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CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager vs Microsoft Defender for Business comparison

The compared CyberArk and Microsoft solutions aren't in the same category. CyberArk is ranked #3 in PAM , with an average rating of 8.6, and holds a 3.2% mindshare in the category. Microsoft is ranked #21 in EPP , with an average rating of 7.6, and holds a 2.0% mindshare. Additionally, 86% of CyberArk users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 87% of Microsoft users who would recommend it.
CyberArk Endpoint Privilege...
Read 38 CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager reviews
  • 3,979 Views
  • 1,194 Comparison Views
86% willing to recommend
Microsoft Defender for Busi...
Read 19 Microsoft Defender for Business reviews
  • 4,907 Views
  • 3,582 Comparison Views
87% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive Summary
We performed a comparison between CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager and Microsoft Defender for Business based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out what your peers are saying about CyberArk, Delinea, One Identity and others in Privileged Access Management (PAM).

DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE REPORT
To learn more, read our detailed Privileged Access Management (PAM) Report (Updated: July 2025).
Buyer's Guide
Privileged Access Management (PAM)
July 2025
Download the complete report
Helped 865,164 peers since 2012

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

ROI

Sentiment score
7.1
CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager enhances security, reduces risks and costs, saves resources, and protects sensitive information effectively.
Sentiment score
7.5
Microsoft Defender boosts productivity and security, integrating seamlessly with Office tools for significant budget savings despite ROI challenges.
Deploying CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager has secured the infrastructure, which saves money, time, and resources.
I consider CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager's return on investment to be good since it effectively accomplishes the goals expected from privilege access management solutions.
For more quotes and insights, download the CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager report
Using Microsoft Defender for Business results in cost reductions as it consolidates various features under one product, saving around 20% to 30% of the budget.
It is pretty good because it offers various features such as Exchange, OfficeSuite, OneDrive, and SharePoint.
The value I see in Microsoft Defender for Business is in its ability to track and respond to application usage and security threats through its CASB and automation features, which are cost-beneficial.
For more quotes and insights, download the Microsoft Defender for Business report
Sumit Chavan - PeerSpot reviewer
DR
MG
Vincent Gagnon - PeerSpot reviewer
AG
 

Customer Service

Sentiment score
6.2
CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager support is knowledgeable but needs improvements in response times, accessibility, and first-level assistance.
Sentiment score
5.2
Users have mixed reviews of Microsoft Defender's support, noting contact difficulties and inconsistent technical assistance despite good onboarding.
They respond immediately to our inquiries, resolve issues promptly, and provide valuable guidance, especially in critical situations.
We engage them when needed and receive prompt responses that typically resolve our issues.
Earlier, we received support for normal tickets within a day, but now it takes one or two days to resolve issues.
For more quotes and insights, download the CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager report
It is rated ten out of ten for its quality and assistance.
The onboarding support is exceptional, ensuring seamless integration and implementation.
Faster support is needed for endpoint security solutions.
For more quotes and insights, download the Microsoft Defender for Business report
Jayasree Sriram - PeerSpot reviewerreviewer2600361 - PeerSpot reviewerSumit Chavan - PeerSpot reviewer
NS
AG
AG
 

Scalability Issues

Sentiment score
7.7
CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager efficiently scales for large deployments, praised for growth-centered architecture despite integration complexities.
Sentiment score
8.2
Microsoft Defender for Business is scalable and effective across diverse environments, though special configurations might impact growth speed.
We can set permissions per team or department, allowing some teams to elevate specific applications while others have different permissions.
CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager is quite scalable.
The available reports and other security tools assist in scaling it according to my organization's needs.
For more quotes and insights, download the CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager report
The cloud-based nature of the solution ensures high scalability.
The scalability of Microsoft Defender for Business is rated as ten, indicating it is very scalable.
In terms of scalability, I would rate Microsoft Defender for Business a ten.
For more quotes and insights, download the Microsoft Defender for Business report
reviewer2600361 - PeerSpot reviewerJayasree Sriram - PeerSpot reviewer
GH
NS
MG
Takayuki-Umehara - PeerSpot reviewer
 

