Symantec Network Security vs Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance

by Gralio Feb 24, 2025

Symantec Network Security and Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance offer distinct security solutions. Symantec excels in protecting against web-based threats, while Microsoft focuses on data governance and compliance. Choose Symantec for robust web security and Microsoft for comprehensive data protection and regulatory compliance.

At Gralio.ai we help to simplify your decision-making process by offering detailed, side-by-side software comparisons like this one, to help you confidently choose the tool that aligns with your business goals.

This comparison was created by analysing 402 reviews and 60 websites, saving 2 hours, 44 minutes of reading.

Logo of Symantec Network Security
Logo of Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance

About

Symantec Network Security (formerly Symantec Web Protection Suite) provides cloud-based protection against internet threats for businesses. It offers comprehensive security features like web filtering, malware protection, and data loss prevention. This helps prevent unauthorized access, downloads, and data leaks. Symantec Network Security is designed to be easily managed through a single console, simplifying security operations for your business.
Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance is a comprehensive suite of tools designed to help mid-sized and larger businesses meet regulatory requirements and protect sensitive data. It provides features for data governance, risk management, and compliance, enabling your organization to manage and protect sensitive information effectively.

Summary

Main difference
Symantec Network Security focuses on protecting against internet threats like malware and phishing, while Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance focuses on data governance, risk management, and meeting regulatory requirements. Symantec is better for securing web browsing and downloads, whereas Microsoft excels at protecting sensitive data and ensuring compliance.

Relative strengths of Symantec Network Security (compared to Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance)

  • Strong web filtering and malware protection.

  • Centralized security management console simplifies operations.

  • Scalable for medium to large organizations.

Relative weaknesses of Symantec Network Security (compared to Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance)

  • Can be complex to set up initially.

  • High system requirements for management console.

  • Limited audit logs.

Who should use Symantec Network Security VS. Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance

Symantec Network Security offers cloud-based protection against internet threats, including malware and data loss. Users appreciate its comprehensive security features and centralized management console. However, some find the initial setup complex and dislike the limited audit logs. Best for businesses seeking robust web security.

Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance helps mid-sized and large businesses in regulated industries meet complex compliance requirements. Users praise its robust features and centralized data view but note the complex HIPAA setup and challenging integrations. It simplifies compliance management with AI-driven detection and customizable policies.

  • Ideal for small, medium, and large businesses.

  • Suitable for industries like Healthcare, Finance, Media, and IT.

  • Ideal for mid-sized and large enterprises.

  • Best fit for regulated industries, especially finance, healthcare, and software/IT.

Symantec Network Security and Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance features

Supported
Partially supported
Not supported
Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need
  • Access control
    Not supported

    Symantec Network Access Control manages network access but not data access.

    Partially supported

    Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance supports access control indirectly via data protection and compliance tools.

  • Threat detection
    Partially supported

    Symantec Network Security likely offers threat detection, but real-time capability isn't confirmed.

    Partially supported

    Microsoft 365 E5 offers real-time threat detection through separate Defender products.

  • SharePoint integration
    Not supported

    Symantec Network Security does not appear to integrate with SharePoint for document management automation.

    Supported

    Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance integrates with SharePoint for document and data management automation.

  • Data encryption
    Unknown

    Symantec Network Security encryption capabilities are unclear.

    Supported

    Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance encrypts sensitive data at rest and in transit using various technologies like BitLocker and TLS.

  • Incident response
    Partially supported

    Symantec offers robust incident response services and platforms like XDR, which could support network security incident response.

    Supported

    Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance supports incident response through various risk management and data governance features.

  • Compliance reporting
    Unknown

    Symantec Network Security might support compliance reporting, but it is not explicitly confirmed.

    Supported

    Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance offers tools like Compliance Manager and eDiscovery for generating reports to meet industry standards.

Qualities

  • Value and Pricing Transparency
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  • Customer Service
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  • Ease of Use
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  • Reliability and Performance
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  • Ease of Implementation
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  • Scalability
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Symantec Network Security and Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance Pricing
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We couldn't find a pricing page for Symantec Network Security.
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We couldn't find a pricing page for Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance.

