With remotely working becoming the new normal, every organization requires Cyber Security experts proficient in Cyber Security tools and techniques, no matter how big or small. At present, no organization can escape cyber threats and security issues without a good Cyber Security team. Hackers are always on the move to find loopholes in security systems to put companies in distress and benefit from it. Out of the top 10 most targeted countries by cyber attackers, India ranks 3rd. Cyber Security is the method of protecting networks, and systems from unauthorized data access, identity theft, and other cyber-attacks, with the help of various cybersecurity tools.
The different aspects of Cyber Security, including application security, information security, network security, disaster recovery, operational security, and more, are necessary to provide security from multiple cyber threats that take the form of Ransomware, Malware, Phishing, and more. Thus, Cyber Security tools play an important role when it comes to the protection of sensitive and private data of businesses as well as individuals.
Network security and security tools encompass several devices, technologies, and processes. In its simplest form, it is a set of techniques used to protect the system, accessibility, applications, confidentiality, data, and network from cyber threats. Network security is a need-of-the-hour knowledge to escape unauthorized data access, identify theft and stay safe from cyber-attacks. Information Security, App Security, Cybersecurity, Operational Security, Disaster Recovery, etc., are just a few types of network security.
Network security is a growing concern in today’s digital phenomenon. Hence, it is imperative to have an authorization and authentication system in place to protect the data and system from cyber threats, identify new users, monitor traffic, and approve or block unauthorized access. In addition to protecting the integrity of assets from external exploits, network security offers many other benefits as well, like increasing productivity, managing network traffic, enhancing network performance, protecting customers’ confidentiality, gaining customer trust, reducing the feasibility of websites going down, and ensuring the safe data sharing between data sources and employees.
Network security covers a wide range of functions. Some of its common capabilities include:
Therefore, every organization and industry needs to maintain a degree of network security solutions in place to protect its vulnerabilities from ever-growing cyber threats.
There are plenty of open-source and paid network tools available in the market you can use to reinforce your security in networking. Enlisted below are the top Cyber Security tools for 2022.
Let’s describe all the above security tools briefly:
Formerly known as Ethereal, Wireshark is open-source network software that can efficiently analyze network protocols and enhance security in real time. Since it is a console-based password auditing and packet sniffer tool, you can use this security software to sniff the network and monitor your network traffic in real time. Security professionals use this efficient software to capture data packets and inspect the features that particular data packets exhibit, which further helps to identify the weaknesses in network security.
Kali Linux is one of the organizations’ most excellent penetration testing tools to scan their IT systems and networks for vulnerabilities. This cybersecurity tool contains around 300 different software used for security auditing. Most of these tools are executable, which simply means that the users can monitor and maintain their network security systems with a single click. The most common characteristic of Kali Linux is that all types of users, from experienced to newbies, can use it to reinforce their security in networking. It does not need any specific set of expertise or degree to function.
Professionals use John the Ripper for testing password strength. This tool can quickly look for complex ciphers, encrypted logins, and hash-type passwords and identify weak passwords, which can be a big threat to a protected system. The software can efficiently work with Windows, DOS, OpenVMS systems, and Unix environments.
Metasploit is one of the best security software that contains various tools for executing penetration testing services. Professionals use this tool to attain varying security goals, such as discovering vulnerabilities in the system, strengthening computer system security, weaving cyber defense strategies, and maintaining complete security assessments. These penetration testing tools can examine different security systems, including web-based apps, servers, networks, and so on. Metasploit can instantly identify all the new security vulnerabilities as soon as they occur, thus maintaining top-notch security all the time.
It is a password auditing and packet sniffer network security tool used to discover Windows operating system weaknesses. IT experts rely on this software to strengthen security in networking and identify vulnerabilities in the Windows security password. You can use this free tool to discover password flaws and recover them accordingly. ‘Cain and Abel’ contains many functionalities, such as recording VoIP communications, analyzing routing protocols, decoding scrambled passwords, cracking encrypted passwords, etc. Also, this software is highly effective in cryptanalysis. You can consider using this security tool as a good start for all kinds of packet sniffing exercises.
