Tools

  1. Wireshark
    Wireshark is an open-source network protocol analyzer that captures and dissects
    network packets. It provides an in-depth view of network traffic in real-time, aiding in
    troubleshooting and analysis.
    Features
    ● Deep analysis of hundreds of protocols.
    ● Real-time data capture and offline analysis.
    ● Multi-platform support (Windows, Linux, macOS).
    ● Color-coded packet display for easy interpretation.
    Pros
    ● Comprehensive analysis capabilities.
    ● Broad operating system compatibility.
    ● Free and open source.
    Cons
    ● Steep learning curve.
    ● Limited utility in decrypting encrypted traffic.
    Pricing
    ● Free.

  1. SolarWinds Security Event Manager
    A real-time incident detection and response tool, SolarWinds Security Event Manager
    simplifies log management and increases security efficiency, particularly for Windows
    Server environments.
    Features
    ● Centralized log collection and management.
    ● Real-time event correlation for security incidents.
    ● Automated responses to common threats.
    ● Compliance reporting tools.
    Pros
    ● Intuitive interface and easy to set up.
    ● Effective for managing compliance.
    Cons
    ● Mainly suited for Windows environments.
    ● It can become costly for larger setups.
    Pricing
    ● 30-day free trial.
    ● Offers subscription and perpetual licenses. Contact SolarWinds for a quote.

  1. Nessus Professional
    Nessus by Tenable is a highly regarded vulnerability scanner known for its extensive
    database of vulnerabilities. It’s designed to scan networks, systems, and applications
    for security weaknesses.
    Features
    ● High-speed asset discovery.
    ● Vulnerability assessment with detailed reporting.
    ● Configurable notifications and alerts.
    ● Supports cloud, virtual, and physical infrastructures.
    Pros
    ● Extensive plugin library.
    ● Customizable reports.
    Cons
    ● It can be resource-intensive.
    ● Complexity may overwhelm inexperienced users.
    Pricing
    ● Nessus Expert starts at $5,990 for a one-year subscription, with options for
    multi-year licenses.
    ● Advanced support and training are available for an extra fee.

  1. Snort
    Snort is an open-source intrusion detection and prevention system that performs
    real-time traffic analysis and packet logging on IP networks.
    Features
    ● Real-time traffic analysis and packet logging.
    ● Protocol analysis and content matching.
    ● Customizable detection rules.
    Pros
    ● Highly configurable.
    ● Strong community support.
    ● Free and open source.
    Cons
    ● Complexity in setup and configuration.
    ● Requires maintenance to keep rules up to date.
    Pricing
    ● Free.

  1. Splunk Enterprise Security (Splunk SIEM)
    Splunk Enterprise Security is a leading SIEM solution that leverages big data analytics to
    provide insights into machine data for real-time threat detection, investigation, and
    response.
    Features
    ● Real-time monitoring and alerts.
    ● Advanced analytics and machine learning.
    ● Incident response and forensic investigation capabilities.
    ● Compliance reporting and management.
    Pros
    ● Scalable and flexible platform.
    ● Robust data analytics and visualization.
    Cons
    ● Steep learning curve.
    Pricing
    ● Pricing is not publicly available on their website and varies based on data
    ingestion rates and features. The more data your organization generates, the
    higher the cost.

  1. Metasploit
    Metasploit is a powerful penetration testing framework that enables security teams to
    validate and improve their systems’ defense by simulating various types of cyber
    attacks.
    Features
    ● Exploit development and execution.
    ● Vulnerability scanning and analysis.
    ● Post-exploitation tools and payloads.
    ● Network and system reconnaissance tools.
    Pros
    ● Wide range of exploits and tools.
    ● Active community and regular updates.
    Cons
    ● Complex for beginners.
    ● Primarily uses a command-line interface.
    Pricing
    ● The open-source version is free.
    ● Pricing for the pro version is not publicly available.

