Top 5 Network Security Monitoring Tools based on 1K+ Reviews in '24

Updated on Jun 7

6 min read

Written by

Table of contents

2. SolarWinds Security Event Manager 3. Nagios XI 5. Splunk Enterprise Further Reading External Resources

Network Security Monitoring (NSM) is a sub-discipline of cybersecurity that involves interpreting all the data on the network with the aim to identify the existence of potential security threats or compromises against an organization. It is designed to recognize unusual activities that could represent malevolent actors.

Network Security Monitoring tools help organizations protect their assets from various cyber threats and prevent system disruption caused by malware by closely monitoring network traffic and performance.

In this article, we will delve into top Network Security Monitoring (NSM) tools, essential for safeguarding an organization’s digital assets.

Top 5 Network Security Monitoring (NSM) Tools Analyzed

Vendors	Price	Free Trial	Ratings	# of employees
ManageEngine OpManager	Standard Edition: $245 [25 devices] Professional Edition: $345 [25 devices] Enterprise Edition: $11,545 [250 devices]	✅ for 30-days	4.6/5 based on 161 reviews	302
Paessler PRTG	Starting €1,649	✅ for 30-days	4.6/5 based on 279 reviews	364
Nagios XI	Starting USD $1,995	✅ for 30-days	4.5/5 based on 91 reviews	2,500
SolarWinds Security Event Manager	Not shared publicly.	✅ for 30-days	4/5 based on 69 reviews	2,500
Splunk Enterprise	Not shared publicly.	✅ for 14-days	4.3/5 based on 407 reviews	1,000-5,000

For shared features of mentioned tools above, please refer to the shared features of network security monitoring tools section.

* Reviews are based on Capterra and G2. Vendors are ranked according to their average ratings.

** The number of workforce is gathered from the companies’ LinkedIn pages.

1. ManageEngine OpManager

ManageEngine OpManager provides network management capabilities, including network performance monitoring, fault management, and network security monitoring.

Source: ManafeEngine OpManager, Network Monitoring Dashboard ¹

Pros

Root cause analysis: The platform facilitates rapid fault identification through centralized visualization, analysis, and correlation of monitor performance.
Customizable reporting: ManageEngine OpManager offers over 100 customizable reports for network availability, usage trends, and performance analysis, enhancing visibility and decision-making.

Cons

Complexity: OpManager may lead to complexity in setup and configuration, requiring adequate time and expertise for implementation.
Integration challenges: Integrating OpManager with existing IT infrastructure and third-party tools may pose challenges, particularly in heterogeneous environments with diverse technologies and protocols.

Source: G2 ²

2. Paessler PRTG

With PRTG Network Monitor, administrators can detect and respond to security threats in real-time by monitoring firewall activity, detecting unusual network traffic patterns, monitoring for open ports, checking the status of antivirus software, and more.

Source: Paessler PRTG Sunburst Dashboard³

Pros

Customization Options: PRTG provides users with ample customization options, allowing them to tailor the monitoring solution to suit their specific requirements and preferences.
User-Friendly Interface: Paessler PRTG boasts a user-friendly interface that simplifies network monitoring and management tasks, catering to both novice and experienced users with its intuitive design.

Cons

Learning Curve and Complexity: Some of the users feel that it is a bit time-consuming in learning it fully and using all its capabilities because of the large vast functionality that this software provides.

Figure 3. User review on PRTG⁴

2. SolarWinds Security Event Manager

SolarWinds Security Event Manager is another important tool in the realm of Network Security Monitoring (NSM).

Pros

Real-time Threat Detection SolarWinds Security Event Manager excels in real-time threat detection and response, providing invaluable protection against security breaches as they occur.
Automated Processes By automating manual processes associated with threat detection and response, SolarWinds Security Event Manager significantly reduces response times, enhancing overall security posture.
Dynamic Monitoring Capabilities: Users benefit from the ability to create custom monitors on-the-fly, supported by the sophisticated built-in logic of LEM, uncovering previously unknown insights.

