GigaOm Radar for Extended Detection and Response (XDR)v3.0

1. Executive Summary

Enterprise cybersecurity comprises multiple security solutions from various vendors. Solutions are typically combined with a security information and event management (SIEM) and/or a security orchestration automation and response (SOAR) tool to allow security analysts to correlate events across the network to better detect and respond to cyberattacks.

Although SIEM and SOAR tools originally came with out-of-the-box threat detection, the effectiveness of this capability relied heavily on human involvement to fine-tune the system for their environment. Systems were therefore limited by the expertise of the security staff and required extensive maintenance to keep up with the ever-changing threat landscape. This limitation led to less-than-intelligent detection and a crippling overabundance of alerts, resulting in real threats being drowned out by the noise—and remaining undetected.

In contrast, extended detection and response (XDR) solutions distribute detection and response across the security stack to provide ubiquitous coverage from endpoint to cloud by delivering unified visibility, control, and protection. XDR collects telemetry and leverages artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), or other statistical analysis methods to correlate event logs, and then evaluates them against intrusion response frameworks. Additionally, XDR systems integrate threat intelligence to enhance and improve threat detection capabilities. Although having the full security stack telemetry funnel through an analytics engine that’s enriched with up-to-date threat intel and measured against intrusion frameworks doesn’t provide a silver bullet for security, it’s as close to “security in a bag” as you can get at this time.

XDR attempts to address the security skills gap by reducing the need for experienced security analysts and instead using AI, ML, and statistical methods to provide threat intelligence-driven analysis. It identifies connections between seemingly unrelated network activities to uncover sophisticated attacks, and automated remediation procedures reduce the mean time to respond (MTTR) to a potential incident.

This is our third year evaluating the XDR space in the context of our Key Criteria and Radar reports. This report builds on our previous analysis and considers how the market has evolved over the last year.

This GigaOm Radar report examines 19 of the top XDR solutions in the market, and compares offerings against the capabilities (table stakes, key features, and emerging features) and nonfunctional requirements (business criteria) outlined in the companion Key Criteria report. Together, these reports provide an overview of the market, identify leading XDR offerings, and help decision-makers evaluate these solutions so they can make a more informed investment decision.

2. Market Categories and Deployment Types

To help prospective customers find the best fit for their use case and business requirements, we assess how well XDR solutions are designed to serve specific target markets and deployment models (Table 1).

For this report, we recognize the following market segments:

• Small-to-medium business (SMB): In this category, we assess solutions on their ability to meet the needs of organizations ranging from small businesses to medium-sized companies. Also assessed are departmental use cases in large enterprises, where ease of use and deployment are more important than extensive management functionality, data mobility, and feature set.
• Large enterprise: Here, offerings are assessed on their ability to support large and business-critical projects. Optimal solutions in this category have a strong focus on flexibility, performance, data integrations, and features that improve security and data protection. Scalability is another big differentiator, as are case management capabilities to support large teams.
• Specialized: Optimal solutions are designed for specific use cases, such as managed security service providers (MSSPs) or telecommunications operators (telecoms).

In addition, we recognize the following deployment models:

• SaaS: These are available with a SaaS delivery model. Often designed, deployed, and managed by the service provider, they are available only from that specific provider. The big advantages of this type of solution are its integration with other services offered by the cloud service provider (functions, for example) and its simplicity.
• Virtual appliance: These solutions run in a customer-controlled environment, whether infrastructure as a service (IaaS) like AWS EC2 or Azure VM or on-premises. The customer is responsible for the administration and security of the entire stack but is also in control of the data during its entire lifecycle.
• Public cloud image: These solutions are available for delivery via the native marketplace commonly found within cloud service providers like AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and others.

Table 1. Vendor Positioning: Target Market and Deployment Model

Table 1 components are evaluated in a binary yes/no manner and do not factor into a vendor’s designation as a Leader, Challenger, or Entrant on the Radar chart (Figure 1).

“Target market” reflects which use cases each solution is recommended for, not simply whether that group can use it. For example, if an SMB could use a solution but doing so would be cost-prohibitive, that solution would be rated “no” for SMBs.

3. Decision Criteria Comparison

All solutions included in this Radar report meet the following table stakes—capabilities widely adopted and well implemented in the sector:

• Cross-layer detection and response
• Cross-layer data correlation
• Automated incident response
• Intrusion framework mapping
• Dashboard and reporting

Tables 2, 3, and 4 summarize how each vendor included in this research performs in the areas we consider differentiating and critical in this sector. The objective is to give the reader a snapshot of the technical capabilities of available solutions, define the perimeter of the relevant market space, and gauge the potential impact on the business.

• Key features differentiate solutions, outlining the primary criteria to be considered when evaluating an XDR solution.
• Emerging features show how well each vendor is implementing capabilities that are not yet mainstream but are expected to become more widespread and compelling within the next 12 to 18 months.
• Business criteria provide insight into the nonfunctional requirements that factor into a purchase decision and determine a solution’s impact on an organization.

These decision criteria are summarized below. More detailed descriptions can be found in the corresponding report, “GigaOm Key Criteria for Evaluating XDR Solutions.”

Key Features

• Endpoint detection and response (EDR): EDR empowers organizations to control network ports, applications, and users at the device level, augmenting protection against malicious activities. It’s crucial due to its ability to prevent undermining of antivirus functions, facilitate user activity visibility, and provide seamless integration with various operating systems for enhanced security.
• Device discovery: Device discovery allows security teams to proactively track, monitor, and discover assets within an organization. This capability is essential because it identifies changes to characteristics like location or ownership but also enables quick response to potential issues through automatic workflow triggers.
• Case management: Case management promotes efficiency in the security operations center (SOC) by automatically creating cases for high-risk events, while providing updates on risk status and permitting alteration of cases within the platform. This capability is pivotal because it aids threat-hunting activities, simplifies the discovery of attack evidence and the updating of indicators of compromise (IoCs), and provides visually compelling presentations of event timelines.
• Risk prioritization: Risk prioritization amalgamates data from various sources with expert system analysis to delineate precise threat risks, deriving numerical values or categories that clearly communicate potential dangers. The customization of risk rating and efficient prioritization of cyberthreats on the basis of immediate need allows organizations to judiciously allocate resources and neutralize damaging incidents swiftly.
• Mobile device security: Mobile device security acknowledges mobile devices as viable targets for malicious activities and includes predominant mobile operating systems like iOS and Android in its security strategy. Enhanced approaches that span network and management layers, as opposed to just the OS, provide early threat detection, greater insights, and quicker mitigation, offering a better safeguard against vulnerabilities.
• Data ingestion: The ability of XDR solutions to ingest data—accumulating telemetry from diverse sources including network devices, endpoints, cloud services, and so forth and offering ready-to-use ingestion methods—significantly facilitates cross-layer detection and response coverage. By providing a consistent interface for diverse data sources, XDR enables swift collection and analysis of data and responsive action to threats, thus amplifying defensive postures.
• Data retention: Data retention holds vital significance for digital forensics and incident responses, and it aids in regulatory compliance. It should be customizable based on user specifications. Functionality that automates reminders about file archiving or deletion, along with proficient indexing and sorting of files, enhances data accessibility during security incidents or investigations.

Table 2. Key Features Comparison

Emerging Features

• Cloud security: The integration of XDR solutions with cloud security for managing workloads, infrastructure, and identity is growing in popularity. This functionality enables organizations to extend their XDR capabilities to the cloud and keeps their cloud-based assets in line with other XDR-enabled workflows. If not yet implemented, this should be a priority, given the increasing reliance on cloud-based solutions in today’s digital landscape.
• Attack surface management (ASM): ASM is aligned with the objectives of XDR solutions, as both aim to identify potential attack vectors and monitor real-time changes for quick response. The convergence of ASM and XDR could further refine risk reduction strategies, prioritizing vulnerabilities based on severity.

