK-based support, compliance, etc. But it is also important to choose the right endpoint protection solution for cybersecurity threats in the UK. This blog outlines the top alternatives to CrowdStrike and some important factors to consider when choosing the best CrowdStrike alternatives.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a CrowdStrike Alternative
There are certain factors that require consideration when choosing a CrowdStrike Alternative. These factors include:
1. Security Features: The alternative you choose should provide these security features:
- Real-time monitoring of security threats and prompt response system.
- Use of advanced threat intelligence and machine learning for timely threat prediction
- Allow access to only authorised and verified users
2. Pricing: Choose one from CrowdStrike alternatives that fit your budget and offer transparent pricing models including subscription-based, pay-per-user, or volume-based options. Avoid going for premium alternatives that provide features that are of no use to your business.
3. Scalability: Go for a CrowStrile alternative that is suitable for SMEs, and large enterprises and also offers scalability with changes in the size of business operations.
4. UK Compliance & Data Protection: Businesses are required to comply with certain GDPR, ISO 27001, NCSC guidelines, and data protection rules. Choose an alternative that helps your business stay compliant with these regulations.
5. Ease of Deployment & Integration: CrowdStrike alternatives are both cloud-based and on-premises. Some even offer hybrid models. Choose an alternative that aligns with your goals, is easy to deploy, and seamlessly integrates with your existing security infrastructure.
6. Customer Support & Local Presence in the UK: Pick an alternative that offers round-the-clock customer support and has a local presence in the UK. The service provider should also be able to provide onsite support and assistance when required.
Top CrowdStrike Alternatives for Businesses in the UK
1. Bitdefender GravityZone
Features & Benefits: Bitdefender GravityZone is a business endpoint security solution that uses a unified management console to implement security services on physical endpoints, mobile devices, and virtual machines in the public cloud and Exchange mail servers. Its benefits include:
- Advanced anti-malware protection leveraging content scanning and heuristic analysis
- AI-driven threat intelligence and device control
- Centralised management for all secuirty features
- Supports Windows, Linux, and macOS systems.
Best for: It is best suited for SMBs and large enterprises.
Pros:
- Malware detection rates
- Minimal System impact and easy deployment
- Cloud and on-premises deployment
Cons:
- A premium subscription is required to access advanced features
- Comparatively complex user interface due to centralised management console
- High RAM usage
2. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Features & Benefits: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is a security solution specifically designed to help organisations efficiently prevent attacks and scale their security resources. Its best features include:
- Blocks lateral movement and remote encryption in a decentralised manner.
- Automatically disrupts ransomware cyberattacks
- Uses security-specific generative Analysis.
- Rapidly investigates and responds to Cyber-attacks and threats by prioritising alerts.
- Continuously improve security configurations with recommendations from Microsoft Secure Score.
Best for: This solution is best suited for organisations with Microsoft-based infrastructure and for SMBs, etc.
Pros:
- Cost-effective solution
- Perfect solution for the current threat landscape
- Requires minimum user interference
- Easy to deploy
Cons:
- Offers limited customisation
- Comparatively less effective
- Limited support for non-Microsoft operating systems and infrastructure.
3. SentinelOne
Features & Benefits: SentinelOne is a security solution with AI automation capabilities to protect endpoints, Cloud, and Identity on Active Directory services. Its features include:
- Offers AI-powered threat detection
- Provides end-to-end coverage- from cyber threats to identity credentials.
- XDR integration library
- Consolidates disparate solutions into a single platform.
Comparison with CrowdStrike:
- More automated than CrowdStrike and provides self-healing features
- More robust AI-driven threat detection and prevention
Pros:
- No to less human intervention is required.
- Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux systems and infrastructure.
- Advanced threat detection
Cons:
- Can be expensive for some enterprises in terms of time and cost
- Poor customer support
- Limited customisation
- More cases of false positives.
4. Sophos Intercept X (UK-based option)
Features & Benefits: Sophos Intercept X is a UK-based security solution that offers highly rated and powerful endpoint protection. Its best features include:
- Advanced AI-driven malware protection
- Robust protection against ransomware with advanced analysis and roll-back features.
- Pre-configured exploit mitigations
- Adaptive and automated defences for individual devices and organisation-level threats
Pros:
- Easy to deploy
- Patented CryptoGuard technology
- Proven 99% Detection Coverage
- Centralised security platform
Cons:
- Comparatively low customer support
- High resource consumption
- Expensive for small businesses.
