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Contents:
SOAR tools automate security workflows, enhancing threat detection, response speed, and efficiency while reducing manual effort.
In this article, we’re going to present the best open-source tools on the market.
10+ Best Open Source SOAR Tools
This list includes tools designed to accommodate all SOAR needs, from security monitoring and IDS/IDP to threat intelligence, vulnerability assessment, and incident response.
Heimdal® Threat-Hunting and Action Center (TAC)
Heimdal®’s Threat-Hunting and Action Center seamlessly integrates with the Heimdal security suite, providing a unified, threat-focused view of your IT environment.
With advanced telemetry, built-in threat hunting, remediation, and response capabilities, it enables security teams to make swift, data-driven decisions.
Heimdal®’s Threat-Hunting and Action Cente Key Features
- Threat Telemetry View. Interactive global map of threats by endpoint, hostname, and risk severity.
- Risk Scoring & Categorization. Automated analysis with CVSS-based severity and daily/monthly trends.
- XTP Engine & MITRE Alerts. AI-powered detection with top alerts mapped to MITRE ATT&CK.
- Threat Detection & Classification. Uses 2,000+ rules to identify threats like privilege escalation and lateral movement.
- Threat Hunting & Investigation. Tracks IoCs across networks with endpoint-level risk insights.
- Deep Analysis & Forensics. Contextualized detection with process mapping for in-depth investigations.
- Remediation & Action Controls. One-click response with logging, audit trails, and recommendations.
- Protection Stats & Reporting. Real-time risk monitoring with trend analysis and health scores.
Heimdal®’s Threat-Hunting and Action Center Pros
- Advanced SOAR Capabilities. Automates detection, investigation, and response, enabling faster and more efficient security operations.
- Holistic Threat Visibility. Provides a unified view of the IT environment, enhancing real-time detection and response.
- Proactive Threat Hunting. Leverages AI-driven analytics to identify and neutralize threats before they escalate.
- Rapid Incident Response. Streamlines decision-making and remediation, minimizing downtime.
Heimdal®’s Threat-Hunting and Action Center Cons
- Steep Learning Curve. The platform’s extensive SOAR functionalities may require time for new users to fully optimize.
Deploying Heimdal Threat-Hunting and Action Center
- Prerequisites. Access the Heimdal Security Platform and deploy endpoint agents.
- Setup. Configure telemetry collection, risk scoring, and integrations via the TAC module.
- Operations. Monitor threats in real time, automate responses, and refine detection rules.
Use Cases & Scenarios
A SOC team needs a centralized threat-hunting and response platform to manage security incidents across multiple endpoints.
TAC enables automated detection, risk scoring, and real-time remediation while integrating with other Heimdal solutions.
Velociraptor
Velociraptor is a lightweight DFIR ( Digital Forensics and Incident Response) platform, enabling SecOps to investigate artifacts and monitor unusual endpoint activity across a vast digital ecosystem.
Velociraptor Key Features
- Customizable artifacts via VQL (i.e. Velociraptor Query Language).
- Ability to create and customize monitoring rules on endpoint or server.
- Investigate disclosure of data occurrences outside of the environment.
- Ability to investigate various devices and flows.
- Reconstruct malicious activities.
Velociraptor Pros
- Powerful Forensics. Enables rapid artifact collection and analysis across networks.
- Customizable Threat Hunting. Uses Velociraptor Query Language (VQL) for tailored investigations.
- Scalable. Efficiently handles large-scale deployments with multi-endpoint data collection.
Velociraptor Cons
- Steep Learning Curve. Requires digital forensics and incident response expertise.
- Not Real-Time Monitoring. Focused on forensic analysis rather than continuous threat detection.
Velociraptor Deployment
According to the official documentation, the easiest way to deploy Velociraptor is through GitHub.
The documentation reveals that Velociraptor’s setup should include three key milestones for server-client deployment and user authorization.
Use Cases & Scenarios
A cybersecurity team investigating advanced persistent threats (APTs) and forensic incidents across a large-scale infrastructure.
Velociraptor’s endpoint visibility and live forensics capabilities allow analysts to track attacker behavior, collect digital evidence, and proactively hunt threats in real time.
SecurityOnion
SecurityOnion is an open Linux, appliance-based security monitoring, log management, and threat-hunting solution capable of merging multiple third-party, paid, and open-source tools.
SecurityOnion Key Features
- Community-powered and maintained.