Tcpdump is one of the most efficient packet sniffer security tools used to monitor and log TCP/IP traffic connected via a network. Since it is a command-based tool, it can efficiently define network security and the packet contents of system traffic.
Nikto is open-source security software that detects web vulnerabilities and takes appropriate actions accordingly. The software contains a database that includes around 6400 different threats. Security professionals keep updating this database so that the users may easily identify the new vulnerabilities.
Forcepoint is a customizable security tool primarily designed for cloud users. The tool defines network security, restricts users from accessing particular content, and blocks various intrusion attempts. The security admins can customize Forcepoint’s SD-Wan to quickly monitor and quickly detect dubious acts in a network and rapidly implement appropriate action. The tool adds an extra level of protection for more critical threats.
Paros Proxy is a Java-based security tool that contains a variety of other tools like vulnerability scanners, traffic recorders, web spiders, etc. Professionals use these tools to scan security tests for identifying web vulnerabilities and maintaining network activities in real-time.
Also known as Network Mapper, Nmap is a free network discovery and security auditing tool professionals use to scan single hosts and large networks. Its key features include detecting unidentified devices and identifying network issues for testing security vulnerabilities.
Nessus Professional is a highly useful network software used to define network security, rectify system security errors and improve network integrity. The tool can easily detect vulnerabilities like incorrect patches, software bugs, and general security misconfigurations in software applications, IT devices, and operating systems and manage them appropriately.
Nexpose is one of the most convenient network security software that provides real-time characteristics for detecting vulnerabilities and reducing feasible weak points on a network. Nexpose further permits the users to allot a risk score to the detected vulnerabilities so that they may be prioritized as per the severity levels.
TrueCrypt is one of the most widely used computer system security software used for on-the-fly encryption. Since it is an encryption tool, it can easily encrypt a partition or the complete storage device and build virtual encrypted disks. The tool permits professionals to encrypt layered content. This is why TrueCrypt has been one of the most popular encryption tools for several years, even without being updated.
Netstumbler is the free network software that allows IT experts to identify network vulnerabilities, detect open ports on a network, and for wardriving purposes. The software is designed for the Windows operating system; thus, there is no facility for source codes.
Aircrack-ng is an all-rounded network security software suitable for enhancing overall network security. The tool contains a comprehensive set of functionalities to analyze Wi-Fi weaknesses. Aircrack-ng enables users to capture data packets connected via a network for constant monitoring. Also, it allows capture and injection, which is vital in assessing network cards and their performance of network cards. Besides, IT experts can use it to test the reliability of WPA-PSK and WEP keys.
KeePass is another efficient encryption tool used for identity management. It enables users to explore all the linked accounts using a single password. Since this tool combines security with convenience, it is a cut above the other identity management software. KeePass permits system users to make a master password to access and attach different accounts. KeePass is a highly applicable software in office settings as the users can use it to discover potential risks created by human resources.
KisMAC is another popular network defense tool designed for wireless security running on the MAC OS X operating system. The software encompasses a wide range of functionalities, such as brute force attacks, exploiting flaws, etc., to crack the WPA and WEP keys. Its features are geared towards skilled IT professionals; thus, it might not be an amicable option for newbies.
Burp Suite is a robust computer network security software used for scanning networks, detecting critical weaknesses, and enhancing network security. Burp Suite comes in three versions: Enterprise, Community, and Professional. The “Community” is a free edition, whereas “Enterprise” and “Professional” are paid versions. Burp Suite is good security software for businesses but can cost dear to small businesses.
Splunk is an all-rounded computer system security software used for monitoring network security. The tool is used for both conducting real-time network analysis and historical searches for threat data. This user-friendly tool contains a united user interface to catch, index, and assemble data and generate alerts, reports, dashboards, and graphs in real-time.