5. Palo Alto Cortex XDR
Features & Benefits: Palo Alto Cortex XDR is a robust security solution that offers the following features:
- Advanced cloud security & AI-based analytics
- Centralised threat intelligence and managed threat response.
Pros:
- Advanced AI-driven threat detection
- Strong security for cloud-based enterprises
Cons:
- Expensive for small enterprises
- May require skilled expertise for deployment and training
6. Trend Micro Apex One
Features & Benefits: Trend Micro Apex One is a robust security solution that offers the following features:
- Strong protection against ransomware
- Designed to detect highly sophisticated threats
- Offers both cloud and on-premise deployment options
Ideal industries & use cases: This solution is best suits for industries such as financial, healthcare, and retail industries.
Pros:
- Holds a strong reputation for providing cybersecurity solutions.
- Easy deployment
- Automated threat detection
Cons:
- High resource usage
- Some features may require manual configuration and intervention
7. VMware Carbon Black
Features & Benefits: VMware Carbon Black secuirty solution consolidates multiple endpoint and container security capabilities. Its best features include:
- Seamless integration with VMware environments
- Identifies highly sophisticated threats
- Offers minimal response time
- Prevents current and future ransomware variants
Ideal business use cases: This solution is best suited for businesses that rely heavily on VMware infrastructure.
Pros:
- Offers high scalability
- Powerful solution for endpoint threat detection
- Robust cloud-based secuirty solution
Cons:
- Complex configuration
- May not be compatible with non-VMware environments.
Comparison Table: CrowdStrike vs Alternatives
| Alternative | Best Features | Pricing | Best For |
| Bitdefender GravityZone | Advanced anti-malware protection AI-driven threat intelligence and device controlCentralised managementSupports Windows, Linux, and macOS systems. | Depends on: number of userslength of subscription | SMBs and large enterprises. |
| Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | Blocks lateral movement and remote encryption Automatically disrupts ransomware cyberattacksUses security-specific generative analysisRapidly investigates and responds to Cyber-attacks | Offer free trial and two purchase options:Microsoft Defender for Endpoint P1 Microsoft Defender for Endpoint P2 | Organisations with Microsoft-based infrastructure and for SMBs, etc. |
| SentinelOne | Offers AI-powered threat detectionProvides end-to-end coverage- from cyber threats to identity credentials.XDR integration libraryConsolidates disparate solutions into a single platform. | Offers multiple plans based on workstations | For organisations that need automation |
| Sophos Intercept X | Advanced AI-driven malware protectionRobust protection against ransomwarePre-configured exploit mitigationsAdaptive and automated defences for individual devices and organisation-level threats | Offers customised plans | For businesses that require UK compliance & need local support |
| Palo Alto Cortex XDR | Advanced cloud security & AI-based analyticsCentralised threat intelligence and managed threat response. | Offers customised plans | For cloud-based organisations |
| Trend Micro Apex One | Strong protection against ransomwareDesigned to detect highly sophisticated threats Offers both cloud and on-premise deployment options | Offers multiple plans with different features | Financial, healthcare, and retail industries. |
| VMware Carbon Black | Seamless integration with VMware environmentsIdentifies highly sophisticated threatsOffers minimal response timePrevents current and future ransomware variants | Offers multiple plans with different features | Businesses that rely heavily on VMware infrastructure. |
Final Thoughts & Recommendation
As mentioned above, each alternative of CrowdStrike caters to different business requirements. For instance, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is the best option for organisations that work on Microsoft-based infrastructure while Bitdefender GravityZone can be the better alternative for small-sized businesses. For businesses in the UK that want tailored cybersecurity solutions, expert IT support round-the-clock, and compliance guidance, Tristar Tech solutions Tristar Tech Solutions can be your perfect partner. Contact Tristar today!
FAQ: Top-7 Alternatives to CrowdStrike
Q: What is the best UK-based alternative to CrowdStrike?
Ans – There are multiple UK-based alternatives to CrowdStrike including Sophos Intercept X.
Q: Which alternative is best for small businesses?
Ans – Bitdefender GravityZone is the best alternative for small businesses.
Q: How do these solutions compare in terms of pricing?
Ans – Among the solutions mentioned above, Microsoft Defender is the most cost-effective solution and SentinelOne and Palo Alto are among the premiumly priced alternatives.
Q: Do these alternatives offer free trials?
Ans – Most alternatives mentioned above offer free trials or demons. More details can be found after contacting the service provider.
