Top 29 Cyber Security Tools

Cybersecurity is of utmost importance when it comes to large multinational companies. They should take all sorts of measures to ensure the safety of businesses including the consumers. Hackers in today’s day and age have access to numerous resources to target the virtual world.

The data in the recent year also suggests the same. There has been a 26% rise in ransoms by hackers, 88% of top-level companies in the world saw spoofing emails. And the impersonation frauds rose by 67%, leading to more and more threats to the companies.

But with this, many engineers are working day and night to develop effective security tools. They offer such tools in the form of software that protects all devices. The security system of the cyber world follows multi-layer protection to the information, saving it from intruders.

Intrusion detection systems and intrusion prevention systems are two important elements that are essential for network security. They monitor the network, find faults, and then report everything to security administrators. The IDS are of two types, active ones that automatically block the attack and passive ones that alert about the attacks.

We will be looking at some of the most effective tools that organizations use to safeguard themselves. They are mainly –

1. Network security tools
2. Encryption tools
3. Web vulnerability tools
4. Network defense wireless-tools
5. Packet sniffers
6. Firewalls
7. PKI
8. Antivirus software
9. Managed detection tools
10. Penetration testing tools

Types Of Cybersecurity Tools

1. Network Security Monitoring tools

These tools are effective for managing and detecting network intrusions. They are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and escalating such threats as soon as possible. Some of the famous network security tools are –

a. Splunk

A versatile and fast tool that monitors network security by conduction searches to find data threats and network analysis. It functions in real-time and follows a unified user interface. Apart from this, it indexes and collates data into searchable repositories. This makes it easy to generate reports, alerts, dashboards, etc. in real-time.

b. POF

This tool is for monitoring the network without generating additional data traffic. The experts use it mainly for detecting host operating systems in a network. It is also useful for creating probes, lookups, queries, and more as additional functions. It is very fast but hard to learn and thus experts prefer it for advanced security experts as not everyone can break it.

c. OSSEC

It is an open-source cybersecurity tool that protects networks by detecting intrusions. It gives real-time analytics so users can update their security system side by side. This tool allows users to monitor the activity all the time and a single suspicion can be caught right on time. It supports multiple platforms like Windows, Linux, Mac, etc.

2. Encryption Tools

Encryption is a process by which normal readable language converts to coded cipher language, mainly to protect the content. This method of disguising is readable only with a proper decryption key. This ensures the confidentiality of the information at all costs.

Some of the encryption tools are –

a. TrueCrypt

A popular tool for on-the-fly encryption that can encrypt an entire storage device at a time. Because it is known to encrypt disks, the experts can go for encrypting layered content with two access control types. This is why professionals prefer TrueCrypt over others.

b. KeyPass

This tool enables organizations to manage identity management mainly in office settings. It allows users to access a company’s accounts with a single password. It uses a combination of security and convenience. The company can create a very strong unique password for securing different accounts. This is mainly to control security risks by human elements.

c. Tor

This tool works on the internet allowing users to enjoy privacy while being online. It makes users undetectable by routing the proxy servers’ requests by users. There are loopholes to break the trafficking chain, but Tor is efficient in this area. Though it is more relevant for information safety than cybersecurity.

3. Web Vulnerability Scanning tools

These tools are for recognizing existing security vulnerabilities that a company is facing. They are like regular auditing to see if common security problems are affecting the work environments.

Some of the efficient vulnerability scanning tools are –

a. Nmap

Network mapper is a free tool for cybersecurity that scans the network to identify security issues. It also maps out potential attacks on a network and the approximate time of those attacks. It has a great scanning feature that recognizes the IP address of the attacker making it easier to catch them.

Nmap also identifies open ports and risks and acts as the de facto standard of the cyber community. It is relevant for both small and large networks, providing an overview of network characteristics. This overview has information about the hosts, firewalls, packet, and operating system.

b. Nikto

This is again a scanning tool to identify web vulnerabilities but also helps in managing them. It has an inbuilt record of 6400+ types of threats which is useful to identify the seriousness of these threats. It scans web servers and networks with numerous plugins becoming compatible with multiple systems.

c. Burp Suite

A robust cybersecurity tool that conducts real-time scans and identifies critical weaknesses. It creates stimulation to identify these threats using many methods. It is one tool for all types of pen testing starting from scanning to exploitation.

