ExtraHop Vs Darktrace: 7 Major Differences With Examples

ExtraHop Vs Darktrace: Here are the seven major differences between ExtraHop and Darktrace with examples and in-depth analysis in each categories.

1. Overview of ExtraHop and Darktrace

ExtraHop

ExtraHop is a network detection and response (NDR) solution designed to secure enterprise networks from a variety of threats.

Leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms, it provides real-time visibility and high-fidelity insights into your network’s health.

ExtraHop identifies and addresses potential risks, including complex cyber threats that could impact the network’s security and performance.

Darktrace

Darktrace, on the other hand, is a leading artificial intelligence (AI) company for cyber defense. It’s popular for its Enterprise Immune System technology that emulates the human immune system to identify and neutralize cyber threats.

By applying machine learning and AI algorithms, Darktrace adapts and learns from your network, constantly evolving to keep pace with sophisticated cyber threats.

2. Core Technologies Behind ExtraHop and Darktrace

ExtraHop’s Core Technologies

Overview of Real-Time Analytics

ExtraHop’s real-time analytics function stands as a cornerstone of its threat detection and response capabilities. By performing continuous, real-time analysis of raw packets and flows, it offers a deep and comprehensive view of your network. This includes:

• Real-time metrics: Instantly processes network data for actionable insights.
• Unsampled data: Analyzes all network interactions without sampling for a comprehensive view.

Understanding Wire Data

At the heart of ExtraHop’s technology is “Wire Data.” Wire data is the data in motion across your network, and it’s a gold mine of operational intelligence. This information offers visibility into every single digital interaction happening in your network. By using wire data, ExtraHop provides:

• Full network transparency: Complete visibility of all activities in your network.
• Rich L2–L7 insights: Granular, high-fidelity insights from Layer 2 to Layer 7.

Details about AI Ops

ExtraHop leverages AI operations (AIOps) to provide automated and data-driven decision-making. It’s a combination of AI, machine learning, and data analytics, used to create self-learning networks. Here’s what you get with ExtraHop’s AIOps:

• Intelligent alerting: AI-driven predictive alerts for potential issues.
• Automated investigation: Automated root cause analysis saves time and effort.

Darktrace’s Core Technologies

Introduction to the Enterprise Immune System

At the core of Darktrace’s offerings is the Enterprise Immune System. This advanced AI-driven tech continuously learns and updates its understanding of a network’s normal ‘pattern of life’ to identify abnormalities. It offers:

• Self-learning capabilities: Learns and adapts to new threats on its own.
• Early detection: Catches nascent threats before they can cause significant damage.

AI Algorithms and Machine Learning

Darktrace uses proprietary machine learning and AI algorithms to learn from network behaviors and adapt defenses accordingly. This AI-driven approach enables:

• Adaptive response: Automatically responds to threats based on learned behaviors.
• Continual learning: Constantly evolves and adapts to new network behaviors and threats.

Darktrace Antigena and Autonomous Response

Darktrace Antigena is an autonomous response solution. Once a potential threat is detected, Antigena takes precise, proportionate actions to neutralize it. Features of Darktrace Antigena include:

• Automated actions: Takes action within seconds of threat detection.
• Proportional response: The response is tailored to the severity and type of threat.

Coming up next, we will delve into the comprehensive feature comparison between ExtraHop and Darktrace. This includes critical areas such as threat detection, investigation, response, and integration. Stay tuned!

2. Feature Comparison: ExtraHop vs Darktrace

Threat Detection

Threat detection forms the front line of any cybersecurity strategy. Let’s compare how ExtraHop and Darktrace perform in this critical area.

Threat Detection Features in ExtraHop

ExtraHop excels in providing real-time threat detection with features like:

• Real-time analytics: ExtraHop processes network data at a lightning-fast speed, allowing real-time threat detection.
• Wire data analytics: It leverages wire data for L2-L7 insights, making it possible to spot anomalies that would otherwise go unnoticed.
• AI-driven detections: ExtraHop’s AI identifies unusual behaviors and potential threats with high fidelity.

Threat Detection Features in Darktrace

Darktrace’s AI-driven threat detection offers:

• Enterprise Immune System: Darktrace’s AI creates a unique ‘pattern of life’ for your network, enabling it to spot any anomalies swiftly.
• Dynamic threat detection: The AI constantly learns from the network’s behavior, evolving its understanding to spot even the most sophisticated threats.
• Antigena threat detection: Antigena offers an autonomous threat detection capability that identifies threats in real time.