Symantec Network Security and Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance review insights

Users love

  • Comprehensive protection for traditional and mobile devices.
  • Centralized security management through a single console.
  • Excellent threat protection and malware prevention.
  • Real-time threat response and remediation.
  • Flexible policy management and scripting through Management Center.
  • Granular URL filtering and SSL decryption capabilities.
  • Content caching and traffic optimization.
  • Scalable platform suitable for medium and large organizations.
  • Integration with threat intelligence databases (e.g., WebPulse, ThreatPulse).
  • Strong privacy controls help to protect user data during compliance investigations.
  • The user-friendly interface reduces the learning curve.
  • Robust compliance features meet regulatory compliance requirements.
  • Provides a centralized view of data assets for easy collaboration.
  • AI-driven detection and customizable policies make compliance easy.

Users dislike

  • Occasional agent reinstallations on endpoints required.
  • Initial setup can be complex and time-consuming for new users.
  • High RAM and storage requirements for Management Center.
  • Console lags and delays in service reflection on the dashboard.
  • Limited audit logs, hindering SOC audits and policy change tracking.
  • Lack of DNS proxy and automatic cluster synchronization.
  • Technical support and RMA services need improvement.
  • In-app upsells can be misleading.
  • Reporter requires substantial storage space.
  • HIPPA policy setup is complex and requires significant time investment.
  • Initial setup can be time consuming and complex.
  • Integration with non-Microsoft tools is complex and sometimes doesn't work.
  • Constant updates require significant effort to keep up with.
  • Too many places to set up labels and actions in 365 for the same purpose.

Symantec Network Security and Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance Ratings

  • G2
    4.3/5
    (186)
  • Glassdoor
    3.3/5
    (5224)
  • G2
    4.5/5
    (224)

Company health

Employee growth

15% decrease in the last year
3% increase in the last year

Web traffic

7% decrease in the last quarter
11% decrease in the last quarter

Financing

November 2017 - $100B
No data

How do Symantec's endpoint security features compare to Microsoft's data governance tools?

Symantec's endpoint security focuses on protecting against internet threats like malware and data loss through web filtering and other security measures. Microsoft's data governance tools, on the other hand, center on helping organizations meet regulatory compliance requirements and manage sensitive data through features like data discovery, classification, and retention policies. While both deal with data security, they address different aspects. Symantec aims to prevent external threats and data leakage, while Microsoft focuses on internal data management and compliance.

Which product offers better integration with existing Microsoft infrastructure?

Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance offers significantly better integration with existing Microsoft infrastructure. Its features list explicitly mentions integration with OneDrive and SharePoint. As a Microsoft product, it is designed to work seamlessly within the Microsoft ecosystem. Symantec Network Security, while offering cloud-based security, does not have the same level of inherent integration with Microsoft products.

What are the advantages of Symantec Network Security?

Symantec Network Security offers comprehensive cloud-based protection encompassing web filtering, malware protection, and data loss prevention, unified under a single management console. Users praise its robust threat protection, granular control over URL filtering and SSL decryption, and scalability for medium to large organizations. It also offers content caching and traffic optimization.

What are the disadvantages of Symantec Network Security?

Symantec Network Security suffers from a complex and time-consuming initial setup, potentially hindering quick deployment. Users report occasional endpoint agent reinstallations, creating ongoing maintenance overhead. The Management Center has high resource requirements and can experience lag, impacting administrative efficiency. Limited audit logs and a lack of DNS proxy functionality are also drawbacks. Finally, users have noted that technical support and RMA services could be improved.

Alternatives to Symantec Network Security and Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance

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Logo of Symantec Cloud Security
Symantec Cloud Security
Symantec Cloud Security is a comprehensive suite of tools designed to protect your business from online threats. It offers protection from malware, phishing attacks, and other online threats. It's particularly suitable for businesses concerned about securing employee web browsing and data in the cloud. Symantec Cloud Security promises robust protection and reliable performance for your peace of mind.
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Logo of Compliance
Compliance
Compliance is not a specific software product, but rather a general term. It refers to a company meeting all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards. Software solutions that address compliance help businesses manage risks, automate processes, and maintain accurate records in areas like data privacy, security, and financial reporting. This helps to avoid legal issues, fines, and reputational damage.
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Human Defense Platform
The Human Defense Platform from HUMAN protects businesses from bot attacks and online fraud. It offers various solutions focused on online advertising, applications, and account security. The platform analyzes trillions of interactions to detect and prevent fraudulent activities like fake accounts, ad fraud, and account takeover attempts. HUMAN serves a variety of industries and is recognized as a leader in bot management.
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Page co-authored by
MK
Michal Kaczor
CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

TT
Tymon Terlikiewicz
CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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