- Multiple data types: agent, alert, asset, extracted content, full content, session, and transaction.
- Seamless integrations with various third-party tools (e.g., Kibana, Logstash, Suricata, Stenographer, Wazuh, CyberChef , Elasticsearch, etc.).
- High scalability factor. A single SecurityOnion-configured appliance can cover up to 1,000 nodes.
- Rich, native web interface.
- Can be integrated with both Azure and Amazon’s AWS.
SecurityOnion Pros
- Comprehensive Security Suite. Offers a robust set of tools for intrusion detection and security monitoring with minimal setup effort.
- User-Friendly Installation. Provides an easy, single-click installation process, simplifying deployment.
SecurityOnion Cons
- Steep Learning Curve. The extensive features may require significant time for new users to master.
- Interface Limitations Some users find the user interface could be improved for better usability.
SecurityOnion Deployment
SecurityOnion can be deployed through an installation wizard.
Refer to the product’s GitHub page for additional instructions.
Use Cases & Scenarios
A company needing a comprehensive intrusion detection system (IDS) with SIEM and SOAR capabilities to monitor, analyze, and respond to security events.
SecurityOnion helps teams correlate network and endpoint telemetry, automate alerts, and streamline investigations in a unified security operations center.
Arkime
Arkime is an open-source, threat-hunting-oriented packet capture and search tool, boasting a high scalability factor and powerful analytics.
Arkime Key Features
- Compute graphically rich connection graphs.
- Create custom SPI (Session Profile Information) pages.
- Web-based platform.
- APIs for JSON and PCAP data.
Arkime Pros
- Scalability. Capable of capturing and storing large volumes of data, making it suitable for extensive network environments.
- Efficient Search. Integrates with Elasticsearch, allowing for rapid data retrieval and filtering.
- Flexibility. Supports various data formats and integrates seamlessly with other security tools, enhancing its adaptability.
Arkime Cons
- Complex Setup. Initial deployment can be challenging, often requiring troubleshooting for issues like Elasticsearch connectivity and packet capture errors.
- Resource Intensive. Demands significant storage and processing power to manage and analyze extensive packet captures.
Arkime Deployment
Select the appropriate installation package from the Downloads section and follow the attached documentation.
Use Cases & Scenarios
A security team conducting full packet capture analysis for detecting stealthy malware and insider threats.
Arkime provides efficient packet indexing and search capabilities, allowing SOC teams to reconstruct network traffic and detect anomalies that evade signature-based detection.
PRADS
PRADS (Passive Real-Time Asset Detection System), sometimes spelled as PRADAS is a passive network traffic analyzer capable of quickly identifying services and active hosts.
PRADS Key Features
- Can be integrated with proprietary or third-party IDS/IPS.
- On-demand info dump.
- Advanced scripting.
PRADS Pros
- Non-Intrusive Monitoring. As a passive tool, PRADS monitors network traffic without injecting packets, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt network operations.
- Real-Time Asset Detection. Continuously identifies devices and services on the network, providing up-to-date visibility into network assets.
- Low Resource Consumption. Being passive, it typically requires fewer resources compared to active scanning tools, making it suitable for environments with limited capacity.
PRADS Cons
- Limited Visibility into Inactive Devices. Since PRADS relies on observing network traffic, it may not detect devices that are present but not actively communicating.
- Potential for Incomplete Data. The accuracy of asset identification depends on the volume and variety of traffic; in low-traffic scenarios, some assets or services might go unnoticed.
PRADS Deployment
Please review PRADS’ installation documentation for additional information on the deployment process.
Use Cases & Scenarios
A network security team requiring real-time passive asset discovery to track all devices and services on their network.
PRADS monitors live network traffic, identifies unauthorized assets, and enhances attack surface visibility, helping security teams respond to potential vulnerabilities.
GRR Rapid Response
GRR Rapid Response is an enterprise-grade remote live forensics tool that offers great insight into attack patterns.
This open-source solution also allows you to perform lightning-fast event triage and can be expanded to cover any number of endpoints.
GRR Rapid Response Key Features
- Ability to perform detailed endpoint analysis (e.g., CPU usage, RAM, I/O allocation, etc.)
- Analyze raw file system access via the SleuthKit.
- Multi-platform support. GRR is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac OSX.
- Fast artifact collection features.
- Automatic scheduling for custom tasks.