Table 3. Emerging Features Comparison

Business Criteria

• Scalability: Scalability is the ability to efficiently accommodate growth, adapting to an increase in workload due to an expanding network, more devices, or a larger user base. This feature is vital because cybersecurity needs are ever evolving and it’s important to maintain robust security coverage despite organizational growth or increased threat vectors.
• Flexibility: Flexibility refers to the capability to adapt and modify settings, controls, and other parameters to fit an organization’s specific needs and changing security landscape. It allows businesses to customize their security approach and response, providing tailored, effective defenses against diverse threats.
• Ease of use: Ease of use indicates the user-friendliness, intuitiveness, and ease of learning the interface and functionality. It is critical, as it directly affects the efficiency, productivity, and quickness of response of the security teams, significantly impacting the overall effectiveness of the security system.
• Ecosystem: Ecosystem looks at how well the solution integrates and interfaces with other software, hardware, and cloud components of an organization’s existing IT environment. It is crucial because it ensures seamless interaction, enhances defensive coverage, and increases the overall effectiveness of the security architecture.
• Cost: Cost encompasses the expenses associated with the acquisition and maintenance of an XDR solution, and it directly impacts an organization’s budget. It is crucial to assess, as it should strike a balance between providing necessary security functions and staying within financial constraints, making it an essential metric for choosing a viable solution.

Table 4. Business Criteria Comparison

4. GigaOm Radar

The GigaOm Radar plots vendor solutions across a series of concentric rings with those set closer to the center judged to be of higher overall value. The chart characterizes each vendor on two axes—balancing Maturity versus Innovation and Feature Play versus Platform Play—while providing an arrowhead that projects each solution’s evolution over the coming 12 to 18 months.

Figure 1. GigaOm Radar for XDR

As you can see in Figure 1, the Radar chart shows an overview of the XDR market, illustrating key trends and insights into vendor positioning and performance. It is essential to interpret the chart in the context of the overall market, underscoring relevant patterns and the ways they may shape the XDR landscape.

Vendors in the Leaders ring offer broad capabilities and an abundance of impactful features, whereas those in the Entrant and Challenger segments often showcase innovative approaches or specialized functionality targeting specific market needs. Major themes in the market include the emphasis on AI/ML for threat detection and prioritization, the importance of a seamless and comprehensive integration ecosystem, and the strategic focus on cloud security amid a rapidly expanding cloud adoption landscape. Vendors vary in their coverage of mobile device security, cloud protections, and the flexibility of their data retention policies, reflecting the diverse approaches to solving modern cybersecurity challenges.

There’s a clear dominance of Platform Play vendors that offer comprehensive solutions and support a variety of use cases. Vendors on the Feature Play side are more specialized or targeted in their approach.

There’s also a heavy majority of vendors in the Maturity half. While the XDR market was rapidly expanding a few years ago, the rate of change has since slowed as vendors and consumers have settled on a common approach. Now this is a market that values reliable and consistent functionality over disruptive innovation.

While there is a good representation across the board, a more substantial concentration exists in the Entrants and Challengers circle. This highlights that the market is still undergoing changes and growing in diversity as it showcases a welcoming environment for growth and healthy competition within the industry.

Looking at the arrowhead colors, it is clear there are more Fast Movers, signifying a steady rate of change (both organizational and technological) in the market. The few Outperformers are making above-average progress, demonstrating a faster release schedule or execution against roadmaps compared to the market as a whole.

The Radar chart serves as a snapshot of a dynamic and evolving XDR market. There is a promising blend of innovation and maturity, feature and platform plays, and varying speeds at executing on the roadmap. The market is evidently diverse, highly competitive, and welcoming of different strategies, which bodes well for its future.

In reviewing solutions, it’s important to keep in mind that there are no universal “best” or “worst” offerings; there are aspects of every solution that might make it a better or worse fit for specific customer requirements. Prospective customers should consider their current and future needs when comparing solutions and vendor roadmaps.

5. Solution Insights

Barracuda XDR

Solution Overview
Barracuda, a company primarily focused on cybersecurity and data protection solutions, offers an XDR solution powered through an alliance with SentinelOne, with the primary intent of providing strong endpoint security. Its key offering, the Barracuda XDR platform, is notable for its team of security analysts who specialize in confronting endpoint risks.

Strengths
The strengths of Barracuda’s XDR offering include EDR, risk prioritization, and scalability. Its partnership with SentinelOne (for its EDR) results in well-rounded endpoint security. Additionally, its risk prioritization is backed by human analysts, allowing the company to deliver accurate and prioritized risk categorization, a feature that is highly appealing to organizations focused on risk management.

Challenges
Despite its strengths, Barracuda has certain limitations. The solution’s device discovery and cloud security attributes are average, as it relies on SentinelOne’s XDR solution for endpoint protection. Moreover, the solution does not include mobile device security or ASM, which might discourage businesses that require extensive mobile security solutions.

Purchase Considerations
Barracuda’s XDR platform delivers an innovative approach to scalability by linking it to organization size and ensuring surges in capacity are handled efficiently. Furthermore, its licensing model is attractive, providing an annual commitment but leveraging a month-to-month payment model in an environment where annual contracts are the norm.

Barracuda’s XDR solution is well-suited for MSSPs and MSPs, offering them flexibility to operate across a diversity of industries and organization sizes. While the solution has an average ecosystem of partnerships and connectors, its intuitive platform and ease of use ensure Barracuda offers a compelling solution for organizations focusing on endpoint risks.

Radar Chart Overview
On the Radar chart, Barracuda is classified as a Platform Play due to its comprehensive solution provided through its partnership with SentinelOne. It also has Maturity status because of its consistent and reliable offerings. It is positioned in the Challenger ring, as it addresses specific use-cases and has room for improvement in specific areas. Barracuda stands out in terms of risk prioritization and scalability, given its human analyst expertise, unique scalability approach, and flexible licensing model. Over time, with improvement in device discovery, cloud security, mobile device security, and inclusion of ASM, Barracuda could significantly improve its position on the Radar.

Bitdefender, XDR

Solution Overview
Bitdefender, a prominent name in cybersecurity, offers comprehensive endpoint security via robust EDR capabilities. The platform’s automatic discovery and deployment tool enables efficient network scanning and device classification, simplifying the management and protection of enterprise assets. Bitdefender offers robust case management ability, facilitates documentation of incidents, and boasts an incumbent mobile device security feature which is growing in popularity within the XDR space.

Strengths
Bitdefender’s EDR and device discovery functionalities are key strengths, bringing depth to endpoint security and offering operational convenience. The platform’s risk prioritization benefits from analytical rigor, incorporating machine learning for effective threat handling. Its licensing model provides the kind of cost flexibility that will appeal to a broad customer base. Bitdefender’s mobile device security offers comprehensive support for key mobile use cases and its ease of use is a noteworthy feature.

Challenges
The solution’s limitations are centered around its average scalability, data ingestion capabilities, and to a lesser extent, its ecosystem. This is a space where extremely scalable solutions are the standard, and this solution is no different; however, to stand out in a market like that requires advanced scaling solutions to address many edge cases as well. Data ingestion is good enough to be competitive, but it could be improved. While its integration capabilities are broad, they do require some bespoke development using the documented API to extract the full capability of this feature.