  1. Burp Suite
    Burp Suite is a comprehensive solution for web application security testing, offering a
    range of tools for scanning, probing, and attacking web applications to find
    vulnerabilities.
    Features
    ● Automated and manual vulnerability scanning.
    ● Intruder tool for custom attack simulations.
    ● Repeater tool for manipulating and resending individual requests.
    ● Extensibility through custom plugins.
    Pros
    ● Intuitive user interface.
    ● Detailed analysis and reporting.
    Cons
    ● Steep learning curve.
    ● High total cost of ownership.
    Pricing
    ● Community Edition is free.
    ● Professional Edition starts at $449 for a one-year subscription. Multiple users
    cannot share a single subscription, even if only one person uses it at a time.

  1. OWASP ZAP
    The OWASP Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP) is a free, open-source web application security
    scanner designed for finding vulnerabilities in web applications.
    Features
    ● Automated scanner.
    ● Manual testing tools.
    ● Rest-based API for automation.
    ● Active and passive scanning modes.
    Pros
    ● Community-driven project.
    ● Wide range of scanning capabilities.
    ● Free and open source.
    Cons
    ● The interface can be overwhelming for beginners.
    ● Requires configuration for best results.
    Pricing
    ● Free.

  1. CrowdStrike Falcon
    CrowdStrike Falcon is a cloud-delivered endpoint security platform that combines
    antivirus, endpoint detection and response, and a 24/7 managed hunting service.
    Features
    ● Next-generation antivirus.
    ● Endpoint detection and response.
    ● Managed threat hunting.
    ● Proactive maintenance and management of your IT environment.
    Pros
    ● Cloud-native architecture.
    ● Lightweight agent.
    Cons
    ● Pricing can be high for small organizations.
    ● Complex features may require training.
    Pricing
    ● Free 15-day trial.
    ● Falcon Pro costs $499 for a one-year subscription with a five-device minimum.
    ● Falcon Enterprise costs $924 for a one-year subscription with a five-device
    minimum.
    ● Falcon Elite pricing is not publicly available.

  1. Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys
    Endpoint Protector provides advanced data loss prevention for monitoring and
    controlling endpoint activities. It helps organizations prevent data breaches by securing
    sensitive data at rest, in transit, and in use across the network.
    Features
    ● Content and context inspection for data at rest and in motion.
    ● Device control for USBs and other peripheral devices.
    ● Enforced encryption for data on removable devices.
    ● Automatically identifies and locates sensitive data stored on endpoint devices
    within an organization.
    Pros
    ● Comprehensive data loss prevention solution.
    ● Easy to deploy and manage.
    ● Supports a wide range of devices and operating systems.
    Cons
    ● It may require fine-tuning to reduce false positives.
    Pricing
    ● CoSoSys doesn’t publicly disclose pricing information for Endpoint Protector on
    its website. Contact the vendor directly for a personalized quote.

  1. Forcepoint NGFW (Next Generation Firewall)
    Forcepoint NGFW offers advanced protection against malicious activities and
    unauthorized access. It integrates seamlessly into the broader Forcepoint security
    ecosystem.
    Features
    ● Unified management for distributed networks.
    ● Intrusion prevention system.
    ● Advanced malware detection.
    ● High availability and clustering for continuous protection.
    Pros
    ● Strong multi-layered security.
    ● Scalable across large and distributed environments.
    ● Centralized management and reporting.
    Cons
    ● Configuration complexity for advanced features.
    ● Cost prohibitive for smaller organizations.
    Pricing
    ● Forcepoint doesn’t publicly disclose pricing information for their product.

  1. Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls
    Palo Alto Networks delivers industry-leading capabilities with its next-generation
    firewalls, providing comprehensive visibility and control over all traffic, including
    encrypted communications.
    Features
    ● Application, user, and content identification and control.
    ● Advanced threat protection.
    ● SSL decryption.
    ● Integrated intrusion prevention system.
    Pros
    ● Exceptional traffic visibility and control.
    ● Continuous updates with the latest threat intelligence.
    ● Robust performance and scalability.
    Cons
    ● Deployment and management complexity.
    Pricing
    ● Palo Alto Networks does not provide specific pricing on its website.