- AngularJS Web UI and API for RESTful JSON. Supports Go, Python, and PowerShell, server-side Libraries.3
GRR Rapid Response Pros
- Remote Live Forensics. Enables analysts to perform live memory analysis and collect forensic artifacts from remote machines without physical access.
- Scalability. Designed to handle large-scale deployments, allowing security teams to manage numerous endpoints efficiently.wiz.io
- Cross-Platform Support. Compatible with Linux, macOS, and Windows systems, providing flexibility across diverse IT environments.
GRR Rapid Response Cons
- Complex Setup and Configuration. The deployment process can be intricate, often requiring significant time and technical expertise to configure properly.
- Resource Intensive. GRR can consume substantial system resources during operation, which may impact performance on less robust systems.
- Steep Learning Curve. Users unfamiliar with the platform may find it challenging to navigate and utilize its full capabilities effectively.
GRR Rapid Response Deployment
GRR deployment is a two-phase process: server setup and client implementation.
The server can be installed DEB, HEAD DEB, PIP packages, source, or from the GRR Docker image.
On the client side, use the MSI package or the legacy MSI, depending on the situation.
Use Cases & Scenarios
A forensic team handling large-scale incident response across geographically distributed endpoints.
GRR enables live remote forensic analysis, allowing security teams to collect artifacts, track suspicious activity, and investigate compromised systems without physical access.
Kansa
Kansa is a modular PowerShell incident response framework, compatible with PSv2 and PSv3.
The solution allows you to collect data from multiple hosts, investigate data breaches, and create security baselines.
Kansa Key Features
- Ability to run modules as standalone utilities.
- Advanced scripting.
- Lightweight.
Kansa Pros
- Scalability. Utilizes PowerShell Remoting to collect data from numerous hosts simultaneously, making it suitable for large enterprise environments.
- Modularity. Features a modular design, allowing users to select and execute specific scripts tailored to their incident response needs.
- Cost-Effective. As an open-source tool, Kansa provides a budget-friendly solution for organizations seeking effective incident response capabilities.
Kansa Cons
- Learning Curve. Requires familiarity with PowerShell and Windows internals, which may necessitate training for some users.
- Maintenance Status. As of recent discussions, Kansa is no longer actively maintained, potentially limiting its effectiveness in modern environments.
Kansa Deployment
Refer to Kansa’s GitHub documentation for additional information regarding the setup and deployment processes.
Use Cases & Scenarios
A SOC team needing lightweight endpoint monitoring and forensic data collection for Windows environments.
Kansa automates log collection, threat hunting, and security policy audits, making it useful for detecting anomalies in Active Directory and endpoint behavior.
pfSense
pfSense is a web-based router and firewall, with powerful package-allowing features.
The solution is a customized variant of FreeBSD, boasting multiple deployment methods.
pfSense Key Features
- Advanced firewall and routing features.
- Ability to seamlessly integrate with Azure and AWS.
- Open-source.
pfSense Pros
- Comprehensive Feature Set. Offers advanced functionalities such as VPN support, intrusion detection, and load balancing, catering to diverse networking needs.
- Cost-Effective. Being open-source, pfSense provides a budget-friendly solution without licensing fees, making it accessible for various organizations.
- Active Community Support. Backed by a vibrant community and extensive documentation, users can access a wealth of resources for troubleshooting and optimization.
pfSense Cons
- Complex Configuration. Initial setup and customization can be challenging, especially for users without prior networking experience.
- Hardware Compatibility. Optimal performance may require specific hardware components, such as Intel network interface cards, to avoid potential issues.
pfSense Deployment
Use Netgate Store’s pre-loaded package to install and deploy pfSense.
Use Cases & Scenarios
An IT administrator securing a corporate or cloud-based network with open-source firewall and intrusion prevention capabilities.
pfSense provides customizable firewall rules, VPN integration, and network traffic filtering, making it an excellent choice for enhancing perimeter security and preventing unauthorized access.
ZAProxy
OWASP’s ZAProxy is an open-source vulnerability scanner with robust penetration testing features.
Acting as a man-in-the-middle proxy, it enables users to scan for vulnerabilities, simulate attacks, and analyze source code for exploitable flaws.
ZAProxy Key Features
- Web-based interface.
- A broad range of vulnerability and pen-testing features.
- Multi-platform support. ZAProxy is compatible with Linux, MacOS, and Windows.
ZAProxy Pros
- Effective Vulnerability Scanning. Detects SQL injection, XSS, and other web threats.
- Strong Community Support. Regular updates from an active open-source community.