Stability Issues

Sentiment score
8.2
CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager is stable, with 99.99% uptime, reliable on Windows, needing console improvements and minimal memory.
Sentiment score
7.3
Microsoft Defender for Business is stable and reliable, with minimal crashes, but some report occasional bugs impacting stability.
It is a robust solution that has effectively supported our environment without major issues.
Since implementing it, we have not experienced any outages or stability issues.
CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager offers multiple options for creating and stopping policies.
For more quotes and insights, download the CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager report
No customer complaints about its functionality or reliability.
Although it generally works, there are occasional issues and errors that sometimes require a complete system format to rectify.
I would rate the stability of Microsoft Defender for Business with a three out of ten, where one is very bad.
For more quotes and insights, download the Microsoft Defender for Business report
Jayasree Sriram - PeerSpot reviewerreviewer2600361 - PeerSpot reviewerSumit Chavan - PeerSpot reviewer
NS
AG
Takayuki-Umehara - PeerSpot reviewer
 

Room For Improvement

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager needs improved integration, user interface, and pricing, along with enhanced compatibility and functionality.
Microsoft Defender for Business needs better reporting, integration, simplified interface, and enhanced features to address various limitations and concerns.
CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager could be improved by simplifying the administration process, specifically when setting up policies and applications.
Currently, no user-based policy option is available inside the EPM console.
Some features provided in the self-hosted version of EPM are not supported in the software as a service version, like connection to some analysis applied by Palo Alto.
For more quotes and insights, download the CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager report
Microsoft should provide batch management solutions with the application, integrating pass management with roles.
Features related to Advanced Persistent Threat detection vectors and cyber kill chain integrations are not available out-of-the-box.
There can be improvements in the user interface to make it more intuitive.
For more quotes and insights, download the Microsoft Defender for Business report
reviewer2600361 - PeerSpot reviewerSumit Chavan - PeerSpot reviewerMarek Neumann - PeerSpot reviewer
NS
KK
Wondimu Almu - PeerSpot reviewer
 

Setup Cost

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager's high pricing is justified by its quality, features, and appeal to large enterprises in finance.
Microsoft Defender for Business offers competitive pricing with enterprise value, though some users find costs high compared to competitors.
CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager is slightly expensive, but costs can be negotiated to become more competitive.
CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager is costly compared to other solutions.
I've received feedback that the pricing is high, however, for me, the value it brings is worth the cost.
For more quotes and insights, download the CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager report
Single-year pricing remains good.
The pricing is quite affordable at the enterprise level with no extra expenses noted.
The package with Business Premium is good for what you get for the price.
For more quotes and insights, download the Microsoft Defender for Business report
GH
Sumit Chavan - PeerSpot reviewer
PH
NS
MG
Vincent Gagnon - PeerSpot reviewer
 

Valuable Features

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager enhances security by managing privileges, integrating seamlessly, and preventing ransomware while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Microsoft Defender for Business integrates seamlessly with Microsoft products, offering comprehensive security, scalability, and user-friendly features for effective threat management.
CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager effectively reduces malicious content in applications by allowing us to identify and block dangerous applications.
It allows them to granularly manage controls to prevent some malicious activities on the endpoint machine.
CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager enhances computer security by providing minimal access, effectively preventing ransomware attacks.
For more quotes and insights, download the CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager report
The threat detection capabilities are robust, with a dedicated research team and a continuously updated threat feed.
Its vulnerability management is regarded as one of the best in the industry.
The most effective features of Microsoft Defender for Business include its threat detection and response capabilities in managing vulnerabilities and ransomware attacks.
For more quotes and insights, download the Microsoft Defender for Business report
Jayasree Sriram - PeerSpot reviewerreviewer1247523 - PeerSpot reviewer
GH
Wondimu Almu - PeerSpot reviewer
NS
MG
 

Categories and Ranking

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege...
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
6.8
Number of Reviews
38
Ranking in other categories
Endpoint Compliance (5th), Privileged Access Management (PAM) (3rd), Anti-Malware Tools (5th), Application Control (5th), Ransomware Protection (5th)
Microsoft Defender for Busi...
Average Rating
7.8
Reviews Sentiment
7.0
Number of Reviews
19
Ranking in other categories
Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) (21st), Microsoft Security Suite (17th)
 

