Small businesses choosing endpoint security must evaluate two powerful solutions that both focus on stopping threats at execution time, but differ significantly in their approach and capabilities. CrowdStrike Falcon offers a comprehensive cloud-native platform with integrated EDR and threat hunting, while Cylance provides AI-powered threat prevention with minimal system impact.
This comparison examines both solutions from a small business perspective, evaluating their effectiveness at execution-time protection, operational requirements, and long-term viability.
Quick Comparison: CrowdStrike provides comprehensive platform protection with 4-minute containment and 24/7 expert monitoring through Falcon Complete. Cylance offers ultra-lightweight AI analysis at execution with minimal system impact, but recent ownership changes create uncertainty.
Executive Summary
CrowdStrike Falcon
Enterprise-grade protection through a cloud-native platform combining next-gen antivirus, EDR, and threat intelligence. With industry-leading 4-minute detection times and 24/7 expert monitoring available through Falcon Complete, it’s ideal for businesses requiring comprehensive visibility and rapid incident response.
Cylance AI
Uses artificial intelligence to analyze and block threats at execution time with ultra-lightweight deployment. Recently acquired by Arctic Wolf from BlackBerry, Cylance emphasizes minimal system impact and mathematical modeling for threat detection, making it suitable for businesses requiring low-overhead endpoint protection.
Company Backgrounds
CrowdStrike: Cloud-Native Pioneer
Founded in 2011, CrowdStrike revolutionized endpoint security with its cloud-native Falcon platform. The company went public in 2019 and has consistently demonstrated strong financial performance, protecting over 29,000 customers globally. CrowdStrike’s threat intelligence stems from protecting Fortune 500 enterprises and government agencies worldwide.
Cylance: AI-First Heritage with Transition Challenges
Originally founded in 2012, Cylance pioneered AI-powered endpoint protection. BlackBerry acquired Cylance in 2019 for $1.4 billion, but the integration faced significant challenges. In 2024, Arctic Wolf acquired Cylance’s technology and customer base, creating uncertainty about long-term support and development roadmaps.
Execution-Time Protection Approaches
CrowdStrike: Comprehensive Platform Protection
- Real-time behavioral analysis with machine learning at execution
- Continuous monitoring with 4-minute average threat containment
- Integrated threat hunting and incident response
- Cloud-native architecture with instant updates
- Comprehensive attack timeline reconstruction
Cylance: AI-Powered Execution Analysis
- Mathematical models analyzing files at execution time
- AI-driven threat blocking during program launch
- Minimal signature dependence for threat identification
- Lightweight agent with ultra-low system impact
- Focused execution-time analysis with limited post-breach capabilities
Performance Metrics Comparison
| Capability | CrowdStrike Falcon | Cylance AI |
|---|---|---|
| Threat Response Speed | 4 minutes average containment | Real-time execution blocking |
| False Positive Rate | <0.1% | Variable (AI learning dependent) |
| System Impact | Minimal with cloud processing | Ultra-lightweight agent |
| Deployment Time | 15 minutes per endpoint | 10 minutes per endpoint |
| Offline Protection | 7+ days cached protection | Extended offline operation |
| Threat Intelligence | Real-time global feeds | Periodic model updates |
Small Business Considerations
Staffing Requirements
CrowdStrike Advantages:
- Falcon Complete provides 24/7 expert monitoring
- Automated response reduces staff burden
- Comprehensive training and support resources
- Clear escalation paths for complex threats
Cylance Considerations:
- Requires security expertise for configuration
- Limited native incident response capabilities
- Post-acquisition support uncertainty
- May need additional tools for complete coverage
Compliance Coverage
CrowdStrike Compliance:
- SOC 2 Type II certified
- FedRAMP Moderate authorized
- HIPAA, PCI DSS, and FFIEC aligned
- Comprehensive audit logging
Cylance Status:
- Basic compliance framework support
- Limited audit trail capabilities
- Uncertain compliance roadmap post-acquisition
- May require additional tools for full compliance
Pricing Structure Analysis
CrowdStrike Falcon Pricing
- Falcon Go: Entry-level protection starting at $8.99/endpoint/month
- Falcon Pro: Advanced EDR features at $15.99/endpoint/month
- Falcon Complete: Full MDR service at $25+/endpoint/month
- Annual commitments offer significant discounts
- Transparent pricing with clear feature differentiation
Cylance Pricing Model
- Traditional per-endpoint licensing
- Pricing varies significantly by deployment size
- Post-acquisition pricing uncertainty
- Additional costs for advanced features
- Limited transparency in current pricing structure
Decision Framework for Small Businesses
Choose CrowdStrike Falcon If:
- Your business requires comprehensive EDR capabilities
- You need 24/7 expert monitoring and response
- Compliance requirements demand detailed audit trails
- Your team lacks dedicated security expertise
- You want a unified platform for multiple security functions
- Budget allows for premium endpoint protection
Choose Cylance If:
- Ultra-lightweight execution-time protection is priority
- Your environment requires minimal system impact
- You have security expertise for configuration and management
- Budget constraints limit comprehensive platform options
- Offline operation is critical for your environment
- You’re comfortable with post-acquisition transition risks
Future-Proofing Considerations
CrowdStrike Roadmap
- Continued investment in AI and machine learning
- Expanding cloud security capabilities
- Enhanced automation and orchestration
- Growing threat intelligence network
- Proven track record of innovation
Cylance Uncertainty
- Arctic Wolf acquisition creates roadmap uncertainty
- Potential product integration or discontinuation
- Unknown investment levels in AI development
- Possible customer migration requirements
- Limited visibility into future development plans
Conclusion
For small businesses evaluating endpoint security solutions, CrowdStrike Falcon offers greater certainty, comprehensive capabilities, and expert support that reduces the burden on internal teams. While Cylance provides strong prevention capabilities with minimal system impact, the recent acquisition creates uncertainty about long-term viability and support.
Organizations with limited security expertise should prioritize CrowdStrike’s comprehensive platform and optional managed services. Businesses with strong internal security capabilities might consider Cylance for specific use cases, but should carefully evaluate post-acquisition risks and potential migration requirements.
The cybersecurity landscape demands solutions that can evolve with emerging threats. CrowdStrike’s proven track record, continuous innovation, and comprehensive support structure make it the safer choice for small businesses requiring reliable, long-term endpoint protection.
