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FortiClient vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Last Updated: November 18th, 2024

Our analysts compared FortiClient 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.

Overview Pricing Benefits & Features Analyst Ratings Comparison Charts User Ratings Analyst Summary Screenshots

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Product Basics

FortiClient is an integrated platform that provides users with multi-layered malware protection. It allows organizations to have complete visibility and control over hardware inventory throughout the security fabric. Its automated next-generation protection can identify and contain known and unknown threats.

It is available with on-premise and web-based deployments and is designed for small and medium-sized businesses. Its behavior-based protection guards against known and unknown threats and prevents the exploitation of known vulnerabilities.

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.

$52.96 One-Time

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$5/User, Monthly

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Small

Medium

Large

Small

Medium

Large

Windows

Mac

Linux

Android

Chromebook

Windows

Mac

Linux

Android

Chromebook

Cloud

On-Premise

Mobile

Cloud

On-Premise

Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation

In Person

Live Online

Videos

Webinars

Documentation

In Person

Live Online

Videos

Webinars

Phone

Chat

FAQ

Forum

Knowledge Base

24/7 Live Support

Phone

Chat

FAQ

Forum

Knowledge Base

24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

Advanced Threat Protection: It automatically detects and prevents zero-day, advanced malware and known threats by integrating with FortiSandbox Cloud and cloud-based FortiGuard global threat intelligence.
Security Fabric Integration: FortiClient integrates endpoints into a security fabric for early detection and prevention of advanced threats. It reports real-time security events that include zero-day malware, botnet detections and vulnerabilities.
Secures Remote Access: FortiClient simplifies the remote user experience with built-in auto-connect and always-up VPN features. It can provide an additional layer of security with two-factor authentication. Users can get secure and reliable access to corporate networks from any internet-connected remote location.
Simplifies Endpoint Management: It provides users with real-time central management that can monitor the attack surface, manage vulnerabilities, enforce security compliance and track changes.
Regular Updates: FortiClient provides users with regularly updated downloads that can ensure device protection with the latest threat data and intelligence.

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.

Automated Security Protection: It allows administrators to set policies and automatically quarantine vulnerable or compromised endpoints. It delivers visibility, compliance control and automation.
Vulnerability Management: FortiClient lets users detect OS and third-party application vulnerabilities across the attack surface using vulnerability management solutions. It automates vulnerability patching to secure critical assets.
Dynamic Access Control: Virtual groups are created by FortiClient EMS, retrieved by FortiGate and utilized in Firewall policy to provide dynamic access control. It helps users automate and simplify compliance for security policies.
FortiClient Anti-Exploit: Its anti-exploit technology provides an extra layer of protection by monitoring host memory to detect and block numerous memory techniques, including return-oriented programming, heap spraying and more.
Software Inventory Management: It provides visibility into installed software applications and license management to improve security hygiene. Inventory information can be used to detect and remove unnecessary or outdated applications.
FortiClient for Linux: Its real-time scanning can protect Linux desktops and servers against malware. Users can integrate Linux endpoints with other devices in the Fortinet security fabric using a fabric agent module.

Antivirus and antimalware protection
Endpoint detection and response (EDR)
Automatic investigation and remediation

Product Ranking

#9

among all
Endpoint Security Software

#52

among all
Endpoint Security Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

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User Sentiment Summary

89%

of users recommend this product

FortiClient has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 89% when considering 308 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

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.

4.4 (71)

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4.6 (78)

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4.3 (22)

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4.0 (5)

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Awards

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Zero-Day Attacks: Its behavioral-based detection capability protects against zero-day attacks.

Web Filtering: Its web filtering option protects against malicious sites when connected with unsecured networks.

Database: Its database is continuously updated to protect against new threats.

Connection to VPNs: The process of connecting to VPN services is easy and straightforward.

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.

Auto-Update: It does not provide any auto-update features.

User Connectivity: It can be hard to debug user connectivity problems.

Interrupt Connections: It can disconnect sometimes, interrupting important connections.

Resource-Intensive: It uses a large amount of system resources.

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.

FortiClient provides its users with multilayered endpoint security for threat prevention. It provides real-time visibility of global software inventory and helps end users access internal networks from remote locations. Its cloud-delivered service is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.

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.

Screenshots

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FAQ

How can I do a in-depth comparison of FortiClient and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

What are the top-rated propducts for Endpoint Security Software? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

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