Threat Investigation

Threat investigation tools help pinpoint the root causes of threats and understand their full scope. Here’s how ExtraHop and Darktrace stack up.

Investigation Tools in ExtraHop

ExtraHop provides a rich set of investigation tools:

• Interactive records: Detailed records of transactions and flows aid in deep-dive investigations.
• Device-level visibility: Drill down into individual devices for granular insights.
• Automated investigation: Leverage AI for root cause analysis and faster resolution.

Investigation Tools in Darktrace

Darktrace’s investigation features are equally impressive:

• Visual Investigation Tools (VITs): Use visual representations of threats for easy analysis.
• 3D Threat Visualizer: Offers real-time, 3D threat visualization for an intuitive understanding of the network situation.
• Automated reports: Detailed reports provide insights into threat evolution and actions taken.

Threat Response

Effective threat response can mean the difference between a minor incident and a major breach. Here’s what ExtraHop and Darktrace offer.

Response Capabilities of ExtraHop

ExtraHop’s threat response features include:

• AI-guided workflows: Get guided workflows for efficient threat handling.
• Integrations with existing tools: Work with your existing SOAR and SIEM solutions for quick responses.
• Automatic quarantine: ExtraHop can automatically quarantine affected systems to minimize spread.

Response Capabilities of Darktrace

Darktrace’s response capabilities stand out with features like:

• Darktrace Antigena: This autonomous response solution takes action within seconds of threat detection.
• Proportional response: Actions taken are tailored to the severity and type of threat.
• Continuous adaptation: The system’s responses evolve as it learns from the network’s behavior.

Integration and Interoperability

For many organizations, the ability to work seamlessly with existing solutions is critical.

Integration Features of ExtraHop

ExtraHop offers extensive integrations:

• Open API: Use APIs to extract insights and send them to other platforms.
• Integration with SIEM and SOAR: ExtraHop integrates well with existing SIEM and SOAR solutions for streamlined operations.

Integration Features of Darktrace

Darktrace also offers robust integrations:

• Integration with third-party tools: Darktrace can work with your existing security stack to provide comprehensive security.
• API for custom integrations: Use the Darktrace API for custom integrations and data extraction.

3. Use Cases: ExtraHop vs Darktrace

Let’s explore some practical applications of these two robust platforms to gain a deeper understanding of their functionalities.

ExtraHop Use Cases

1. Network Performance Monitoring

ExtraHop shines in providing real-time analytics for network performance. IT teams can leverage this platform to diagnose performance issues, reduce downtime, and enhance overall network efficiency. By monitoring all network interactions, it helps pinpoint problem sources, ensuring minimal service disruption.

2. Threat Detection and Response

ExtraHop excels at detecting and responding to potential threats in real-time. Whether it’s malicious external attacks or internal anomalies, ExtraHop’s powerful AI can detect and alert IT teams immediately, providing an efficient first line of defense against cyber threats.

3. Cloud Migration and Management

ExtraHop is an excellent tool for businesses transitioning to or managing a cloud environment. It helps monitor cloud performance, secure data, and optimize resource allocation. With ExtraHop, businesses can ensure a seamless and secure transition to the cloud.

Darktrace Use Cases

1. Early Threat Detection

Darktrace’s self-learning AI excels in identifying and flagging threats at their initial stages. Its enterprise immune system can detect anomalies and potential threats that conventional methods might miss.

2. Automated Threat Response

With Darktrace Antigena, businesses have an autonomous response system that neutralizes threats even before human teams can intervene. This can be crucial in combating fast-moving cyber threats where time is of the essence.

3. IoT and OT Security

Darktrace’s AI-driven approach is also applicable to securing IoT and Operational Technology (OT) environments. It provides visibility and control over these interconnected devices, protecting your network from potential security vulnerabilities these technologies may introduce.

4. Pros and Cons: ExtraHop vs Darktrace

To get a balanced perspective, let’s examine the strengths and potential drawbacks of both platforms.

ExtraHop

Pros

• Real-time network analytics: Offers comprehensive, real-time insights into your network’s performance and security.
• High fidelity insights: Delivers granular, layer 2–7 insights for in-depth network visibility.
• Powerful AI: AI-driven predictive alerts and automated investigations help streamline network operations.

Cons

• Learning curve: Some users report that the platform can be complex to learn initially, especially for those without a strong background in network operations.
• UI improvements: User interface could be more intuitive. Advanced features may require technical expertise to navigate.