Purchase Considerations
Prospective buyers evaluating Bitdefender should consider how the platform’s strengths align with their cybersecurity needs, particularly in endpoint protection and network device management. Organizations requiring extensive cloud security capabilities may need to assess additional solutions. The platform’s pricing structure and ease of use present compelling arguments for businesses looking for cost-effective and user-friendly security solutions, despite the noted gaps in certain areas.

Bitdefender is well-suited to organizations prioritizing endpoint security and network device discovery, including SMBs seeking a straightforward, efficient cybersecurity solution. Its capabilities particularly benefit settings where endpoint management is paramount and where the simplicity of deployment and operation can enhance security operations without requiring extensive expert knowledge.

Radar Chart Overview
Bitdefender’s designation as a Fast Mover in the Maturity/Platform Play quadrant reflects its approach to endpoint security and device management, anchored by significant strengths in EDR, device discovery, and risk prioritization. However, its Challenger status underscores the solution’s existing gaps in cloud security and ecosystem breadth.

Broadcom (VMware), Carbon Black XDR

Solution Overview
In November 2023, Broadcom acquired VMware, a well-established driver of virtualization and cloud services. Before that, VMware had acquired Carbon Black in 2019, marking its foray into the cybersecurity realm. It is Carbon Black that gives VMware—and thus Broadcom—its XDR capabilities.

The EDR element of the XDR offering demonstrates average performance. Despite this, VMware assures a comprehensive device discovery process, enhanced by EDR agent integrations. Case management within the platform is robust, with internal handling mechanisms and optional external service desk integrations.

Strengths
VMware’s platform benefits from detailed endpoint discovery and effective case management capabilities, enabling efficient security event triage and response. Scalability is another strong suit, supported by the platform’s broad infrastructure reach. The solution’s ease of use, characterized by streamlined workflows and user interface, makes it accessible for teams with varying expertise levels. Additionally, the approach to data retention and ingestion, while standard, is notable for the quality of data management once assimilated into the XDR framework.

Challenges
The cybersecurity offering from VMware exhibits room for enhancement in several key areas. The lack of mobile device security and cloud security features directly within the solution underscores a gap in meeting comprehensive digital environment protection needs. Risk prioritization strategies that rely on the broad collection of events before and after a security event indicate the need for more nuanced threat assessment capabilities. The flexibility and ecosystem of the platform, while developing, remain average, with limited options compared to more fully integrated or open solutions in the market.

Purchase Considerations
Organizations evaluating VMware’s cybersecurity solution should consider the balance between the platform’s robust scalability and case management against the absence of mobile and cloud security features. The pricing model, centered around endpoint licensing, suggests a straightforward cost structure but requires assessment against organizational scope and security requirements. Potential buyers should also weigh the importance of an expansive ecosystem and flexibility in integrating with existing cybersecurity measures.

VMware’s cybersecurity offering is well-suited to organizations with a strong emphasis on endpoint security and those valuing scalable solutions within a VMware-centric infrastructure. Its straightforward approach and internal case management capabilities make it a viable option for businesses seeking to bolster their security posture without overcomplicating workflows, particularly those with less experienced security personnel.

Radar Chart Overview
Broadcom (VMware) is positioned as an Entrant and a Forward Mover in the Maturity/Feature Play quadrant, reflecting its foundational strengths in infrastructure and virtualization and its gradual extension into cybersecurity. The designation highlights the platform’s nascent yet evolving presence in the cybersecurity domain, underscored by solid scalability and data management practices. However, the Entrant status points to areas where VMware’s offering currently lacks competitive edge, notably in comprehensive security coverage and innovation velocity. As VMware continues to integrate and develop its cybersecurity capabilities, there is potential for progress within this space, by aiming to address the gaps and expand its market position.

Cisco, XDR

Solution Overview
Cisco, a stalwart in networking and security, has established itself as a leader in the XDR space with its mature platform offering, including its Secure Endpoint. This platform excels in endpoint protection and extends its capabilities through integrations with other leading EDR solutions like CrowdStrike and SentinelOne, showcasing its commitment to a collaborative security approach. The solution is enriched by robust device discovery, advanced case management through automatic threat detection, and superior risk prioritization mechanisms.

Strengths
Cisco’s platform is renowned for its broad integration capabilities, allowing for a rich ecosystem that enhances its EDR offering. The exceptional risk prioritization, underpinned by sophisticated incident correlation algorithms, ensures that incidents are accurately scored and managed efficiently. Furthermore, Cisco’s data retention policies, offering 365 days of telemetry storage, underline its commitment to delivering in-depth historical insight for enhanced threat analysis. The platform’s scalability and overall flexibility in addressing common and complex use cases position Cisco as an attractive option for organizations aiming for a comprehensive and adaptable cybersecurity solution.

Challenges
While Cisco’s offering is comprehensive, the platform’s mobile device security capabilities remain underdeveloped, providing basic visibility without deep telemetry or agent-based protection. The process of manually configuring new data sources for ingestion also presents an operational bottleneck, potentially limiting the speed at which new integrations can be leveraged.

Purchase Considerations
For organizations contemplating Cisco’s cybersecurity solutions, the decision should factor in the platform’s expansive integration potential, particularly for environments already utilizing products from Cisco’s security ecosystem or third-party EDR vendors. However, businesses with a significant mobile workforce may need to consider additional measures to compensate for the platform’s mobile security limitations. In addition, the tiered licensing model offers flexibility but requires careful consideration to ensure alignment with budgetary and operational needs.

Cisco’s solution is ideal for medium to large enterprises seeking a scalable, integrated cybersecurity platform that can harmonize with a diverse range of security tools and cloud environments. Organizations with a robust IT infrastructure that includes a mix of Cisco and non-Cisco products will find significant value in the seamless integration and centralized management capabilities that the platform offers.

Radar Chart Overview
Cisco’s designation as a Fast Mover in the Maturity/Platform Play quadrant inside the Leaders ring is a testament to its established presence in the cybersecurity market and the continuous evolution of its platform capabilities. The company’s ability to integrate with a wide array of third-party solutions, combined with its advanced analytics and incident management features, showcases its leadership in addressing complex security challenges. Despite facing areas that need improvement, particularly in mobile device security, Cisco’s strategic expansions and enhancements to its platform underscore its commitment to maintaining a leading edge in cybersecurity.

Check Point, Infinity XDR

Solution Overview
Check Point Technologies, known for its robust cybersecurity suite, ventures into innovative territory with its unique take on XDR. Its solution stands out due to seamless EDR integration (when purchased separately) and comprehensive device discovery capabilities, which paint a detailed picture of the network environment. The platform excels in automating case management by leveraging advanced threat intelligence to create incident timelines and attack trees. While mobile device security and cloud security features are conspicuously absent, Check Point compensates with efficient data ingestion processes and proactive policy recommendations through ASM.

Strengths
Check Point’s XDR solution shines in case management and risk prioritization, automating complex processes to streamline threat detection and response. Its ability to scale via the Infinity Portal and accommodate various data sources without overwhelming users is a significant advantage. Furthermore, the platform’s pricing model, which offers a comprehensive suite under an enterprise license agreement, is appealing for organizations looking for cost-effective cybersecurity. Ease of use, with heavy emphasis on automation and guidance, facilitates a smoother user experience even in complex security environments.

Challenges
The lack of integrated mobile device security and cloud security within the XDR solution poses considerable constraints for organizations with extensive cloud assets and/or a mobile workforce. Additionally, although Check Point is making strides to enhance its ecosystem, it’s not on par with market leaders in this area, potentially limiting the solution’s appeal to customers seeking extensive third-party integrations and collaboration.