Tor is an extremely useful computer system security tool that ensures that the user is undetectable. It gives privacy to users while using the internet. This is why it is difficult to trace their information or explore their identity on the internet. Even if Tor is efficient in preventing cybersecurity threats, it is more useful in safeguarding information security.
Nagios is another widely used network monitoring tool that allows security experts to monitor hosts connected to a system and network in real-time. The software alerts its users about any security intrusions occurring in a network. ICMP, POP3, SMTP, NNTP, and HTTP are a few of the network services that Nagios monitors efficiently.
OSSEC is an open-source network software used to discover network problems and give real-time analytics. The tool is compatible with various platforms such as Linux, Mac, Windows, VMWare ESX, BSD, and so on; hence, it is highly useful for users.
POF is one of the most widely adopted network monitoring tools used for scanning networks and detecting the hosts of operating systems connected to a network. Also, you can use it to make assorted queries, name lookups, probes, and so on. This streamlined security software is highly useful for advanced IT professionals. However, newbies can experience a little hardship in learning how to use it.
Snort is an open-source computer network security software used for scanning networks and preventing network intrusion. Security experts use it to conduct network traffic analysis to discover the signs of attempted intrusions. The tool alerts the users about the possible signs of intrusions and prevents the same by blocking malicious traffic. Besides, you can use Snort to perform protocol analysis, detect frequent attacks on a system, look for data captured from traffic, and so on.
Businesses often fear that hackers may attack their computer network security via internal threat/social engineering or directly through the firewall. They pay less attention to security risks that lie in web-based apps like login pages, shopping carts, online forms, etc. This is where Acunetix can help businesses. The tool enables organizations to define defenses against more than 4,500 cybersecurity attacks unique to the apps and sites. The software repeatedly moves through the system and executes conventional hacks to test the efficacy of your security defense.
ARGUS (Audit Record Generation and Utilization System) is an open-source computer network security software designed for network traffic analysis. Professionals use Argus to conduct in-depth data analysis over a network. The tool is equipped with powerful features for providing quick and comprehensive reporting.
GFI LanGuard is another popular network security tool that continuously monitors network services, detects network intrusions, identifies vulnerabilities, and applies patches wherever needed. The software provides network auditing to discover vulnerabilities in computers and mobiles linked to a network. The software is compatible with various operating systems like Mac, Windows, and Linux.
SolarWinds is a cloud-based network tool that helps improve computer security by detecting threats, monitoring security plans, and protecting the network. This cybersecurity tool has inbuilt integrity monitoring, an intuitive user interface and dashboard, and a centralization log collection, helping the users discover and respond to threats quickly.
Bitdefender is a cloud-based antivirus network tool that helps to keep your system safe from various cyber threats. The tool is equipped with new-age security techniques and technologies needed to protect one’s personal information and online privacy. Also, the software comes with Anti-Phishing and Anti-Theft features for complete real-time data protection, online privacy, and advanced threat defense.
Malwarebytes is the top network security tool used to protect your system against malicious websites, malware, ransomware, and other online threats. Malwarebytes can easily detect and block the threats that the antivirus can’t detect. On average, this cybersecurity tool detects and blocks more than 8,000, 000 threats every day. Malwarebytes adds multi-layered protection to your system, making it one of the best security tools for homes and offices.
VIPRE is one of the most widely used Cyber Security tools used to protect your home and business from malicious attacks, malware, and spam messages with no hassle. It helps you to stay safe against new cyber threats and crimes.
Avira is one of the best security tools for network protection, scheduling the scan, and traffic filtering. The tool comes with multitudes of solutions like Antivirus, VPN, and System speedup. Hence, it offers a variety of security, privacy, and real-time protection during web browsing, video chat, voice calls, etc.
