Emsisoft vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

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Our analysts compared Emsisoft vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Endpoint Security Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Emsisoft Software Tool

Product Basics

Emsisoft is a smart virus and malware protection platform that provides its users with personalized service and expert support. It cleans devices using dual-engine technology and advanced smart cleaning. It ensures complete protection through web protection and browser security, real-time file guard, behavior blocker and anti-ransomware.

It delivers hourly detection updates and monthly releases to protect against the latest cyberthreats. It provides anti-malware for home devices, multi-layered protection for office workstations, servers, remote workers and a console for managed service providers.
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Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is an advanced security solution designed to protect businesses against sophisticated cyber threats. Ideal for enterprises of all sizes, it offers robust features such as endpoint protection, detection and response, and automated investigation and remediation. Users commend its seamless integration with other Microsoft 365 services. According to one user, "Defender for Endpoint's unified security platform simplifies our cybersecurity strategy." While praised for its efficacy, some users note a learning curve during implementation. Pricing varies based on organizational needs. Users generally perceive it favorably, with one stating, "Microsoft Defender for Endpoint stands out in its ability to provide comprehensive security without compromising user experience, setting it apart from competitors."

Pros
  • Integrated with Microsoft 365 services.
  • Advanced endpoint protection.
  • Automated investigation and remediation.
  • Effective against sophisticated cyber threats.
  • Seamless user experience.
Cons
  • Initial implementation may have a learning curve.
  • Varied pricing based on organizational needs.
  • Requires careful configuration for optimal performance.
  • May not suit smaller businesses with simpler needs.
  • Dependency on Microsoft ecosystem for full functionality.
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$1.83/Device, Monthly
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$5/User, Monthly
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Product Insights