Purchase Considerations
Organizations contemplating Check Point’s XDR platform should carefully evaluate their need for mobile and cloud security features, considering additional measures or integrations might be necessary to fill these gaps. The platform’s simplicity and automated capabilities make it a strong candidate for enterprises prioritizing ease of use and streamlined operations over a broad feature set. The cost-effective pricing strategy, especially the enterprise license agreement, is another critical factor, likely appealing to cost-conscious buyers.

Check Point’s XDR solution is particularly well-suited for mid-sized to large organizations seeking an advanced yet user-friendly cybersecurity platform that simplifies incident management and threat response. Companies within industries that handle vast amounts of data but lack complex cloud or mobile security requirements may find that Check Point’s offerings align well with their cybersecurity needs.

Radar Chart Overview
Located as a Fast Mover in the Innovation/Platform Play quadrant’s Challenger ring, Check Point’s positioning reflects its dynamic approach to XDR solutions by emphasizing case management, risk prioritization, and a user-friendly interface. Although currently lacking in certain areas like cloud and mobile security, its commitment to innovation, coupled with a strategic focus on automation and scalability, signals Check Point’s potential to rapidly evolve and address these gaps. The blend of practical features, simplicity, and affordability underpins Check Point’s challenge to the status quo in the cybersecurity market.

CrowdStrike, Falcon XDR Platform

Solution Overview
CrowdStrike, an industry leader in endpoint security, provides one of the most reputable XDR solutions in the market. Focusing on relentless protection, its prime offering is Falcon XDR platform, known for its robust case management and exceptional risk prioritization.

Strengths
Falcon XDR platform stands out for its class-leading EDR capabilities, backed by meticulous analysis and innovation. The risk prioritization is second to none, thanks to its ML and statistical analysis techniques that provide contextual and accurate risk assessments. Additionally, its case management capabilities include timeline visualizing, note-taking, and live querying enabling powerful management.

Challenges
CrowdStrike’s strongest area, endpoint security, somewhat overshadows other important attributes. While it excels at endpoint discovery, its asset discovery capabilities require prior knowledge, which is a common limitation in XDR solutions. Furthermore, it offers mobile device security; however, it requires being purchased separately from the XDR solution.

Purchase Considerations
CrowdStrike provides excellent integration capabilities, seamlessly integrating with AWS, GCP, and Azure, as well as Active Directory, Okta, and other SSO solutions, broadening its spectrum of use. Falcon’s console also enables integration of cloud security solutions and ASM features, albeit with added costs. The cost-effectiveness and scalability of the solution are fairly strong, especially when used with other Falcon products.

The Falcon platform is a solid choice for organizations looking for powerful risk assessment, improved observability, and detailed insights. These capabilities, along with its intuitive nature and its availability as a fully managed service, all contribute to CrowdStrike’s prominence in the market. This is a well-documented solution that offers adaptability and ease of use, and it provides training for its customers, further cementing its strong reputation.

Radar Chart Overview
CrowdStrike is positioned in the Maturity/Platform Play quadrant due to the breadth of its well-established capabilities. It is currently in the Challenger ring, though rapid improvements would swiftly shift it toward becoming a Leader. It stands out for its integration capabilities, flexible pricing, and EDR capabilities. Going forward, it will be interesting to watch to see if the platform expands into ASM, which could also improve its position.

Cybereason, XDR

Solution Overview
Cybereason, a global leader in endpoint security, provides an exceptional XDR solution. Cybereason XDR stands out in the market due to its comprehensive understanding of customer environments, superior scalability, and powerful EDR.

Strengths
The key strength of this solution lies in its EDR capabilities, which provide powerful protection in large-scale heavily attacked environments. Multiple attacks can generate a lot of noise, and Cybereason’s AI approach is effective at finding the real threats amid the noise. Another standout feature is its robust threat detection and risk prioritization, by which threats are identified, correlated into malicious operations, and assigned a severity score that enables an automated response. Its native case management and scalability, facilitated through streamlined event correlation that reduces the alert burden, and its broad set of ready-to-use data integrations, make it a suitable solution for large organizations.

Challenges
Despite its strengths, Cybereason’s XDR is only average with regard to device discovery and cloud security. Moreover, there is no native mobile device security, although partnerships with Zimperium and Jamf give it mobile threat defense abilities. It also lacks ASM capabilities, which would limit its appeal to entities needing that functionality.

Purchase Considerations
Considerations for purchasing Cybereason XDR should include its clear pricing model, scalability, and the myriad of partnerships it currently maintains. Its pricing is simple, based on the number of users, making it affordable and predictable. The platform also offers a highly flexible environment that combines an intuitive user interface with capabilities for centrally managed detection and response services.

The Cybereason XDR solution is particularly beneficial in large or heavily attacked environments, making it ideal for organizations of significant size or those facing escalating threat levels. Celebrated for its robust EDR capabilities, it shines in sectors that prioritize advanced endpoint security, data ingestion, and customizable threat detection and risk prioritization.

Radar Chart Overview
On the Radar chart, Cybereason is placed in the Maturity/Platform Play quadrant due to its expansive offerings and breadth of capabilities, as well as for its consistent performance and presence in the market. It falls into the Leader grouping, thanks to its notable progress in device discovery, threat detection, and case management. Cybereason’s position as a Fast Mover reflects its extensive ecosystem, making it a promising contender as it continues to evolve its cloud security and device discovery and potentially expands into ASM.

Cynet, XDR

Solution Overview
Cynet, a dynamic cybersecurity company, offers a capable XDR platform. Known for its rapid release cycle of updates and enhancements, its hybrid approach combines innovative abilities, like its agent that operates at the kernel-level, with mature attributes, like data retention policies to provide a comprehensive solution.

Strengths
Cynet’s strength lies in its EDR capabilities, powered by a kernel-level operating agent that offers an built-in array of potent remediation capabilities and superb risk scoring, which weaves in rich contextual information automatically. Furthermore, its data retention policies offer flexibility to customers, who can opt for unlimited storage if desired. The solution also excels in cloud security, with capabilities that enable configuration error identification and remediation.

Challenges
Cynet has room for improvement in terms of device discovery and case management, for which it displays only an average performance. Limitations also exist within its native mobile security offerings and clients may face some issues with application to certain XDR-edge cases due to its limited flexibility.

Purchase Considerations
Cynet’s pricing models are straightforward, with the all-inclusive All-in-One and the less-comprehensive but more affordable Elite options. Its scalability is commendable, with the ability to span tens of thousands of endpoints. Also, it is easy to use, with a managed response system that simplifies intricate security responses.

Cynet’s solution shines the most in the endpoint security domain. The strong scalability extends to large deployments and its flexibility serves use cases that encompass endpoints, providing exhaustive threat visibility. The platform is executed with well-thought-out workflows, making it suitable for organizations that value intuitive responsiveness and an uncomplicated user experience.

Radar Chart Overview
On the Radar chart, Cynet is classified as a Platform Play because of its comprehensive application to enterprise use cases. It is an Outperformer due to its quick addition of new features, putting it in the Challenger ring but close to becoming a Leader. The focus for Cynet moving forward will be to improve in areas like device discovery, case management, and risk prioritization while continuing its rapid innovation in other areas.

Forescout, XDR

Solution Overview
Forescout, a global cybersecurity company with innovative offerings in XDR, demonstrates a particular strength in device discovery and case management. The platform is virtually technology-agnostic, able to ingest logs from over 200 sources, including industry-leading EDR solutions. Its device discovery feature identifies and classifies devices using more than 30 active and passive techniques, leveraging an updated database of 22 million device profiles.

Strengths
Forescout excels in case management, with an interface built on the NIST incident response lifecycle, complete with workflow capabilities, robust integrations, and comprehensive communication for detecting and managing security incidents. The platform also supports effective incident triage and investigation with rule-based machine learning capabilities. An added advantage is Forescout’s massive, scalable, and indexed data lake, which supports significant log ingestion.

