Cyber threats are constantly increasing and becoming more complex every year. Security analysts need to keep abreast of the latest security analyst tools and complex computer systems to ensure that systems and networks are always safe from new threats.
Below you find a comprehensive list of security analyst tools categorized based on their function. The list also gives you an overview of each product to help you assess which ones you need to meet your goals. Also included is a cheat sheet that shows you the cost, uses, and availability of each tool.
The 10 Best Security Analyst Tools
- Auvik
- AxCrypt Premium
- Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
- Folder Lock
- Kaspersky Anti-virus
- Metasploit
- Paessler PRTG Network Monitor
- Progress WhatsUp Gold
- Solarwinds
- Wireshark
What Are Security Analyst Tools?
Security analyst tools complement security programs and applications. They log events and activities from the network defenses and security applications to make it easier to analyze any breach and data loss in real-time. These powerful tools support threat intelligence to monitor a wide range of threat landscapes.
It is challenging to trace cyber attacks because they happen quickly, and the data is often spread across servers, networks, endpoints, and application logs. Security analyst tools help monitor servers in real-time, consolidate events, and perform forensic analysis. The tools help security teams better assess which systems are compromised, monitor suspicious activity, and locate external threats.
What Are the Main Types of Security Analyst Tools?
Cyber security has many different aspects because threats can come in various forms, including malware, phishing, password attacks, or SQL injection. This means security analysts also use various security tools to address specific network and system threats. Below, we’ve listed security analyst tools based on their function.
Encryption Tools
Encryption tools scramble text for the data to become unreadable to unauthorized users. It uses a key password and an algorithm to encode sensitive information. Some encryption tools will encode files and folders, others create secure storage locations, and some provide encrypted data storage in the cloud.
Examples of Encryption Tools
- AxCrypt Premium
- Folder Lock
Network Security Monitoring Tools
Network security monitoring tools are used to identify potential threats and respond to any potential intrusions. They analyze network data and determine if there are any network-based threats. These network security tools can deliver alerts in real-time to ensure secure traffic flows and the system’s integrity.
Examples of Network Security Monitoring Tools
- Paessler PRTG Network Monitor
- Progress WhatsUp Gold
Penetration Testing Tools
Penetration testing tools help pinpoint security vulnerabilities in web applications, networks, and servers. They simulate a cyber attack to test whether a computer system or network can be breached. Developers and network administrators use vulnerability scanning tools to test network systems in real-time.
Examples of Penetration Testing Tools
- Wireshark
- Metasploit
Antivirus Software Tools
Antivirus software will protect your computer from malware such as spyware, adware, ransomware, worms, trojans, viruses, and bots. The software scans files and codes passing through computer networks, flags malicious activity, and removes any threats. Antivirus software usually offers a trial version that can protect against common threats.
Examples of Antivirus Software Tools
- Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
- Kaspersky Anti-virus
Packet Sniffers
A packet sniffer is a tool that monitors streams of data that flow into networks. Packet sniffers are also called packet analyzers, network analyzers, or protocol analyzers. They are able to move through local and wireless networks to analyze information such as email destinations, downloaded files, and websites.