  • Layered Protection: Provides four-layered protection to prevent online threats on all levels. Blocks malicious website connections and prevents access. Offers privacy filtering without SSL exploitation. Checks modified and downloaded files with a dual-engine scanner. Monitors active processes’ behavior and raises alerts on detecting suspicious activities. 
  • Protects Against Ransomware: Discover new and emerging threats using its intelligence-gathering network and partnership with ID Ransomware. Blocks vectors such as email, unpatched vulnerabilities or insecure RDP through exploit detection and attack surface reduction in common applications. Enables behavior-based detection and stops ransomware-specific behavior. 
  • Increased Protection: Operates without user login, and real-protection begins from boot time. Automatically protects new devices connected to the server. Provides instant email notifications on detecting malicious files for quick response and investigation. Actively monitors and protects risk-exposed file servers. 
  • Automate Malware Scanning: Offers an advanced commandline interface for high performance in heavy load workspaces. Allows automatic scans of incoming data from web servers or files. Facilitates virus scan integration in custom workflows like project management tools, chat, email, ticket systems and more. 
  • Cloud Management: Provides a web console to manage the protection of all endpoints, sites and clients. Respond to alerts, updates, scans, license usage and more via a single and intuitive dashboard. Access its cloud console through a web browser or Android and iOS apps for any device. 
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  • Advanced Threat Protection: Defender for Endpoint provides robust protection against a wide range of advanced threats, including malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. It employs cutting-edge threat intelligence and machine learning to proactively identify and block malicious activities, keeping your organization's endpoints secure.
  • Real-Time Threat Detection: With its real-time monitoring and detection capabilities, the platform continuously scans for suspicious behavior and indicators of compromise. It swiftly identifies and responds to potential threats, reducing the dwell time of attackers within your network.
  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Defender for Endpoint offers EDR functionality, enabling security teams to investigate and respond to incidents effectively. It provides detailed insights into endpoint activities, helping organizations understand the scope and impact of security incidents.
  • Automated Incident Response: The platform streamlines incident response with automation. It can isolate compromised devices, remediate threats, and even roll back changes made by attackers, minimizing the impact of security breaches.
  • Threat Intelligence Integration: Microsoft integrates global threat intelligence into Defender for Endpoint, enhancing its ability to identify and mitigate emerging threats. This intelligence is continuously updated to keep defenses current against evolving attack techniques.
  • Cloud-Powered Security: Leveraging the cloud, Defender for Endpoint can scale effortlessly to protect organizations of all sizes. It benefits from the vast computing power of Microsoft's cloud infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance and protection.
  • Centralized Security Management: The platform offers a unified management console, allowing organizations to oversee and configure security policies across all endpoints from a single interface. This simplifies administration and ensures consistent security posture.
  • Integration with Microsoft 365: For organizations using Microsoft 365, Defender for Endpoint seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft security services, creating a cohesive security ecosystem. This integration enhances visibility and control over security threats.
  • User and Device Risk Assessment: Defender for Endpoint assesses the risk associated with both users and devices. It evaluates user behavior and device health, enabling organizations to enforce access policies based on risk levels.
  • Threat Analytics and Insights: The platform provides detailed analytics and insights into security threats and trends. This data helps organizations make informed decisions to strengthen their security posture and adapt to evolving threats.
  • Reduced Security Complexity: By consolidating security functions into a single solution, Defender for Endpoint simplifies security management. It reduces the need for multiple security tools and streamlines operations, ultimately lowering the total cost of ownership.
  • Compliance and Reporting: The platform assists organizations in meeting regulatory compliance requirements by offering reporting and auditing capabilities. It helps organizations maintain transparency and demonstrate adherence to security standards.
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  • Enterprise Security: Delivers advanced features for larger businesses through a license plan upgrade. Synchronize active directory users and devices with a management console and quickly deploy new devices. Limit access to protection settings by defining custom permission policies. Invite unlimited managers and admins to a workspace. 
  • Browser Security: Offers a browser extension, Emsisoft Browser Security, to block access to websites distributing malware and prevent phishing attacks attempting to steal passwords. Requires manual installation and gets regularly updated through the extension store. 
  • Emergency Kit Scanner: Scans for malware and cleans infected computers without software installation. Incorporates a scanner with a graphical user interface to scan the infected PC for viruses, ransomware, trojans, worms, keyloggers, adware, spyware and other malicious programs. 
  • Commandline Scanner: Check systems for malware infections using its lightweight expert tool for professional users who don’t require a graphical user interface. This console application is suitable for batch jobs and comes included with subscriptions to all products. 
  • Ransomware Decryption Tools: Offers custom decryption services and technical advisory to recover files, restore business operations and minimize damage from a ransomware attack. Provides no-cost recovery using existing decryption tools. Cracks encryption code errors and builds a decrypter that doesn’t require paying a ransom. Finds a suitable solution if encryption can’t be cracked, which can reduce the paid ransom. 
  • Mobile Security: Provides a next-generation security solution for Android devices, which scans all stored files for malware infections. Its real-time protection blocks apps as they arrive, and web protection prevents access to suspicious websites. Lock or wipe devices remotely when lost or stolen through its anti-theft feature. 
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  • Antivirus and antimalware protection
  • Endpoint detection and response (EDR)
  • Automatic investigation and remediation
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Product Ranking

#41

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Endpoint Security Software

#52

among all
Endpoint Security Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

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Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

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Attack Prevention Attack Surface Reduction Endpoint Detection And Response (EDR) Exploit Prevention Managed Detection And Response (MDR) Services Mobile Capabilities Platform Capabilities Vulnerability Management 93 100 98 97 92 38 59 100 0 25 50 75 100
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Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

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User Sentiment Summary

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Great User Sentiment 64 reviews
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88%
of users recommend this product

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 88% when considering 64 user reviews from 1 recognized software review sites.

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4.4 (64)

Awards

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SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Vulnerability Management.