Challenges
Though Forescout’s strengths are numerous, certain areas warrant improvement. While it can be used for observability if a mobile device has telemetry collected or an agent is installed from another solution, it lacks native mobile device security, which is likely off-putting to clients with a mobile workforce. Additionally, it does not offer ASM, a potential limitation for certain organizations.

Purchase Considerations
Forescout offers value in its flexible licensing, extensive data extraction, and predictable cost structure. It supports custom extended data retention up to seven years, as well as gap analysis based on MITRE ATT&CK coverage, making it a suitable solution for entities prioritizing compliance and meticulous risk assessment. Moreover, Forescout’s commitment to improving ease of use through automation and streamlined workflows enables intuitive user experiences.

Forescout’s XDR solution primarily serves organizations requiring comprehensive device discovery and risk management capabilities, with the added advantage of extensive data retention options. These features, combined with an almost fully automated data onboarding process and seamless incident management workflows, makes Forescout a top contender in the cybersecurity market.

Radar Chart Overview
As a vendor with a wide range of capabilities, Forescout falls into the Innovation/Platform Play quadrant, thanks to the continuous innovation in its XDR offering. The platform maintains a Fast Mover status due to its consistent release of new features, especially in device discovery and case management. And Forescout’s innovative offerings and robust device discovery capabilities make it stand out as a Leader. With a more concentrated focus on mobile device security and ASM, Forescout has the potential to further elevate its position within the market.

Fortinet, FortiXDR

Solution Overview
Fortinet, a well-recognized name in the cybersecurity industry, extends its capabilities into the XDR space with FortiXDR, a direct outcome of its enSilo acquisition. This integration harnesses FortiEDR to deliver substantial coverage across all popular OS platforms, seamlessly aligning with Fortinet’s security fabric. The platform distinguishes itself with a robust case management system, superior risk prioritization leveraging AI/ML, and commendable cloud security features.

Strengths
FortiXDR’s core strengths lie in risk prioritization and cloud security, where its use of AI/ML provides advanced threat scoring and insightful risk analysis. This capacity for nuanced risk prioritization significantly curtails the rate of false positives, enhancing the overall efficiency of security operations. The platform’s data retention policy is both generous and flexible, catering to a range of customer needs. Furthermore, its scalability and flexibility, empowered by native EDR and cloud capabilities, present Fortinet as a highly versatile cybersecurity solution.

Challenges
The absence of mobile device security is a notable gap in Fortinet’s otherwise robust offering, potentially leaving a critical attack vector unaddressed. Additionally, the platform’s ecosystem, while closely integrated within the Fortinet security fabric, demonstrates limitations in broader openXDR interoperability, potentially hindering extensive third-party collaboration.

Purchase Considerations
Organizations contemplating FortiXDR need to weigh the platform’s advanced risk prioritization and cloud security features against the absence of mobile security and external ASM capabilities. Fortinet’s straightforward pricing model, particularly beneficial for existing Fortinet customers, alongside its ease of deployment for integrated solutions, positions FortiXDR as an appealing option for those seeking an efficient and flexible cybersecurity solution within the Fortinet ecosystem.

Fortinet’s XDR solution is especially suitable for entities requiring comprehensive OS platform coverage, advanced risk analysis, and substantial cloud security initiatives. It will appeal to organizations with an existing Fortinet security infrastructure seeking to leverage integrated cybersecurity capabilities and those prioritizing a streamlined investigative and detection process within their security operations.

Radar Chart Overview
Fortinet’s placement as a Fast Mover in the Innovation/Platform Play quadrant of the Challenger ring, edging closer to the Leader segment, underscores its rapid evolution and ambitious strategy within the cybersecurity domain. FortiXDR’s deployment capitalizes on AI-driven risk prioritization and cloud security, asserting Fortinet’s strength in these key areas. However, its path toward broader market leadership may necessitate an expanded focus on mobile security and enhancing its ecosystem for greater openXDR compatibility. Such strategic moves could further propel Fortinet into the Leaders circle and accelerate its ascent in the competitive XDR landscape.

Microsoft, Defender XDR

Solution Overview
ndustry, has carved out a unique position in the cybersecurity market with its XDR solution. The platform stands out for its robust support of Windows, macOS, and Linux with, naturally, a particularly strong affinity for Windows environments. Microsoft’s approach to device discovery and case management is methodical, enabling efficient asset categorization and centralized incident data storage.

Strengths
Microsoft’s Defender XDR excels in device discovery and case management, with automated processes aiding in the rapid resolution of security incidents. The data retention flexibility and the seamless ecosystem integration within Azure and Windows environments stand out as notable advantages. Moreover, the platform’s affordability for clients already leveraging Azure makes it a cost-effective option for many organizations, underscoring Microsoft’s strategic advantage within its established customer base.

Challenges
The platform’s emphasis on the Windows environment, while a strength for some, translates into scalability and flexibility challenges for those operating outside the Microsoft ecosystem. Mobile device security, although present, offers only limited preventative capabilities. Similarly, aspects like risk prioritization lack the depth of client-specific context found in competing solutions, indicating room for improvement in delivering a more customized security posture.

Purchase Considerations
Organizations deeply integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem, particularly those using Azure, will find the XDR solution to be a likely seamless and financially sensible addition to their cybersecurity toolkit. However, businesses with diverse IT environments or those less reliant on Windows may need to carefully evaluate the platform’s compatibility with their existing infrastructure and security requirements. The solution’s ease of use and ecosystem reach should also be considered, given the mixed reviews on usability and the platform’s strengths within the Microsoft-centric environments.

Microsoft’s XDR solution is optimally positioned for organizations predominantly operating within the Windows and Azure ecosystems that are seeking to bolster their security posture with a solution that integrates easily into their existing Microsoft investments. It is particularly appealing for businesses looking for comprehensive device discovery, automated case management, and flexible data retention capabilities.

Radar Chart Overview
As a Fast Mover in the Maturity/Feature Play quadrant, within the Challenger ring, Microsoft’s positioning reflects its stature in the tech landscape and its dynamic approach to extending its cybersecurity offerings. The solution’s coverage across multiple operating systems, along with its detailed device discovery and case management features, underscores its leadership potential. However, its primary focus on the Microsoft ecosystem and the limitations in mobile device security and client-specific risk prioritization highlight areas for improvement. Microsoft’s strategic alignment with Azure provides a competitive edge for customers within its ecosystem, though broadening its appeal outside this base remains a challenge.

NetWitness, XDR

Solution Overview
NetWitness, which evolved significantly after its acquisition by RSA, offers strong EDR capabilities, though it trails slightly behind vendors like CrowdStrike and SentinelOne in this regard. A notable strength is its comprehensive device discovery, which draws on diverse data sources, including endpoint telemetry and behavior analytics, to create a detailed organizational asset and identity view. Incident management within NetWitness is streamlined through an effective workflow that aggregates events and integrates metadata, enhancing event correlation.

Strengths
NetWitness distinguishes itself with a vast array of integrations, supporting the broad and diverse data acquisition strategy vital for comprehensive threat analysis. Its scalability ensures that the platform can accommodate growth efficiently, making it suitable for organizations of various sizes. A user-friendly design, emphasizing visualization and straightforward integration processes, aids in reducing the complexity typically associated with security platforms. The robust ecosystem, enhanced through RSA partnerships, provides a solid foundation for extending capabilities beyond the core offering.

Challenges
The platform’s primary limitations are its nascent mobile device security features, which rely on external services for data ingestion, and the segregation of cloud security into an additional product offering. These elements might require further investment for organizations seeking an all-encompassing security posture. The absence of ASM functionality might also limit its appeal to customers looking for more proactive security policy management and exposure analysis.