Mindshare comparison

While both are Endpoint Security solutions, they serve different purposes. CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager is designed for Privileged Access Management (PAM) and holds a mindshare of 3.2%, down 3.8% compared to last year.
Microsoft Defender for Business, on the other hand, focuses on Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP), holds 2.0% mindshare, up 1.4% since last year.
Privileged Access Management (PAM)
Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP)
 

Featured Reviews

Sumit Chavan - PeerSpot reviewer
Helps secure the infrastructure and control users with admin rights
There are many features that are currently missing. A customization option is required for certain policies. For instance, if we need to stop PowerShell scripting, we have to create a different policy for that. Being able to create a sub-level policy within a top-level policy would be good. Currently, no user-based policy option is available inside the EPM console. We can only create computer-based policies. The database is available, but there is a drawback in not being able to create local groups on the EPM console. We only have to depend on Active Directory. This limits infrastructure security as we depend on the Active Directory team to manage user groups. If they remove any users, we lose control. If we could create groups locally and block them or set specific policies, we would have more control. Local endpoint management is missing from the EPM site. Moreover, there is an issue with policies not running as expected when we make enhancements. We have to find multiple ways to whitelist applications or enhance policies.
Read full review
Takayuki-Umehara - PeerSpot reviewer
Product deployment protects assets but needs improvement in system support
I am doing maintenance for Microsoft Defender for Business, and I'm currently working with it. We don't need to use the latest version of Microsoft Defender for Business. We still use the latest virus definition file that Microsoft Defender for Business has automatically updated. We implement a basic update mechanism. Our compliance division manages how many servers and PCs we have and whether those servers have antivirus solutions. I am not certain about how Microsoft Defender for Business helps with AI-driven security strategies. I just use it normally and don't know if it uses AI technology. I rate Microsoft Defender for Business a six out of ten.
Read full review
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
14%
Financial Services Firm
14%
Manufacturing Company
11%
Government
8%
Computer Software Company
18%
Comms Service Provider
8%
Retailer
7%
Government
7%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

Looking for recommendations and a pros/cons template for software to detect insider threats
This is an inside-out --- outside-in --- inside-in question, as an insider can be an outsider as well. There is no short answer other than a blend of a PAM tool with Behavioral Analytics and Endpo...
See all answers
What do you like most about CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager?
The most valuable feature of the solution is its performance.
See all answers
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager?
I believe it's quite a reasonably priced solution. It's not very common to use CyberArk because it's a niche solution, but customers who are willing to control administrative accounts are willing t...
See all answers
What do you like most about Microsoft Defender for Business?
A few things are valuable. One is the alerting we see when any kind of intrusion is happening, any kind of malware is being deployed across the endpoints, or any kind of suspicious activity is goin...
See all answers
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Microsoft Defender for Business?
Our thoughts on the pricing for Microsoft Defender for Business are that we wish it could be better. If the pricing was a little better, we would definitely increase what we currently have.
See all answers
What needs improvement with Microsoft Defender for Business?
Microsoft Defender for Business could improve by offering more of their offerings available in the basic tenants since not everyone has a budget for higher-level licenses, but everyone needs securi...
See all answers
 

Comparisons

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Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager
Compared 14% of the time
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Compared 10% of the time
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Compared 2% of the time
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Compared 19% of the time
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Compared 12% of the time
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Compared 4% of the time
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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager
August 2025
CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager reportDownload CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager product report
Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Defender for Business
August 2025
Microsoft Defender for Business reportDownload Microsoft Defender for Business product report
 

Also Known As

Viewfinity
No data available
 

Overview

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager, a critical and foundational endpoint control addresses the underlying weaknesses of endpoint defenses against a privileged attacker and helps enterprises defend against these attacks through removing local admin rights, enforcing least privilege, and implementing foundational endpoint security controls across all Windows, macOS and Linux endpoints from hybrid to cloud environments.

Click here for a free 30 day trial: CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager free trial

CyberArk

Microsoft Defender for Business is a new endpoint security solution that was designed especially for the small and medium-sized business (up to 300 employees). With this endpoint security solution, your company's devices are better protected from ransomware, malware, phishing, and other threats.

Microsoft
Buyer's Guide
Privileged Access Management (PAM)
July 2025
Download Free Report
Find out what your peers are saying about CyberArk, Delinea, One Identity and others in Privileged Access Management (PAM). Updated: July 2025.
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