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On July 19, 2024, some Windows PCs experienced severe outages due to an apparent problem with a CrowdStrike update. The problem reportedly stems from a kernel-level driver used to connect CrowdStrike to Windows PCs and servers. CrowdStrike said the faulty update was “not a security incident or cyberattack” and had been confirmed, and a fix had been deployed. The update reportedly caused multiple computer systems around the world to experience blue screens of death, the infamous Windows crash alert. So far, the outage has affected IT systems at major airlines, emergency services and businesses, among others. For more details, read TechRepublic’s news article CrowdStrike Outages. |
As organizations grow, they need to gain Endpoint Detection and Response Tools to monitor activity and protect endpoint devices. VMware Carbon Black EDR and CrowdStrike’s Falcon product are two top EDR solutions with features that can help improve an organization’s security posture.
look: Microsoft Defender vs. Carbon Black: EDR software comparison (TechRepublic)
In this article, we’ll explore which EDR solution is best for you and your organization.
Carbon Black vs. CrowdStrike: Feature Comparison
Carbon Black and CrowdStrike Pricing
As for pricing, VMWare doesn’t clearly provide pricing for its Carbon Black EDR product. Currently, it offers three packages for EDR: Endpoint Standard, Endpoint Advanced, and Endpoint Enterprise.
look: CrowdStrike vs. FireEye: Comparing EDR Software (TechRepublic)
Here’s an overview of what each contains:
- Endpoint Standards: Next-generation antivirus and behavioral EDR; manage alerts and monitor triage (optional).
- Endpoint Advanced: All standard features; risk-prioritized vulnerability assessment and remediation; real-time device assessment and remediation; managed detection (optional).
- Endpoint Enterprise: All premium features; Enterprise EDR including threat hunting and incident response; Managed detection options.
I do wish VMware would offer some kind of free trial or limited product access to potential buyers so they can try out its software for free. Hopefully VMware will offer this in the future, especially since CrowdStrike offers a free trial.
look: 10 Cybersecurity Myths You Should Never Believe (TechRepublic Premium)
Speaking of CrowdStrike, its EDR solution can be purchased through its Falcon Enterprise or Falcon Elite subscriptions. Here’s an overview of pricing and features for each CrowdStrike Falcon plan.
- Falcon Enterprise: $184.99 per device; includes antivirus, EDR, XDR, and managed threat hunting.
- Falcon Elite: Contact sales for a quote; includes EDR, XDR, integrated endpoint and identity protection, and threat hunting.
As mentioned above, Falcon Enterprise offers a free trial for businesses or individuals who want to try out its solution in a convenient way without an initial subscription.
Head-to-head comparison: Carbon Black vs. CrowdStrike
Threat Hunting and Remediation
Both Carbon Black and CrowdStrike offer strong threat hunting and remediation capabilities. However, CrowdStrike is a more robust solution based on MITRE Engenuity testing. MITRE Framework The product was named a Leader in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection Platforms 2023. The product was also ranked high for completeness of vision.
In contrast, Broadcom or VMware (Carbon Black) missed some threat detections when tested against the following threats: MITRE Framework from 2022 to 2018, and was placed lower in the same 2023 Magic Quadrant findings.
Single Agent Design
Centrally managing multiple endpoint devices with a single agent ensures teams can quickly deploy and begin addressing threats.
CrowdStrike uses a single universal agent design. The Falcon platform uses a single lightweight agent deployed on endpoint devices to collect data and send it to the cloud for analysis.
look: CrowdStrike vs. Sophos: EDR Software Comparison (TechRepublic)
On the other hand, Carbon Black is a complex security tool with a high learning curve. It requires a lot of tuning and configuration. In addition, its threat detection queries are overly complex and require multiple manual processes to manage alerts and remediation.
Behavioral Learning
EDR software can be either signature-based or signatureless. Signature-based EDR programs rely on a database of known threats, while signatureless EDR programs use machine learning and behavioral analysis to identify suspicious activity.
Both CrowdStrike and Carbon Black offer behavioral analytics and machine learning capabilities to track anomalies and detect suspicious endpoint and system behavior.
But there is one difference: CrowdStrike provides advanced, signature-free protection by integrating threat intelligence, machine learning, and behavioral analysis, while Carbon Black includes a signature-based AV engine. As a result, CrowdStrike can better protect devices from new and unknown threats.
deploy
CrowdStrike is a platform for all workloads. It provides comprehensive protection coverage that you can deploy on Windows, Linux, and macOS servers and endpoints. Plus, there are no on-premises devices to maintain, manage, scan, reboot, and complex integrations.
In contrast, Carbon Black is an on-premises or cloud solution. During the sensor update process, devices (including critical servers) may need to be restarted. In addition, there are functional differences between the on-premises and cloud versions.
Device and firewall control
Carbon Black’s EDR software allows for device control (no firewall management), but only for Windows operating systems and USB flash drives. It also lets you create endpoint security policies, which is beneficial for enterprises that need to meet specific regulatory or performance standards.
In contrast, CrowdStrike’s Falcon Firewall Management allows customers to migrate from traditional endpoint platforms to the company’s next-generation EDR software, which includes powerful protection, better performance, and efficient management and enforcement of host firewall policies. In addition, Falcon Firewall Management provides simple, cross-platform management of host/OS firewalls through the Falcon Console, enabling security teams to effectively limit any risk exposure.
In addition, Falcon Device Control provides complete end-to-end protection and detection and response (EDR) capabilities, allowing users to use USB devices safely. It integrates seamlessly with the Falcon agent and platform, providing device control capabilities and complete endpoint security capabilities. This allows security and IT operations teams to gain insight into how devices are used, as well as how to regulate and manage that use.
API Integration
API integrations ensure you get the most out of your EDR software. Carbon Black’s EDR solution offers over 120 out-of-the-box integrations.
CrowdStrike’s Falcon platform, on the other hand, was developed as an API-first platform. As new features are released, corresponding API functionality is added to help automate and control any newly added operations.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Carbon Black
advantage
- Easy to use and intuitive user experience.
- Lightweight and not resource intensive.
- Good amount of integration.
shortcoming
- Must contact sales for pricing.
- A higher level of expertise may be required to maximize.
CrowdStrike Pros and Cons
advantage
- No signature required for protection.
- Seamless endpoint deployment.
- Good reputation for safety.
shortcoming
- The interface could be more user-friendly.
Should your organization use Carbon Black or CrowdStrike?
If you need comprehensive coverage and protection against new and unknown threats, and the ability to deploy on Windows, Linux, and macOS servers and endpoints, then CrowdStrike is the better choice. However, if you are looking for an on-premises solution that will provide you with protection against known threats, then Carbon Black may be better.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your risk profile and specific needs and requirements.
method
I conducted a one-on-one comparison between VMware’s Carbon Black EDR and CrowdStrike’s EDR solutions, analyzing their security features, pricing, and overall value.
In particular, I considered key EDR capabilities such as threat hunting and remediation, ease of deployment, behavioral learning, firewall controls, and API integration.
My evaluation of both solutions involved an in-depth study of the official product documentation, included features, and possible use cases for different types of businesses. We also considered real user testimonials and third-party reviews from reputable review sites to supplement our final analysis.
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