Purchase Considerations
When considering NetWitness, organizations should evaluate their need for comprehensive mobile and cloud security solutions and whether the addition of third-party services to fill these gaps aligns with their operational and financial goals. However, the platform’s extensive integration capabilities and scalability make it a compelling choice for enterprises aiming to consolidate and enhance their threat detection and incident response processes. Potential buyers should also assess the value of the RSA ecosystem and its integrations, ensuring that these align with their existing or planned security infrastructure.

NetWitness is best suited for enterprises and organizations that prioritize a strong foundation in EDR, device discovery, and incident management, along with the flexibility to scale as their security needs evolve. Its extensive integration library and customizable data retention strategies make it particularly attractive for companies looking to leverage a diverse set of data sources for security analytics.

Radar Chart Overview
As a Fast Mover in the Maturity/Platform Play quadrant’s Challenger ring, NetWitness’s placement underscores its commitment to advancing its capabilities and addressing the dynamic challenges in the cybersecurity landscape. While it demonstrates strengths in data ingestion, scalability, and its ecosystem, the platform’s trajectory towards broader market leadership may depend on enhancing its mobile security capabilities and integrating cloud security features more directly into its core solution. The continued expansion of its integration library and the emphasis on user-friendly operation can further solidify its competitive stance.

Nokia, NetGuard Cybersecurity Dome XDR

Solution Overview
Nokia, a global tech leader with a focus on the networking and telecommunications sector, has made significant strides in the XDR domain over the past year. Its flagship offering, the NetGuard Cybersecurity Dome, stands out as a comprehensive solution tailored to the telecom industry, addressing the intricate security needs of 5G, internet of things (IoT), and cloud networks.

This solution comprises multiple components including EDR, network entity discovery, case management, and mobile device security, reflecting Nokia’s holistic approach to network security. Unlike standalone products from several other vendors here, the NetGuard Cybersecurity Dome is part of a larger portfolio that incorporates AI/ML technologies, real-time threat detection, and dynamic risk prioritization. Unique in its vendor-agnostic topology modeling and use of AI for security analytics, Nokia’s solution is designed to seamlessly integrate with multiple network ecosystems, offering noteworthy scalability and flexibility.

Strengths
Organizations considering adopting Nokia’s NetGuard Cybersecurity Dome will find strengths in its holistic coverage, scalability, and AI integration. The solution received high scores in case management, mobile device security, scalability, flexibility, and ease of use. These high scores are attributable to Nokia’s incorporation of AI/ML for detection and automated incident creation, along with a scalable, cloud-native architecture ideal for critical 5G networks. Its superiority in handling telecom-specific use cases, coupled with a user-friendly interface that automates several security management processes, positions Nokia as an attractive choice for telecom operators. Additionally, the tool’s ability to provide actionable insights through visual analytics further enhances its appeal.

Challenges
Features such as data ingestion and cloud security received comparatively lower scores, highlighting potential areas for improvement. Nokia’s current adoption of basic ASM functions, rather than embrace of advanced ASM technologies, also points to a potential gap in addressing the full spectrum of network security needs. These issues may affect organizations looking for highly specialized cloud security solutions or those prioritizing advanced ASM capabilities.

Purchase Considerations
When contemplating the NetGuard Cybersecurity Dome, it is crucial for organizations to consider the comprehensive nature of Nokia’s solution against their specific network security requirements. While Nokia offers a tiered pricing model that accommodates varying ingest and storage needs, prospective buyers should evaluate the long-term cost implications of extending beyond the standard data retention offering. Additionally, organizations should assess their readiness to integrate with Nokia’s ecosystem of partners to leverage the full capabilities of the solution.

Nokia’s cybersecurity solution works for SMBs, though it is predominantly geared towards telecom operators and organizations with critical network infrastructure, especially those transitioning to or already operating within 5G environments. Its broad focus encompasses a range of use cases from real-time threat detection to regulatory compliance and incident management, making it suitable for a wide spectrum of industries reliant on secure and resilient network operations.

Radar Chart Overview
Nokia’s classification as an Outperformer in the Maturity/Platform Play quadrant results from its extensive experience in the telecom sector and comprehensive approach to security. It offers scalable, flexible, and effective cybersecurity solutions, powered by AI, for a variety of telecom-specific requirements, distinguishing it as a Leader in its domain. It’s positioned close to the Innovation half due to its continuous innovation and adaptation of cutting-edge technologies within its portfolio. It’s a mature vendor but is constantly evolving to meet the dynamic needs of cybersecurity.

Palo Alto Networks, Cortex XDR

Solution Overview
Palo Alto Networks offers a robust platform with a particular emphasis on protecting enterprise networks, cloud environments, and endpoints. Its comprehensive suite includes key components like EDR, device discovery, and case management, integrated through the Cortex platform. This solution is not a standalone product but a part of a larger ecosystem designed to help customers build a unified security posture across an organization’s entire digital footprint.

What sets Palo Alto Networks apart is its focus on leveraging both in-house and third-party threat intelligence to inform its risk prioritization and case management capabilities, ensuring a well-rounded approach to cybersecurity. Despite lacking mobile device security, it has strengths in scalability, ease of use, and ecosystem.

Strengths
Palo Alto Networks excels in case management, using its CAE (causality engine) to provide nuanced insights into security events, and scalability, ensuring its solutions cater to both large and small organizations efficiently. The platform’s ease of use, along with intuitive interfaces and comprehensive support, along with a substantive ecosystem bolstered by a wide range of integration partners, further solidify its position. These features make it particularly appealing for organizations seeking a solution that protects as well as provides clarity and actionable insights into their security posture.

Challenges
Mobile device security is noticeably absent, marking a significant area for potential improvement, and the solution’s effectiveness in cloud security, although available, requires an add-on, suggesting room for better integration. Additionally, the flexibility of the solution, despite being rated favorably, is hindered by limitations in out-of-the-box integrations and mobile support, potentially impacting organizations with extensive mobile device usage.

Purchase Considerations
Organizations considering Palo Alto Networks will find its pricing model centered around the volume of data ingested and the number of endpoints, necessitating a careful evaluation of their expected data usage to avoid excessive costs. The flexibility offered, while commendable, should also be weighed against specific integration needs and mobile device security requirements, which could influence the overall effectiveness of the platform for some enterprises.

Palo Alto Networks is best suited for enterprises looking for a comprehensive cybersecurity solution that encompasses network, cloud, and endpoint security. Its scalability makes it ideal for both large corporations and smaller businesses, while the platform’s extensive integrations and ecosystem serve organizations with diverse digital assets seeking to streamline their security architecture.

Radar Chart Overview
Palo Alto Networks’ positioning in the Maturity/Platform Play quadrant as a Fast Mover within the Challenger ring highlights its established presence in the cybersecurity field and its ability to keep pace with rapidly evolving security threats. The company’s continuous enhancements, particularly in case management via the causality engine and its scalable architecture, demonstrate its commitment to advancing its solutions. Despite challenges, such as the lack of built-in mobile device security, its ongoing development that incorporates feedback and integrates new technologies pushes the boundaries of traditional cybersecurity solutions.

Qualys, Context XDR

Solution Overview
Qualys, recognized for its deep roots in vulnerability management, extends its expertise into the cybersecurity space with features including an EDR solution. Though not leading the space, its EDR offers comprehensive coverage for major operating systems, underlining its commitment to solid security fundamentals. However, the solution is perceived as an entrant in some aspects, notably due to the absence of mobile device security. Qualys’ approach integrates well with existing IT ecosystems by offloading case management to external ticketing platforms. The solution is a part of Qualys’ broader portfolio, signaling a mature platform approach, yet with notable gaps compared to sector leaders.