Burp Suite can intercept HTTP requests and use man-in-middle attacks to manipulate them. The community version is free for all but has restrictions. The enterprise and professional versions are paid but very effective and fast for cybersecurity.

4. Network Defence Wireless Tools

This is like an extension of network security tools with a major focus on wireless networks. This is because wireless networks are less secure and hackers often leverage this in their favor. Thus wireless network tools should be strict as well.

Some of the famous ones are –

a. Netstumbler

This tool is free of cost for identifying open ports in a network. Initially, it was compatible with only windows but now it supports other systems as well. It lacks the provision of source codes. It follows a WAP-seeking approach to identify these open ports which is a major vulnerability for the companies.

b. Aircrack-ng

It is a tool that comes with a set of utilities for analyzing Wi-Fi network security. The professionals use it for continuous monitoring to catch data packet communication. They use these packets to assess security and network cards. It also proves the reliability of WPA and WEP keys by testing their strength.

c. KisMAC

It is a tool for apple devices that helps cybersecurity professionals in scanning wireless networks. It uses Wi-Fi cards, AirPort, and other different techniques to crack WPA and WEP keys security. If they can break-in, it proves that ports are not secure and may face attacks in the future.

5. Password and Packet Sniffers

This works inside hardware or software responsible for monitoring network traffic. They mainly assess the data packets sent during communication between networks or devices.

Some of the packet sniffing tools are –

a. Cain and Abel

This is an old tool for identifying vulnerabilities in windows by assessing the password security of the system. It is very effective for password recovery and routing protocols. It easily identifies cached passwords and uses brute force to encrypt them. The tool also decodes passwords using cryptanalysis.

b. Wireshark

A console-based tool that analyzes network security in real-time by looking at its protocol and sniffs. It identifies vulnerabilities in the network at different levels starting from the connection level. It looks at every packet and sees how it affects each layer in the network.

The tool monitors communication between IP addresses and domain name systems to capture vulnerabilities. It can also troubleshoot small issues and identify the root causes of microscopic issues. This makes it easier for users to amend the weakness in security easily and identify possible threats.

c. John the Ripper

It is a tool for testing password strength and identifies the weak ones vulnerable to threats. Initially, it was only compatible with Unix but over time it supports other systems as well. It deals with encrypted logins and stronger passwords. It has regular updates as well to meet the password evolution with technology.

6. Antivirus Software

This software is specific to deal with viruses and malware attacking the device. These are useful to prevent such attacks, detect them in the device, and remove them immediately. These are effective against worms, keyloggers, rootkits, botnets, etc.

They come with various security features and most importantly, these features update with time. They have auto-updates and regular audits enabling personalized security for each device. Additionally, they scan emails, attachments, website security, links, and more to protect the system.

Some of the famous antivirus softwares are:

a. Avast Business Antivirus

A software that is famous for stopping all malware attacks in the computer system. Many of its versions also guarantee fast malware recovery found in the last 4 weeks. It prevents the virus, detects it in case of entry, and removes it to protect the device.

b. Bitdefender Endpoint Security

This is a tool that tests malware web and email attacks beforehand for precautions. It comes with an automated security program that the network administrator manages. It protects the device from all malware threats right after installation.

c. Kaspersky Endpoint Security

It is cloud-based security that has features to prevent malware, support firewall, and manage administration control. It provides real-time as well as on-demand security checks to ensure the safety of the system.

7. Firewall

One of the most important tools in computer security, it is known for preventing unauthorized access to a private network. This is present in the hardware, software, or both. All the communication passes through these walls, the secured ones are allowed while unsecured ones are blocked.

Though it comes with a limitation that hackers are now smart enough to break these walls. They know the programs to pass without any major problem. But the firewalls are still useful to safeguard the network from less sophisticated attacks.

Some of the famous firewall softwares are –

a. GlassWire Firewall

A network monitor tool that protects the internet server by analyzing past and present networking data. It allows users to block programs, track bandwidth usage, and do remote server monitoring.

b. AVS Firewall

A tool to prevent hacker attacks by filtering applications and preventing unauthorized intrusions. It comes with an anti-banner feature and whitelist features for a better user experience. The users can also personalize firewall rules and control the traffic volume.

c. Mcafee Firewall

This is a tool that prevents viruses and malware from entering the computer system. It secures a firewall and saves all online passwords at one location. It has 256-bit encryption allowing users to save confidential information.