Vulnerability Management Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Strong Malware Protection: Employs a dual-scanner approach, including its own engine and Bitdefender's, to achieve a near-perfect detection rate, even against zero-day threats.
User-Friendly Interface: Features an intuitive design that makes it easy for users of all technical skill levels to navigate and understand, simplifying security management.
Real-Time Protection: Provides continuous monitoring and employs a multi-layered approach to stop threats before they can execute, including behavior-based detection to identify and block ransomware activities.
Customization Options: Offers a high degree of flexibility, allowing administrators to fine-tune security settings to meet the specific needs of their organization.
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Effective Threat Detection: Users praise Defender for Endpoint's ability to detect and mitigate a wide range of threats effectively, including malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
Seamless Microsoft Integration: The product seamlessly integrates with the Microsoft ecosystem, making it convenient for organizations already using Microsoft services.
Real-Time Monitoring: Real-time monitoring and threat detection provide immediate visibility into security incidents, allowing for swift responses.
Automated Incident Response: Users value the platform's automated incident response capabilities, which reduce the manual effort required for handling security incidents.
Centralized Management: Organizations can easily manage security policies across all endpoints from a centralized console, simplifying administration and ensuring a consistent security posture.
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Limited Features: Emsisoft may not meet the comprehensive security needs of business users as it lacks features like firewalls, VPNs, and content filtering.
Technical Interface: The numerous customization options, while offering flexibility, could be overwhelming for business users who prefer a more user-friendly experience.
Web Protection Concerns: The effectiveness of Emsisoft's web protection has been questioned, potentially leaving business users vulnerable to online threats.
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Resource Intensive: Users have reported that Microsoft Defender for Endpoint can be resource-intensive, impacting the performance of older or less powerful devices.
Complex Configuration: Some users find the initial setup and configuration complex, especially those without extensive cybersecurity expertise. This can lead to misconfigurations that affect security effectiveness.
False Positives: Like many security solutions, Defender for Endpoint can generate false positives, flagging legitimate activities as suspicious, potentially causing disruptions and requiring additional investigation.
Cloud Dependency: Users in areas with unreliable or limited internet connectivity may face limitations due to the platform's cloud dependency, impacting security when offline.
Cost for Small Businesses: Pricing concerns have been raised, particularly by small businesses, who may find it less budget-friendly, potentially straining their cybersecurity budgets.
Learning Curve: Users transitioning from other security solutions may encounter a learning curve when adapting to the platform's features and functionalities, affecting operational efficiency.
Compatibility Challenges: Some users have reported compatibility issues with specialized or legacy software, necessitating additional configuration or exceptions, which can add complexity to deployments.
Endpoint Management: Effective endpoint security relies on proper configuration and maintenance of devices. Neglected or misconfigured endpoints can be more vulnerable to threats, requiring vigilant management.
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Is Emsisoft security as soft as its name might imply? User reviews from the last year suggest that Emsisoft is a bit of a niche product. It shines in its robust malware protection, consistently receiving praise for its ability to detect and neutralize even the most stubborn threats, like a digital guard dog sniffing out trouble. Users appreciate the straightforward user interface, finding it refreshingly easy to navigate, unlike some competitors that resemble complex control panels. However, Emsisoft falls short in its feature set compared to industry heavyweights like Norton. It lacks a comprehensive suite of tools, such as a firewall, VPN, or parental controls, which some users find limiting. This absence of a complete security package makes Emsisoft feel like a specialized tool rather than a one-stop shop for all things cybersecurity. Essentially, Emsisoft is best suited for users who prioritize top-notch malware protection above all else and are comfortable with a degree of technical customization. It's like a high-performance engine - powerful but requiring a bit more hands-on management. Those seeking a more comprehensive security suite with all the bells and whistles might find Emsisoft lacking and should explore alternatives offering a broader range of features.

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Users consistently praise Microsoft Defender for Endpoint for its robust security features, with one user commending its "advanced endpoint protection" and another highlighting its "seamless integration with Microsoft 365 services." Many appreciate the automated investigation and remediation capabilities, emphasizing its effectiveness against sophisticated cyber threats. While the product's efficacy is widely acknowledged, some users mention a learning curve during the initial implementation. One user notes, "The implementation process had its challenges, but the benefits far outweighed the initial hurdles." Pricing variability based on organizational needs is a common concern, with users suggesting careful consideration to align the solution with budgetary constraints. Comparatively, users believe Microsoft Defender for Endpoint stands out from competitors, offering comprehensive security without compromising user experience. One user succinctly states, "It's a top-tier solution in its ability to provide holistic security." However, a few users caution that optimal performance may require careful configuration, and dependence on the Microsoft ecosystem for full functionality may not be suitable for all organizations. Despite these considerations, the prevailing sentiment is positive, with users appreciating the product's efficacy in safeguarding against evolving cyber threats.

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