Strengths
Qualys’ core strength lies in its risk prioritization capabilities, leveraging its heritage in vulnerability management to bring nuanced, data-driven insights into the cybersecurity domain. Also, its data ingestion prowess stands out, benefiting from a strong backend. The pricing model is another plus, characterized by simplicity and the inclusion of product support, making it financially appealing for a range of organizations. These strengths underline why an organization aiming for a solid foundation in vulnerability and risk management might lean towards Qualys.

Challenges
The absence of features like mobile device security is an area where Qualys lags behind some of its peers. Its decision to externalize case management may lead to integration challenges for organizations preferring a unified solution. Additionally, average scalability and limited ecosystem integrations further limit its appeal to enterprises seeking expansive, scalable, and integrable security solutions.

Purchase Considerations
Potential purchasers should understand the limitations in mobile security and case management within Qualys’ cybersecurity offerings. While its competitive pricing and strong support infrastructure present a compelling case for SMBs with standard requirements, larger enterprises or those with complex, mobile-centric environments might need to evaluate additional solutions or integrations to fill these gaps.

Qualys is best suited for organizations looking for a strong foundation in vulnerability management and risk prioritization without the immediate need for mobile device security or built-in case management. It serves sectors that demand rigorous vulnerability assessment and are less reliant on mobile device integration for their security posture.

Radar Chart Overview
Qualys’ position as a Fast Mover in the Entrant ring is chiefly due to its missing advanced features like mobile device security or low scores on them. Despite this gap, its Fast Mover status is attributed to Qualys’ capacity to evolve within its areas of strength, particularly around data ingestion and vulnerability-driven risk assessment, promising areas for potential growth and enhancement in its cybersecurity offerings.

SentinelOne, Singularity XDR

Solution Overview
SentinelOne stands out in the cybersecurity landscape with its innovative approach to EDR, having made a profound impact on the market since its inception. Its EDR solution, recognized for its cutting-edge capabilities, provides comprehensive endpoint protection with a focus on leveraging machine learning and automation for enhanced security. SentinelOne employs a unique STAR case management system that narrates security events, making them more understandable for users.

Strengths
The standout feature of SentinelOne is its EDR component, often hailed as one of the best in the industry, thanks to its innovative use of AI. The platform’s ease of use is exceptional, attributed to its intelligent automation and user-friendly interfaces. SentinelOne’s STAR case management further enhances its appeal by providing security event narratives that are simple to follow. Additionally, its mobile device security is robust and its ability to be flexible with regard to data retention is a stand out feature.

Challenges
Despite its strong EDR, mobile security, and case management features, SentinelOne’s solution has notable areas for improvement. Its cloud security offerings at present are not as extensive as competitors offer. ASM is not a feature in the solution or the broader platform.

Purchase Considerations
Organizations considering SentinelOne need to closely evaluate their specific security needs against the solution’s offerings. Potential buyers should also weigh the importance of cloud security. That said, the simplicity and scalability of SentinelOne could play to the advantage of businesses prioritizing ease of use and efficient endpoint management.

SentinelOne is especially suited for organizations prioritizing endpoint security with a need for strong EDR capabilities and an appreciation for intuitive, story-based case management. Its best use case lies with enterprises that have a heavy reliance on endpoint integrity and are looking for scalable, easy-to-use cybersecurity solutions.

Radar Chart Overview
SentinelOne is positioned in the Leaders ring of the Maturity/Platform Play quadrant. This reflects the solution’s established presence in the cybersecurity field and its high scores across the criteria we evaluated. The Fast Mover status indicates its ongoing efforts to advance and adapt in a fiercely competitive environment, despite the challenges and gaps identified.

Sophos, XDR

Solution Overview
Sophos, a key player in the cybersecurity field, offers a unique, modular approach to XDR with a selection of à la carte options that let clients tailor the solution to their specific needs. The platform delivers respectable EDR capabilities and is especially robust on Windows and Linux platforms, while providing moderate coverage for macOS. Sophos stands out for its device discovery and solid case management features, ensuring comprehensive event consolidation and forensic analysis across integrated technologies.

Strengths
Sophos’ distinct advantage lies in its holistic approach to mobile device security and cloud security, providing comprehensive protection when additional components are integrated. The platform’s case management system is adept at surfacing relevant data for investigations, and its intuitive user interface simplifies complex threat analyses. With a straightforward cost structure and support included, Sophos offers a clear value proposition, particularly for existing customers looking to expand their security capabilities within the Sophos ecosystem.

Challenges
The platform’s scalability is somewhat constrained by its limited macOS support. Additionally, the absence of ASM within the solution points to a gap in the proactive policy adjustment and exposed attack surface identification capabilities.

Purchase Considerations
The platform’s modular nature may appeal to those looking for specific security enhancements, particularly in mobile and cloud security, while considerations around the broader IT environment integration and macOS support might influence the decision-making process.

Sophos’ XDR solution is particularly suited to medium-sized businesses and organizations with a heavy emphasis on Windows and Linux environments seeking to customize their security posture with targeted Sophos solutions. The platform is also attractive for companies requiring advanced mobile device protection and those ready to invest in cloud security capabilities through the Sophos ecosystem.

Radar Chart Overview
As a Fast Mover in the Maturity/Feature Play quadrant within the Challenger ring, Sophos’ positioning underscores its agile response to evolving cybersecurity threats through a unique, modular offering. The designation reflects both the platform’s well-established feature set and its dynamic approach to incorporating user feedback and technology trends into its offerings. While the focus on the Sophos ecosystem provides a coherent and integrated experience, it also signifies an area for broader ecosystem engagement and enhanced macOS support, aligning Sophos’ trajectory with the diverse and expanding requirements in cybersecurity.

Stellar Cyber, XDR

Solution Overview
Stellar Cyber distinguishes itself in the cybersecurity landscape through its expansive approach to XDR. While the platform itself does not offer a proprietary EDR solution, it boasts profound integration capabilities with all major EDR vendors, enhancing its versatility and comprehensive coverage. Stellar Cyber’s innovative device discovery process is accentuated by MITRE TTP tagging, facilitating a nuanced understanding of device risks. With an advanced risk prioritization framework and extensive data ingestion capabilities, Stellar Cyber ensures high-fidelity alert scoring and seamless integration with over 500 data sources, making it likely the most integration-friendly solution in the XDR space.

Strengths
Stellar Cyber’s key strengths include its unparalleled integration library and data ingestion capabilities, ensuring a highly flexible and customizable security operations experience. The platform’s case management and risk prioritization features provide clear, actionable insights, streamlining the incident response process. Additionally, its ecosystem stands out as the broadest in the field, offering deep partnerships and integrations that enhance its capabilities beyond its core offerings.

Challenges
The main challenge for Stellar Cyber lies in its minimal cloud security features, which require leveraging integrations with partner products for comprehensive coverage. The current lack of ASM within the product may also limit its appeal to organizations looking for an all-in-one solution. However, with plans to introduce ASM capabilities, Stellar Cyber is poised to address this gap.

Purchase Considerations
Organizations evaluating Stellar Cyber should consider the platform’s exceptional flexibility and integration capabilities, which are particularly valuable for environments with existing cybersecurity investments looking to consolidate their security operations. The choice between pricing based on assets or ingestion offers customization to fit various organizational needs. Potential buyers should also assess their cloud security requirements and determine how Stellar Cyber’s ecosystem can complement these through integrations.