Darktrace

Pros

• Self-learning AI: Learns from your network to adapt its defenses, making it highly effective against evolving threats.
• Autonomous Response: Darktrace Antigena offers an automated response system, neutralizing threats swiftly.
• Wide application: Provides robust security not only for your IT network but also for IoT and OT environments.

Cons

• Cost: Darktrace can be quite expensive, especially for small to mid-sized businesses.
• Complexity: While powerful, the system’s complexity may require a steep learning curve, and smaller teams might struggle to leverage its full potential without sufficient training.

To wrap things up, both ExtraHop and Darktrace offer powerful, AI-driven cybersecurity solutions with their own unique strengths and potential downsides.

Your choice between the two would largely depend on your specific use cases, budget, and the expertise of your team.

5. Pricing Comparison: ExtraHop vs Darktrace

Price is often a deciding factor when choosing a cybersecurity solution. Let’s look at the pricing models for both ExtraHop and Darktrace.

ExtraHop’s Pricing Model

ExtraHop’s pricing is primarily based on the level of functionality needed and the size of the environment you wish to monitor. The company offers several versions of their product:

• ExtraHop Discover: Full-fledged network detection and response, which includes real-time analytics and AI-driven investigations.
• ExtraHop Command: A centralized management solution that consolidates data from multiple Discover appliances.
• ExtraHop Reveal(x) 360: A SaaS-based solution offering cloud-native network detection and response.

Each of these packages is available on an annual subscription basis. For a specific pricing quote, it’s best to contact ExtraHop’s sales team directly.

Darktrace’s Pricing Model

Like ExtraHop, Darktrace customizes its pricing based on the unique needs of each business. The size of the network and the number of devices to be protected are key factors in determining the cost. For detailed pricing, you’ll need to contact Darktrace’s sales team directly.

Comparing the Costs for Different Use Cases

Given the customized nature of pricing for both ExtraHop and Darktrace, a direct cost comparison is challenging without specifics. However, it’s crucial to consider the value each platform provides for your unique use cases. For instance, if real-time analytics and AI-driven network insights are critical for your operations, ExtraHop’s investment may prove highly valuable. On the other hand, if autonomous threat response and self-learning AI capabilities are more important, Darktrace might be worth the cost.

6. Customer Opinions and Reviews: ExtraHop vs Darktrace

Feedback from current and past users can give you a good sense of what it’s like to work with these platforms.

ExtraHop

Review Summary

ExtraHop receives positive feedback for its powerful real-time analytics and comprehensive network visibility. Users appreciate the granular insights and the proactive alerting system.

Common Praise

• Superior visibility: Users often commend ExtraHop’s ability to provide detailed insights into every corner of their network.
• Real-time analytics: The real-time nature of ExtraHop’s analytics has received high praise for its value in prompt threat detection and response.

Common Criticisms

• Steep learning curve: Some users find the platform complex and challenging to navigate initially, particularly those new to network operations.
• Interface could be more user-friendly: Some users feel the user interface could be more intuitive and easier to navigate.

Darktrace

Review Summary

Darktrace is lauded for its self-learning AI and early threat detection capabilities. Users also appreciate the automated response system, Darktrace Antigena.

Common Praise

• Effective AI: Users often praise Darktrace’s self-learning AI for its ability to adapt and improve over time.
• Autonomous response: The capability to autonomously respond to threats is highly appreciated by many users.

Common Criticisms

• Pricey: Some users find Darktrace to be expensive, especially for smaller businesses.
• Complexity: Darktrace’s complexity can be overwhelming for some, particularly smaller teams with limited resources.

7. Making the Choice: ExtraHop vs Darktrace

When choosing between ExtraHop and Darktrace, here are some factors to consider:

• Budget: Consider the cost of each platform and how it fits into your budget.
• Use cases: Align the solution with your unique use cases. Is real-time analytics or autonomous response more critical to you?
• Team expertise: Consider the technical expertise of your team. If your team is smaller or less experienced, a more user-friendly interface might be preferable.

ExtraHop Ideal Scenarios

• You need comprehensive, real-time visibility into your network operations.
• You want to leverage AI for intelligent alerting and automated investigations.
• Your business is migrating to or managing a cloud environment and requires a robust monitoring and security solution.

Darktrace Ideal Scenarios

• You want a system that learns from your network to adapt its defenses.
• You need an autonomous response system that acts swiftly to neutralize threats.
• You have a complex network environment with IoT and OT devices that require extra security attention.

In conclusion, both ExtraHop and Darktrace are powerful, capable platforms, each with its unique strengths. Your decision should be based on a thorough evaluation of your specific needs, budget, and the expertise available within your team.