Examples of Packet Sniffer Tools
- Auvik
- Solarwinds
Security Analyst Cheat Sheet: A Tabular List of Security Analyst Tools
| Tool | Uses | Companies That Use It | Cost | Availability |
| Auvik | Packet Sniffer | Kingman Unified School District, Capterra, Alvarez Technology Group, Kensington Vanguard | Starts at $30 monthly for small businesses | Commercial |
| AxCrypt Premium | Encryption Tool | Sting, PCMag, TricksEra, Tech Radar, Zero Networks, Windows Central, CBR, Softpedia | $4.60 monthly | Open source available under GNU General Public License |
| Bitdefender Antivirus Plus | Antivirus Software | Bela-Pharm, Bechtle, Barnsley, BLDD Architects, All Covered | $39.99 | Commercial |
| Folder Lock | Encryption Tool | Dell, MIT, HSBC, NASA, National Guard | $39.95 | Commercial |
| Kaspersky Anti-virus | Antivirus Software | Kaseya Limited, The American Red Cross, Univera, Sourcebooks | Starts at $29.99 yearly | Commercial |
| Metasploit | Penetration Testing Tool | QA Limited, Lorven Technologies | Free; Pro version starts at $2,000 | Metasploit Framework is free and open source; Metasploit Pro starts at $2,000 with a 30-day free trial |
| Paessler PRTG Network Monitor | Network Monitoring Tool | Acurus, Carbon Drawdown Initiative, Alyn Hospital, Truma, AXA Gulf, Nobia | Starts at $1,750 | Commercial |
| Progress WhatsUp Gold | Network Monitoring Tool | Pincvision, Cleco, Sotero, Agro Ventures Digital | $2,656 for up to 25 devices | Commercial |
| Solarwinds | Packet Sniffer | RTX, AT&T, Cox Automotive, XPO Logistics | Starts at $1,500 annually | Commercial |
| Wireshark | Penetration Testing Tool | Samsung Electronics, FireEye, AT&T, Boeing, Northrop Grumman | Free | Open source under GNU General Public License version 2 |
The Best Security Analyst Tools, Explained
Below you will find a more detailed look at every security analyst tool mentioned in the table above. You’ll get an overview of each tool’s features, costs, and availability. You will need to learn how to manage the threat landscape with these tools if you want to succeed in the security industry.
Auvik
- Type: Packet Sniffer
- Companies That Use Auvik: Kingman Unified School District, Capterra, Alvarez Technology Group, Kensington Vanguard
- Auvik Cost and Availability: Starts at $30 monthly for a small business, commercially available
Auvik is a cloud-based network management software that provides network visibility and control. It detects anomalies quickly through monitoring alerts and up-to-date device logs. Since it’s cloud-based, there’s no need for periodic maintenance, and it has automated security and performance updates.
AxCrypt
- Type: Encryption tool
- Companies That Use AxCrypt: Sting
- Axcrypt Cost and Availability: $4.60 monthly, basic version available free under GNU General Public License
Axcrypt is an easy-to-use advanced encryption tool for private and business users. Its file security allows 128 and 256-bit encryption, has multilingual capabilities, password management, and collaboration options so each user can have their own password when accessing files. New users can create an account and try it for free on PCs, but the paid version is available on Apple computers.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
- Type: Antivirus Software Tool
- Companies That Use Bitdefender: Bela-Pharm, Bechtle, Barnsley, BLDD Architects, All Covered
- Bitdefender Cost and Availability: Starts at $2.92 monthly, commercially available
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is a lightweight anti-malware real-time protection tool for Windows PCs. It provides multi-layer protection against phishing and fraudulent links when browsing and shopping.
It reacts to online threats without compromising and disturbing your computer’s performance. Most importantly, it offers online privacy by protecting you from trackers, securing your Wi-Fi, managing your passwords, and giving you a safer environment for online banking.
Folder Lock
- Type: Encryption tool
- Companies That Use Folder Lock: Dell, MIT, HSBC, NASA, US National Guard
- Folder Lock Cost and Availability: $39.95 full version, available commercially
Folder Lock is a file-security application that allows you to lock folders, encrypt files, sync and backup data, password protect drives, browse on stealth mode, save passwords, and clean Windows history. Many large companies and government agencies trust it because of its 256-bit AES encryption. It is available for download for desktops and mobile devices.
Kaspersky Antivirus
- Type: Antivirus Software
- Companies That Use Kaspersky Antivirus: Kaseya Limited, The American Red Cross, Univera, Sourcebooks
- Kaspersky Antivirus Cost and Availability: Starts at $29.99 yearly, commercially available
Kaspersky Antivirus is an AI-driven network security software that protects against hackers and the latest malware. It offers protection for homes and businesses. Kaspersky periodically updates its database with the latest virus threats and security risks. It runs smoothly and quietly in the background with minimal impact on system performance.