Stellar Cyber is ideally suited to medium to large enterprises seeking a highly integration-friendly and flexible XDR solution capable of leveraging existing cybersecurity tools and infrastructure. Its comprehensive case management and risk prioritization make it a fit for organizations prioritizing streamlined incident response and threat intelligence.

Radar Chart Overview
Stellar Cyber’s position as a Fast Mover in the Maturity/Platform Play quadrant’s Leaders ring accentuates its dynamic approach to cybersecurity and its readiness to adapt to and incorporate emerging technologies and integrations. This positioning also underscores the platform’s maturity, marked by its broad ecosystem and advanced feature set, alongside its agility in responding to evolving security threats. Stellar Cyber’s leadership in the XDR space is further solidified by its commitment to enhancing usability, scalability, and integration depth, setting a high benchmark for competitors and illustrating a path of continuous innovation and customer-focused development.

Trellix, XDR

Solution Overview
Trellix is a formidable contender in the cybersecurity realm with its advanced EDR solution, ranking it among the top three in the sector. This platform distinguishes itself by offering comprehensive asset identification across diverse systems, enhanced case management through unified visibility, and sophisticated mobile device security using machine learning.

While Trellix’s cloud security and ASM features are available within the platform, they’re not integrated directly into the XDR solution, indicating a modular yet cohesive security approach. The solution excels in scalability, flexibility, and integration capabilities, and delivers a seamless experience for managing cybersecurity threats across various environments.

Strengths
Trellix’s strong suit is its exceptional EDR capabilities, providing top-tier endpoint protection. The solution’s scalability enables automatic adjustment to telemetry surges, ensuring consistent performance. Mobile security is notably robust, with on-device machine learning offering advanced attack detection. Additionally, Trellix’s flexibility in handling multivector, multivendor detection, and its cohesive ecosystem offering numerous integrations are significant advantages for organizations looking for a comprehensive cybersecurity solution that can adapt to a variety of threats and technologies.

Challenges
The solution’s risk prioritization and cloud security features, which scored a 3, suggest there’s room for enhancement to achieve a more integrated and comprehensive threat assessment and protection capability directly within the XDR solution. Similarly, while ASM capabilities are present, their separation from the core XDR offering may require additional steps for users to leverage these features fully.

Purchase Considerations
Prospective buyers should weigh Trellix’s competitive advantages, such as its EDR strength and scalability, against areas like risk prioritization and cloud security that may require supplemental tools or processes. The licensing model, centered around annual subscriptions per user, necessitates an evaluation of long-term costs relative to the size and needs of the organization. Lastly, businesses should consider the ease of integration with existing security investments and the potential to streamline workflows through automation and orchestration provided by Trellix.

Trellix is ideally suited to medium to large enterprises that prioritize endpoint security and require a solution capable of scaling to meet fluctuating demands. Organizations with a diverse set of technologies and vendors will benefit from Trellix’s extensive ecosystem and multivendor detection capabilities, making it a compelling option for those seeking to consolidate security operations and enhance detection, investigation, and response efficiency across their digital landscape.

Radar Chart Overview
As a Fast Mover inside the Leaders ring, Trellix’s positioning underscores its dynamic abilities to address cybersecurity challenges with its XDR solution. The platform’s comprehensive capabilities, from its acclaimed EDR feature to its robust mobile device protection and scalable architecture, demonstrate why it is recognized as a Leader. The position in the Maturity/Platform Play quadrant reflects its established presence and depth of cybersecurity expertise, while its Fast Mover status highlights the company’s speed in adapting and extending its capabilities to meet emerging security needs and integration requirements, setting Trellix apart from the competition.

6. Analyst’s Outlook

The XDR market is rapidly evolving. With the increasing complexity of cyberthreats and the expansion of digital footprints across cloud, mobile, and traditional environments, XDR solutions have emerged as critical tools in the arsenal of modern IT security teams. These platforms offer an integrated approach to detection, investigation, and response, leveraging extensive data ingestion, advanced analytics, and unified incident management capabilities to provide a consolidated view of an organization’s security posture.

For IT decision-makers embarking on the journey to understand and potentially adopt an XDR solution, a good starting point is to recognize the diversity within the market. Solutions vary significantly in their focus areas—some prioritize endpoint detection and response, while others excel in network or cloud security; some vendors also provide a better fit for mid-market or smaller organizations. The key is to assess your organization’s specific needs, vulnerabilities, and existing security infrastructure to identify an XDR solution that complements and enhances your security capabilities. Understanding the nuances of data integration capabilities, scalability, ease of use, and the depth of the vendor’s ecosystem is paramount.

For organizations considering XDR solutions, the next steps involve a deep dive into the specific security challenges facing your organization and mapping these against the capabilities offered by various XDR platforms. Evaluate vendors on their current offerings but also on their roadmap and vision for integration, scalability, and support for emerging technologies and platforms. Conduct a thorough proof of concept (PoC) to test the solution’s efficacy in your environment, and consider the vendor’s ecosystem partnerships as a critical component of future scalability and flexibility.

Looking ahead, the XDR market is poised for continued growth and innovation, with cloud security and AI-driven threat detection and response at the forefront of evolution. As organizations navigate the complexities of securing hybrid work environments and protecting against increasingly sophisticated cyberthreats, the demand for integrated, intelligent, and user-friendly XDR solutions will escalate. To prepare for this future, IT decision-makers should focus on building a robust, agile security infrastructure that can adapt to new threats and technologies. Investing in solutions that offer comprehensive coverage, from endpoints to the cloud, and that can seamlessly integrate with existing security tools, will be crucial for safeguarding against tomorrow’s cybersecurity challenges.

Understanding your organization’s unique needs, conducting thorough vendor evaluations, and staying abreast of market evolutions are key steps in adopting the right XDR solution to bolster your cybersecurity defenses in an ever-changing threat landscape.

To learn about related topics in this space, check out the following GigaOm Radar reports:

• GigaOm Radar for Endpoint Detection and Response
• GigaOm Radar for Attack Surface Management
• GigaOm Radar for Continuous Vulnerability Management

7. Methodology

*Vendors marked with an asterisk did not participate in our research process for the Radar report, and their capsules and scoring were compiled via desk research.

For more information about our research process for Key Criteria and Radar reports, please visit our Methodology.

8. About Chris Ray

Chris Ray is a veteran of the cyber security domain. He has a collection of experiences ranging from small teams to large financial institutions. Additionally, Chris has worked in healthcare, manufacturing, and tech. More recently, he has acquired an extensive amount of experience advising and consulting with security vendors, helping them find product-market fit as well as deliver cyber security services.

9. About GigaOm

GigaOm provides technical, operational, and business advice for IT’s strategic digital enterprise and business initiatives. Enterprise business leaders, CIOs, and technology organizations partner with GigaOm for practical, actionable, strategic, and visionary advice for modernizing and transforming their business. GigaOm’s advice empowers enterprises to successfully compete in an increasingly complicated business atmosphere that requires a solid understanding of constantly changing customer demands.

GigaOm works directly with enterprises both inside and outside of the IT organization to apply proven research and methodologies designed to avoid pitfalls and roadblocks while balancing risk and innovation. Research methodologies include but are not limited to adoption and benchmarking surveys, use cases, interviews, ROI/TCO, market landscapes, strategic trends, and technical benchmarks. Our analysts possess 20+ years of experience advising a spectrum of clients from early adopters to mainstream enterprises.

GigaOm’s perspective is that of the unbiased enterprise practitioner. Through this perspective, GigaOm connects with engaged and loyal subscribers on a deep and meaningful level.

10. Copyright

© Knowingly, Inc. 2024 "GigaOm Radar for Extended Detection and Response (XDR)" is a trademark of Knowingly, Inc. For permission to reproduce this report, please contact sales@gigaom.com.