LifeLock offers all-in-one protection to your devices, personal information, identity, and online privacy. Professionals use this tool to monitor for identity theft and threats as well as to detect, alert and block cybercrimes.
Mimecast is a cloud-based security software used for email security and cyber resilience. IT experts use this tool for multiple purposes like Email security, Web security, information protection, cloud archiving, etc.
Webroot is a cloud-based security tool that helps to protect Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS platforms from malicious cyber threats. The tool is highly useful for homes and businesses.
GNU Privacy Guard/GPG is an open-source option to PGP or Pretty Good Privacy tool for encrypting files and emails. It is a powerful encryption method, adhering to OpenPGP specifications, that provides enormous data security. This command-line tool is included in major Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, OpenSUSE, CentOS, and Fedora. So, put your hat in the ring today and use this incredible technology to secure data by utilizing GPG to produce public and private keys in the backup server and importing the port key to all data servers from which the backup must be collected and encrypted.
ClamAV is an excellent antivirus system for scanning data from many sources. This open-source antivirus host-level security protects single devices such as servers, PCs, and laptops. It detects malware, viruses, and dangerous Trojans that aim to steal information.
OpenVAS is a service and tool framework that provides extensive vulnerability scanning as well as management solutions. It is the Nessus open-source version. For malware detection and removal, vulnerability management can be combined with patching and configuration management.
Open Source Security Information Management is a security information and event management system that incorporates open-source tools such as Snort, OpenVAS, Mrtg, NTOP, and Nmap. This is a cost-effective solution for monitoring network/ host health and security.
The perimeter is the final line of defense between the network and internet security. Perimeter includes one or more firewalls to defend the network. IPCop is a Linux-based firewall distribution designed to safeguard networks. It can run on individual machines or behind an ISP’s firewall. Other features provided by IPCop include a DNS server, a proxy server, and a DHCP server.
Best suited for medium to large organizations, BluVector is an Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and speculative code execution-based Network Intrusion Detection tool that offers real-time advanced threat detection. The three elements, namely, AI-based Detection Engines, Intelligent Decision Support, and Connectors Framework, of BluVector Cortex, allow it to respond to file-less and file-based malware, along with detection, analysis, and containment of threats like Zero-day malware and ransomware.
After its launch, Perimeter 81 quickly became popular among Cyber Security Experts due to its advanced network security features. This software equips an organization with a plethora of Cyber Security tools to fortify its stance against a wide range of possible threats. Perimeter 81 streamlines the process of controlling and securing the organization’s network’s integrity by including device posture checks, web filtering, Zero Trust Network access, and multi-factor authentication. With Perimeter 81, you receive a cloud-based Cyber Security tool with many security features that dramatically simplify network security and management, which is also quite simple to install and use.
Sparta Antivirus offers comprehensive security for your system’s complete protection. The software is built with cutting-edge AI technology to protect your device’s environment from potential threats. It enables you to protect your online data from malware, viruses, trojans, and phishing websites and remove malware and other threats in just one click. Sparta Antivirus is the Cyber Security Experts trusted ultimate safeguard for you and your loved ones.
Syxsense Secure combines security scanning, patch management, and remediation into a single cloud-based console, allowing IT and Network Security teams to prevent breaches with a single endpoint security solution. Its feature, Scan for Vulnerabilities, enables the prevention of cyber threats by using insights from the security scanner by scanning authorization issues, security implementation, and antivirus status.
In today’s digitized world, where accessing data has become easier, the risk of becoming a target of cyber-attacks has also increased exponentially. The only way to ensure your system and network is secured 24 by 7 is by upgrading your Cyber Security tools. Above, we’ve listed the top Cyber Security tools that will assist you in keeping your system and data safe, mitigate the rates of data breaches, evading cyberattacks, and secure your IT infrastructure. If you want to build a career in Cyber Security, you can browse through our Postgraduate Certificate Program in Cybersecurity!
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