Metasploit
- Type: Penetration Testing Tool
- Companies That Use Metasploit: QA Limited, Lorven Technologies
- Metasploit Cost and Availability: Metasploit Framework is the free and open source version; Metasploit Pro starts at $2,000 with a 30-day free trial
Metasploit is a penetration testing tool built by the open source community and Rapid7, a cyber security company. Metasploit scans and tests system environments for cyber security threats and identifies vulnerabilities. It ensures that security systems are always one step ahead of possible cyber attacks.
Paessler PRTG Network Monitor
- Type: Network Monitoring Tool
- Companies That Use Paessler PRTG: Acurus, Carbon Drawdown Initiative, Alyn Hospital, Truma, AXA Gulf, Nobia
- Paessler PRTG Cost and Availability: Starts at $1,750, available commercially
Paessler PRTG network monitor is a complete monitoring tool for systems, devices, traffic, and applications. It has a flexible alerting option, multiple user interfaces, cluster failover solutions, maps and dashboards, distributed monitoring, and in-depth reporting. Paessler PRTG is easy to use but provides powerful solutions for both small and big businesses.
Progress WhatsUp Gold
- Type: Network Monitoring Tool
- Companies That Use Progress WhatsUp Gold: Pincvision, Cleco, Sotero, Agroventures Digital
- Progress WhatsUp Gold Cost and Availability: $2,656 for up to 25 devices, available commercially
Progress WhatsUp Gold monitors networks, applications, and devices in local networks or the cloud. It can distinguish wired, wireless networks, and virtual environments, giving you a complete overview of your network landscape. It assures bandwidth is optimized for critical apps, audits device configurations, and provides real-time alerts.
Solarwinds
- Type: Packet Sniffer
- Companies That Use Solarwinds: RTX, AT&T, Cox Automotive, XPO Logistics
- Solarwinds Cost and Availability: Starts at $1,500 annually, commercially available
Solarwinds network packet sniffer is an enterprise-grade network management software. It helps security engineers identify whether security issues are caused by applications or networks. It analyzes network traffic using an intelligent system that views anomalies in the system. This software provides very detailed insights and deep inspection.
Wireshark
- Type: Penetration Testing Tool
- Companies That Use Wireshark: Samsung Electronics, FireEye, AT&T, Boeing, Northrop Grumman
- Wireshark Cost and Availability: Free and under GNU General Public License, version 2
Wireshark is an easy-to-download, open source network protocol analyzer. It captures, analyzes, and troubleshoots data traffic from various networks. It deeply inspects hundreds of protocols, uses rich VoIP analysis, can read and write multiple file formats, utilizes Live Capture, and performs offline analysis. It can run on various platforms including Windows, Linux, macOS, and Solaris.
Why Security Analyst Tools Are Important
Organizations that use a network system with sensitive data require cyber security protection against cyber attacks and data loss. Cyber security tools are not enough to detect a security breach. It needs the help of security analyst tools for cyber security professionals to assess the level of damage, identify the systems affected, and predict another oncoming attack.
Security analyst tools enable the fast detection of cyber attacks so that security professionals can block them, predict further attacks, and reconstruct the attack. These tools also allow better vulnerability management in the system. Learning these tools can lead to career opportunities, as the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a job growth rate of 33 percent for information security analysts. If you are considering a career in security analysis, programming abilities will also come in handy. Those lacking programming skills can easily learn them with the best coding apps for beginners.
Security Analyst Tools FAQ
Security analysis is done by a professional with technical skills in securing online networks and systems. They’re called security analysts or cyber security analysts because of their strong analytical skills and in-depth knowledge of security strategy. They manage and update the security software of an organization’s network and systems.
According to Glassdoor, an entry-level security analyst can make up to $86,256 annually. As you gain additional hands-on experience, you can earn a higher salary.
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The most vital tools an organization needs are a firewall, antivirus software, PKI services, and managed detection services. Cyber security updates need to occur frequently as threats become more complex every year. An organization needs periodic network penetration testing and regular staff training to teach about new phishing scams, malware, and virus threats.
According to BLS, an information security analyst makes an average salary of $103,590. The companies that have the highest demand for security analysts are those in the business of computer systems design, finance and insurance, and management of companies and enterprises.
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