8. Managed Detection and Response Services

It is an advanced service that companies use for cybersecurity. This is mostly relevant for large companies or companies dealing with confidential information. Threat hunting and intelligence, security monitoring, incident response, and analysis, etc. are some of its features.

This tool uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to perform all the tasks with faster responses. It focuses on threat detection and not compliance. It uses a combination of automation and human monitoring for security. Incident validation and remote response both are undertaken by this tool.

Some of the famous ones are as follows:

a. Snort

This is a tool that detects and prevents network intrusion by analyzing and comparing network traffic to older databases. It supports all operating systems and hardware devices. It is famous for identifying all sorts of unique attacks like CGI attacks, stealth port scanners, fingerprinting, etc.

b. Forcepoint

A tool useful for customizing SD-Wan so that users can impose restrictions on specific contents. This customization allows intrusion blocking, quick detection, and faster implementation. It analyzes every problem in detail and then decides the correct measures for the same. It is ideal for cloud users as it allows them to block potential security risks online.

c. GFI LanGuard

This is a tool for continuous monitoring of networks to scan vulnerabilities. It audited the network to see the organization’s commitment to security. It creates automatic patches for network protection that includes all computers and mobile devices in it. This tool is compatible with all types of operating systems as well.

9. Penetration Testing

These are a few tests that companies undertake to see how hackers can exploit vulnerabilities. They hire professionals to break into the network like hackers and see the potential problem which can later become threats.

This is similar to product testing but the companies here test their level of security to avoid future mishaps. They follow the same process as real-world attacks and then update their security level accordingly.

Some of the common Penetration Testing tools are:

a. Kali Linux

A security tool that has sub tools for security auditing and network scans. This software is easy to use for users with different levels of knowledge. A normal person can also use this to protect his computer device. The users can manage their network system and monitor it in real-time easily.

b. Metasploit

It comes with many features to go ahead with penetration testing exercises. The experts use it for formulating and strengthening cybersecurity. It can run tests on applications, networks, servers, etc. it identifies vulnerabilities before even they emerge becoming a professional security tool.

10. PKI Services

Public Key Infrastructure is for distributing and identifying public encryption keys. It allows the secure exchange of data by verifying every party on the internet. The information exchange is possible in its absence but the party’s authentication is important for the company’s security. It encrypts the server and is a part of the organization’s security suite. It is not a tool in particular but a service for better security.

Some of its uses are –

1. Multi-Factor Authentication
2. Access Control
3. Create Digital Signatures
4. Encrypt Communications
5. Authenticate Identity
6. Code Protection
7. Build Trusted Ecosystems

Automated Cloud Security Solutions

It is a tool that leverages cloud infrastructure to protect the networks using cloud storage for business purposes. It allows automatic monitoring of data, security management, display codes, and configurations.

Some of the famous tools under it are –

1. Qualys

It enables users to protect their devices and information using cloud-only solutions. This is possible without any hardware or software system. It creates a cloud firewall to identify malware coming in the way. It also provides steps that users can follow for better cloud security and management.

2. White Hat Security

It is a tool that allows users to access comprehensive cloud security solutions. This includes coding regulations as well as pen testing instructions. It also scans web pages to find any holes and amends them right on time with stronger firewalls.

3. Okta

This tool is for identity management on cloud systems. It allows companies to understand their users, their location, etc. This includes their customers, employees, and other stakeholders as well. It is like tracking their movements for the better security of your website.

Staff Training

This is again not a tool but a human mind training to avoid a security breach. The companies should undertake programs to train their employees about these security measures. Human mistakes have become very common and teaching them to be precautious is the strongest form of defense. Because a single mistake by them can lead to a massive loss for the company.

Advantages of Cybersecurity Tools

1. Business protection against malware, phishing, and other threats
2. Enables protection of end-users
3. Protects data and networks
4. Enhances the recovery speed in case of a breach
5. Prevents unauthorized access

Conclusion

These were some of the main cybersecurity tools that companies use to protect their network and devices. We have provided a few contemporary examples under each type to help you understand the concept better.

If you are a professional working at a company that deals with confidential data every day, then this information is very useful for you to protect the identity of your company. There are several softwares available under each tool, but the best idea is to compare them and choose what works the best for you.