Network security software tools are used to protect networks from unauthorized access, misuse, or theft.
Enterprises and Organizations conduct network vulnerability assessments in order to identify security issues that are already present in their network. This helps them protect their sensitive data from hackers and prevent data breaches.
There are many network security tools that are present in the market which monitors the company’s network and stored information along with the incoming and outgoing packets which can be used to detect any suspicious activity within the network to prevent data leakage and other threats.
Network security software tools are an essential part of any organization’s security infrastructure. By using these tools, organizations can help to protect their networks from malicious attacks and to prevent the loss of sensitive data.
This network security software that are available in market are paid as well as free. There are many good tools that are open-source and free as well.
Here are top 7 best open-source network security software:
- Nmap
Image-source: Nmap Website
Nmap, also known as Network Mapper, is a freely available open-source software utilized for network exploration and security assessment. It serves the purpose of identifying hosts and services within a computer network by transmitting packets and examining the resulting responses. Moreover, it offers a variety of functionalities for investigating computer networks, encompassing host detection, service and operating system recognition, as well as vulnerability scanning.
- Metasploit
Image-source: Metasploit Website
Metasploit is a comprehensive penetration testing framework employed to exploit weaknesses in computer systems. This robust tool serves the dual purpose of enabling security professionals to assess the security of their systems and potentially being misused by malicious individuals to attack vulnerable systems. Additionally, enterprises also utilize Metasploit to monitor their security status, ensuring the protection of both their own and their users’ data.
- OSSEC
Image-source: OSSEC Website
OSSEC is a free and open-source tool that can be used to monitor and protect computer systems from malicious activity. It can perform a variety of tasks including log analysis, integrity checking, Windows registry monitoring, rootkit detection, time-based alerts, and active feedback. OSSEC can be used to monitor systems running most popular operating systems, including Linux, OpenBSD, FreeBSD, OS X, Solaris, and Windows. OSSEC has a centralized architecture that makes it easy to manage multiple systems from a single location.
- Kali Linux
Image-source: Kali Linux Website
Kali Linux is a Linux distribution based on Debian, designed specifically for advanced Penetration Testing and Security Auditing purposes. Offensive Security is responsible for its maintenance and funding. This operating system incorporates tailored adjustments and an extensive array of specialized tools catered to diverse information security endeavors, including Penetration Testing, Security Research, Computer Forensics, and Reverse Engineering.
- OpenVAS
Image-source: OpenVAS Website
OpenVAS (Open Vulnerability Assessment System) is a vulnerability scanner that operates on an open-source basis. Its primary purpose is to detect security vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications. Being a community-driven project, OpenVAS is accessible to users without any cost.
OpenVAS provides diverse scan modes tailored to the specific system being examined. It relies on a regularly updated vulnerability database to accurately pinpoint system vulnerabilities and ensure the availability of the most current vulnerability information.
- WireShark
Image-source: Wireshark Website
Wireshark is a free and open-source packet analysis tool used for network troubleshooting, testing, software and communication protocol development, and educational purposes. By capturing packets from the network interface, Wireshark presents. By capturing packets from a network interface, Wireshark presents the information in a format that is easily understandable to humans, granting the ability to observe network activity at an exceptionally detailed level.
- OpenIAM
Image-source: OpenIAM Website
OpenIAM is a free and open-source platform that helps organizations manage user identities, access permissions, and security policies. It is a community-driven project that is available for anyone to use.
OpenIAM is a powerful tool that can be used to secure systems and data in a variety of environments.