- Automation-Friendly. Integrates with CI/CD pipelines for DevSecOps workflows.
ZAProxy Cons
- Less Intuitive UI. Some users find the interface difficult to navigate.
- False Positives. Requires manual verification of scan results.
- Limited Documentation. Some features lack detailed guidance.
ZAProxy Deployment
Visit the developer’s official website to download the appropriate installation package.
Docker images are also available.
Use Cases & Scenarios
A security team conducting penetration testing and web application security assessments to identify vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them.
ZAProxy enables automated scanning, active penetration testing, and API security validation, helping organizations harden their applications against cyber threats.
Sigma
Sigma is an open signature format that standardizes log file annotations.
Sigma Key Features
- Enhance cross-department collaboration.
- Powerful annotation converter.
- Works alongside YARA and IOCs.
Sigma Pros
- Standardized Detection Rules. Ensures consistency across different SIEM platforms.
- Platform-Agnostic. Works with multiple SIEMs for flexible threat detection.
- Community-Driven. Regular updates with new detection rules.
Sigma Cons
- Manual Implementation. Requires translating rules into SIEM-specific queries.
- Variable Compatibility. Effectiveness depends on the SIEM’s capabilities.
- Limited Advanced Features. Lacks built-in complex analytics.
Sigma Deployment
Please consult Sigma’s GitHub documentation for info on setup, deployment, and troubleshooting.
Use Cases & Scenarios
A security analyst translating SIEM and security log data into actionable threat detection rules.
Sigma provides a vendor-agnostic framework for creating security monitoring rules, making it ideal for standardizing threat detection across different SIEM platforms.
MozDef
MozDef is Mozilla’s micro-service-based SIEM platform.
Inspired by popular, black-hat tools, this solution can aid you to automate low-grade security processes and conduct real-time event investigations.
MozDef Key Features
- Ability to overlap with Elastisearch.
- Multiple automation tiers (e.g. cloud protections, firewalls, etc.)
- Real-time collaboration.
- Rich security event metrics.
MozDef Pros
- Scalable SIEM. Handles 300M+ events daily.
- Real-Time Collaboration. Enhances security response efficiency.
- Flexible Integrations. Supports AWS CloudTrail, GuardDuty, and log shippers.
MozDef Cons
- Complex Setup. Requires technical expertise.
- Limited Documentation. Sparse resources for troubleshooting.
- Lacks Advanced Features. No clustering or role-based access control.
MozDef Deployment
According to MozDef’s documentation, this solution can be installed in a Docker Container or launched directly from a CentOS 7-running machine.
Use Cases & Scenarios
A SOC team building an open-source SIEM with SOAR capabilities to automate security alert processing and threat correlation.
MozDef helps teams ingest logs, analyze security events, and trigger automated response workflows, reducing the need for manual intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does Heimdal TAC reduce alert fatigue for SOC teams?
It uses automated threat correlation, risk scoring, and real-time remediation, minimizing redundant alerts and improving response efficiency.
How does Velociraptor handle large-scale forensic investigations?
It’s distributed architecture enables rapid data collection and analysis across thousands of endpoints without overloading resources.
Why do some teams struggle with Security Onion’s deployment?
While feature-rich, its setup requires SIEM and IDS expertise, and tuning alerts can be time-consuming for smaller teams.
What’s the biggest challenge in using Arkime for packet capture?
Storing and indexing high-volume network traffic demands significant disk space and robust infrastructure for optimal performance.
Why might PRADS miss some network assets?
As a passive detection tool, it relies on traffic visibility—devices that don’t actively communicate may not be detected.
What limits Kansa’s effectiveness in modern environments?
It requires PowerShell Remoting, which may be restricted by security policies, and is no longer actively maintained.
What makes GRR difficult to deploy at scale?
Its configuration is complex, and real-time forensic data collection can be resource-intensive on large infrastructures.
Why do some users struggle with pfSense’s performance?
While powerful, it requires specific hardware (e.g., Intel NICs) to avoid performance bottlenecks, especially for high-throughput networks.
Why does ZAP generate false positives in security scans?
Its automated scanner lacks contextual awareness, requiring manual verification to avoid unnecessary security alerts.
What’s the biggest challenge in using Sigma for SIEM rules?
Rules must be manually translated to each SIEM’s native query language, making integration labor-intensive.
Why is MozDef difficult for some teams to maintain?
Limited documentation and lack of high-availability features make it challenging for large-scale security operations.
