SentinelOne vs. Traditional Antivirus: Which is Better?

In the ever-evolving digital era, cyber threats are becoming more complex and harder to predict. To address these threats, security software like antivirus programs is crucial. However, with the rapid advancements in security technology, a question arises regarding the effectiveness of traditional antivirus software compared to modern security solutions like SentinelOne.

This article will compare these two approaches in detail, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of each and providing insights into which is better for protecting your devices and data.

What is Traditional Antivirus?

Traditional antivirus is security software designed to protect devices from various cyber threats such as viruses, malware, and spyware. It works by scanning the system for signs of infection using a virus signature database that has already been identified. Some common features of traditional antivirus programs include manual and automatic scanning, virus signature updates, and real-time protection.

However, although traditional antivirus is effective in protecting devices from known threats, it tends to be less efficient in handling new threats that are not yet detected by the signature database. This is due to the signature-based approach that relies on already available information to detect threats.

Popular Traditional Antivirus Types:

• Norton Antivirus: One of the most well-known antivirus programs, offering various protection features and real-time file scanning.
• McAfee Antivirus: Provides protection against malware, viruses, and other threats, with regular database updates.
• Avast Antivirus: A free antivirus with a premium option offering malware scanning and protection features while browsing the web.
• Kaspersky Antivirus: Known for its ability to detect more complex threats and provide strong protection.
• Bitdefender Antivirus: Provides strong malware protection with fast and effective scanning.

What is SentinelOne?

SentinelOne is a more modern security solution focused on threat prevention, detection, and automatic response to attacks. Unlike traditional antivirus, which relies on a signature database, SentinelOne uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to analyze the behavior of software and detect unknown threats. SentinelOne provides layered protection, including exploitation prevention, behavior-based threat detection, and automatic responses to detected attacks.

One of SentinelOne’s standout features is its ability to provide an automatic response to threats by taking actions such as blocking malicious processes or isolating infected devices. Additionally, SentinelOne is equipped with a rollback feature, which allows devices to be returned to their previous state after a ransomware attack or other types of threats.

Comparison: SentinelOne vs. Traditional Antivirus

1. Threat Detection Approach

• Traditional Antivirus: Traditional antivirus relies on virus signatures to detect known threats. If a new threat emerges that hasn’t been added to the signature database, traditional antivirus will likely fail to detect it.
• SentinelOne: SentinelOne uses behavior-based technology and AI to detect threats, including those that are unknown. With this capability, SentinelOne can handle new and evolving threats that are often undetected by traditional antivirus software.

2. Protection Against Unknown Threats

• Traditional Antivirus: Traditional antivirus is often less effective against unknown threats or zero-day threats because it relies on signatures that need to be updated manually.
• SentinelOne: Unlike traditional antivirus, SentinelOne can detect new threats through behavior analysis and machine learning. This allows the system to recognize threats even if they have not yet been added to the database.

3. Speed and Response to Threats

• Traditional Antivirus: Traditional antivirus may take longer to respond to threats, especially if a new threat emerges or is not detected during the first scan. Additionally, some antivirus programs only perform scans periodically, which can reduce response speed.
• SentinelOne: SentinelOne prioritizes automatic response to threats, blocking or isolating infected devices within seconds. The system also provides real-time protection and can fix infected systems without user intervention.

4. Prevention Capabilities

• Traditional Antivirus: Traditional antivirus typically focuses on detecting and removing existing threats. Although some modern antivirus programs have prevention features, many are more focused on scanning and remediation.
• SentinelOne: SentinelOne, with a more comprehensive prevention approach, uses technology to stop threats before they can cause damage. This includes exploitation prevention, ransomware protection, and blocking unauthorized access.

5. Scalability and Management

• Traditional Antivirus: While traditional antivirus is suitable for personal use or small businesses, managing multiple devices at scale can become burdensome. Manual updates and device management can also be a challenge.
• SentinelOne: SentinelOne is designed for larger and more complex security needs. It offers centralized management, real-time monitoring, and the ability to automatically update systems without requiring manual intervention.

6. Special Features and Management

• Traditional Antivirus: Traditional antivirus provides basic features like scanning, real-time protection, and virus signature updates. However, they typically lack additional features like rollback or automatic responses to threats.
• SentinelOne: SentinelOne includes advanced features like rollback after a ransomware attack, cloud-based management, and the ability to automatically analyze and respond to threats. This gives IT administrators greater control and ensures that threats can be managed more efficiently.

Read more : Reason using SentinelOne for Network Security

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of SentinelOne:

• Faster threat detection and response.
• Protection against new and unknown threats.
• Easier management and maintenance in large enterprise environments.
• Use of AI for more sophisticated behavior analysis.

Disadvantages of SentinelOne:

• More expensive compared to traditional antivirus.
• It may be too advanced for home users who only require basic protection.

Advantages of Traditional Antivirus:

• Lower cost compared to solutions like SentinelOne.
• Effective for protecting personal devices from known threats.
• Simpler and easier to use for home users.

Disadvantages of Traditional Antivirus:

• Ineffective against new or zero-day threats.
• Scanning can impact system performance.
• Requires manual updates to detect new threats.

Conclusion: Which is Better?

Choosing between SentinelOne and traditional antivirus depends on your needs and budget. For individuals or small businesses that only need basic protection against known threats, traditional antivirus is still a good and affordable option.

However, for larger enterprises or individuals who require protection against more sophisticated and unknown threats, SentinelOne is the better choice. With its use of AI and the ability to automatically respond to threats, SentinelOne provides more comprehensive protection, especially in the face of increasingly advanced cyber threats.

If your budget and security needs are pressing, invest in a solution like SentinelOne, which offers stronger protection and faster response to threats.

If you need endpoint protection in your corporate and business company, contact us here for more information.