Symantec Endpoint Encryption and Microsoft BitLocker are both in the data security category, focusing on encryption solutions. Symantec Endpoint Encryption appears to have the upper hand in providing extensive enterprise features and integration capabilities, while BitLocker stands out for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness for Windows users.
Features: Symantec Endpoint Encryption offers enterprise-level security features, integrating cloud functionalities and messaging utilities for enhanced protection. It provides asset management precision and scalability, appealing to large-scale deployments. Meanwhile, Microsoft BitLocker delivers straightforward whole disk encryption, seamless integration with Windows systems, and offers flexible encryption methods like passphrase or smartcard.
Room for Improvement: Symantec Endpoint Encryption could improve by enhancing integration with non-Symantec products, streamlining updates to prevent decrypted states, and improving support services. Microsoft BitLocker could enhance cross-compatibility with non-Windows systems, simplify its deployment process, and improve its integration with third-party management tools.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Symantec Endpoint Encryption supports various deployment options but can be complex on-premises. Customer service experiences vary, with concerns about response times after Broadcom’s acquisition. Microsoft BitLocker is praised for easy integration with Windows environments, though technical support responsiveness is an area for enhancement considering its wide usage.
Pricing and ROI: Symantec Endpoint Encryption tends to have higher costs due to annual licensing and additional features, making it a premium option for enterprises seeking comprehensive security. Microsoft BitLocker, included with Windows, offers an economical choice with minimal extra costs for businesses using Windows Enterprise or Server editions, providing a strong ROI.
BitLocker is a full disk encryption solution that protects your data from theft, hacking, and loss. BitLocker achieves this by encrypting the entire drive that hosts your operating system and all your data. BitLocker can work on all operating systems, drives, or devices, including portable storage devices.
After BitLocker completes the data encryption, it generates a recovery key. Only those with the correct encryption key will be able to decrypt and access the encrypted files and information. Attempts to access secured data on premises or over the network will be met with either authentication prompts or error messages saying the data cannot be accessed.
BitLocker provides its users with peace of mind by improving security and reducing risks of critical data loss and intrusions.
Benefits of Microsoft BitLocker
Reviews from Real Users
Microsoft BitLocker stands out among its competitors for a number of reasons. Two major ones are its powerful encryption capabilities and its user-friendly user interface.
An ICT operations and security manager notes, “It is free and native to the OS. We don't have to worry about upgrades or maintaining the product. You encrypt the disk, and you save the recovery key. That's it. The person puts their password in, and after that, it is up to them. If they forget their password, they have to bring it in to get it unlocked.”
Kevin C., a director at Pathfinder, writes, “Theease of use is the most valuable feature. The ability to import data to build your frontend on top of the data is very simple and very useable.”
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