Webroot vs. Symantec: Endpoint security software comparison

Symantec Endpoint Protection and Webroot Internet Security Plus 2022 are compelling security products intended to protect business systems. Learn the pros and cons of each security solution to make the best possible choice.

I’ve worked extensively with Symantec and Webroot products in my role as a Windows system administrator, and I’ve been consistently impressed with both. Security software must walk a fine line between commandeering sufficient system resources necessary to protect end users and data, but not consuming too much CPU and memory usage such that it adversely impacts system performance or, worse, inhibits the ability of people to get their jobs done. Nothing frustrates users more than a ham-handed security tool that causes them to jump through hoops to engage in legitimate efforts or makes them feel spied upon or even falsely accused.

Symantec Endpoint Protection and Webroot Internet Security Plus 2022 are both more than sufficient to meet the needs of most end users and IT and security administrators as the two products are reliable, unassuming and easy to use and administer; however, each has a set of features that may not be universally the same. Let’s take a look at the features of and contrasts between Symantec Endpoint Protection and Webroot Internet Security Plus 2022.

Symantec Endpoint Protection, also known as Endpoint Security, an evolved derivative of the Symantec Endpoint Protection workhorse, is now sold under the Broadcom name. Like virtually all of the antivirus products, it offers a lot more than simple malware protection. Symantec’s offering started out in 2007 and its feature set has grown steadily since then.

Symantec Endpoint Protection now includes the following features:

• Antimalware protection.
• Anti-spam controls.
• Ransomware protection.
• A centralized management function.
• Protection for virtual environments.
• Firewall component.
• Device and application control (such as restricting USB drive access).
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning capability to help detect and block threats.
• Intrusion prevention.
• Content filtering.
• Reporting.
• Data protection/backup.

Clients exist for Windows and Mac operating systems, but not mobile devices. This renders it more of an in-house security solution rather than an “on the go” product best suited for a more traditional workforce.

Price: The price of Symantec Endpoint Protection was last reported at $39.99 for an individual license but due to the transition in ownership prices may have fluctuated; you should contact a distributor for current or bulk rates.

What business is best suited for Symantec Endpoint Protection?

Symantec products are geared toward consumers and businesses, but Symantec Endpoint Protection is more of a corporate software set, as the centralized management capability would only benefit a business needed to manage hundreds or thousands of clients. The virtual environment protection is also not liable to be much of a draw for the average home consumer.

Webroot Internet Security Plus 2022 draws on nearly the same level of background expertise as Symantec Endpoint Protection, having debuted in 2008. It heralds these advantages:

• Antimalware protection.
• Ransomware protection.
• Anti-phishing protection.
• Firewall protection.
• Identify theft, online online shopping and online banking protection.
• Encrypted password management.
• Clients for Windows, Apple and Android (including tablets and mobile devices) as well as Chromebooks.
• Webcam protection.

Price: $29.99 for a 3-device home user license and starting at $150 for a five-device business user license.

What business is best suited for Webroot Internet Security Plus 2022?

While Webroot offers both consumer and business products, its feature set is best geared toward consumers or organizations with a diverse array of devices and minimal security requirements beyond the basics needed to protect end users and devices.

What are the main product contrasts between Webroot and Symantec?

Symantec offers more in the way of protecting business assets with a smaller set of available operating system clients, while Webroot’s focus is clearly more on protecting people’s identities, passwords and online transactions across a broader array of devices. Webroot has a more dedicated anti-phishing component than Symantec’s; while Symantec offers capability in that realm as part of its antispam function, it’s more of a bundled feature.

What should be the driving factors in my choice between Webroot and Symantec?

Based on typical organizational requirements, I would deploy Symantec to traditional large-scale businesses with a scalable set of end user Windows and Apple workstations that operate under predictable, generally similar conditions. The reporting and management functions are better suited for use on corporate-owned systems, and in an environment where user functionality can be separated out by role or group, Symantec has always excelled for me with its customizable features.

Webroot is obviously more focused on multiple and/or mobile devices conducting transactions that entail authentication to external sites, and is best suited toward an on-the-go workforce that relies heavily on secured devices to meet their needs when conducting financial or interpersonal interactions. This type of client works well for BYOD devices. It’s also stronger in the anti-phishing capability, but in either case user education on not clicking unknown or suspicious links will always be a valuable endeavor.

No security software is the end-all, be-all solution, so a strong administrative discipline in making sure the software operates as it should (preferably by ensuring it cannot be circumvented or disabled) and that users understand how to interact with it will always be an essential add-on to any product selection.