Recent disruptions caused by kernel-level security agents have underscored the need for a more reliable approach. This blog explores how Exium’s XDR360 agents, operating in the user space, provide a superior solution compared to kernel-based agents like those from CrowdStrike and SentinelOne.
On July 18, 2024, a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) issue caused by a CrowdStrike Falcon sensor update led to widespread disruptions. The BSOD is a critical system error forcing a Windows operating system to restart, often resulting in data loss and operational downtime. This incident left systems globally in a continuous crash loop, significantly affecting sectors such as healthcare, banking, transportation, and government services. This was not the first occurrence; a similar BSOD issue happened with Falcon sensor version 6.58 in July 2023.
These repeated crashes highlighted the vulnerabilities associated with running endpoint protection agents at the kernel level, emphasizing the need for an alternative approach.
Exium’s XDR360 is designed to avoid such critical failures by operating primarily in the user space. This architecture provides significant advantages in stability and security:
Exium’s user space strategy brings multiple benefits that contribute to both stability and security:
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Enhanced Stability |
Easier Debugging and Maintenance |
Improved Security |
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The stability and security of endpoint protection solutions are critical, especially given the potential widespread disruptions caused by kernel-level failures. Exium’s approach, leveraging user space operations with its XDR360 agents, provides a more stable, secure, and reliable solution. By avoiding direct kernel interactions and adhering to standard kernel APIs, Exium mitigates the risks of critical system errors, simplifies debugging processes, and enhances overall security. This makes Exium’s XDR360 a robust alternative in the quest to safeguard endpoints against evolving cybersecurity threats.