Cons

Resource Constraints in Small IT Environments: Time constraints hinder the full utilization of these tools in smaller IT setups, necessitating efficient time management strategies.
Initial Learning Curve: Implementing and mastering these tools may require a significant investment of time and resources, particularly for less experienced users.
Potential Cost Concerns: Depending on the specific solution, the initial investment and ongoing costs may be considerable, potentially posing challenges for budget-conscious organizations.

Source: Capterra ⁵

3. Nagios XI

Nagios XI is a network monitoring tool widely used in IT infrastructure management. Its main features emphasize system, network, and infrastructure monitoring, but its flexibility allows it to be extended to monitor security aspects as well.

Pros

Built-in Endpoint Templates Nagios XI simplifies setup with pre-built templates for popular endpoints, streamlining the process of adding them to the monitoring system.
Effective Incident Management Nagios XI enables incident resolution by providing clear visibility into network issues, preventing potential disruptions. Its scalability sets it apart from other monitoring tools.

Cons

Inadequate Alerting System Although Nagios XI promises consistent alerting for network outages and server/application issues, users have reported instances of unreliable alerting, impacting timely response to critical incidents.
Map Monitoring Challenges Nagios XI requires a larger screen for effective map monitoring, which can be cumbersome for users without access to spacious displays, potentially hindering server identification.⁶
High License Costs and Confusing Interface: Nagios XI’s licensing costs can be prohibitive, and its interface, especially in the free version, can be confusing. Users report difficulties in monitoring network throughput on a per-user basis and limitations in configuration capabilities.⁷

Source: Nagios XI User Pros & Cons⁸

5. Splunk Enterprise

Known for its capabilities in analyzing big data, Splunk offers specific solutions for network security monitoring that can interpret vast amounts of network data to detect anomalies and potential threats.

splunk enterprise dashboard, Network Security Monitoring Tools

Source: Splunk Enterprise ⁹

Pros

Ease of Implementation: Users find Splunk easy to implement, thanks to its user-friendly query language. Even non-technical individuals can create dashboards with ease, supported by sufficient documentation.¹⁰
Integration and Scalability: Splunk offers various integration options and advanced analytics capabilities. It is highly scalable, making it well-suited for deployment in large enterprises.¹¹

Cons

Complex Setup and Management: The platform can be challenging to set up and manage. Moreover, it tends to be more expensive than some of its competitors, which may pose a barrier for smaller organizations..¹²
Complex Design and Execution Times: Users report finding Splunk’s design complex, and note long execution times. Suggestions have been made to incorporate AI for better understanding of system logs and auto-learning-based alerting. ¹³

Fundamentals of Network Security Monitoring

Data Capture: NSM tools collect data packets moving across the network. This data can include emails, application data, and metadata about each communication session.
Data Analysis: The captured data is analyzed to detect patterns that may signify suspicious or malicious behavior.
Alerting: If a potential threat is detected, the NSM system will generate alerts for cybersecurity personnel. These alerts often include details about the nature of the threat, helping security teams to prioritize and respond effectively.
Incident Response: Upon receiving an alert, IT security teams can use the detailed information provided by NSM tools to address threats. This can involve blocking attack paths, isolating affected systems, and applying security patches.
Continuous Improvement: NSM also involves a feedback loop where the outcomes of security incidents are analyzed to refine the monitoring process, enhancing future detection and response strategies.

Shared Features of Network Security Monitoring Tools

Cyber Threat Intelligence Frameworks: They also employ threat intelligence tools to automatically detect security threats, ensuring prompt responses to potential risks.
Centralized Management: The tools aggregate logs, correlate events, and monitor threat data in a centralized location for streamlined management.
Automated Detection and Response: By comparing security events against threat feeds, these tools automate the detection of anomalies for swift response. They configure numerous active responses to mitigate security events in real-time, ensuring effective threat response.
Visualization and Insights: Utilizing visualization and discovery techniques, these tools identify trends and filter noise within log data, providing valuable insights. They derive insights from threat intelligence feeds to enhance the organization’s security posture, facilitating informed decision-making.
Built-in Correlation Rules: Users can choose from predefined rules or manually define thresholds to set operational parameters as needed.
Extensive Reporting: The tools offer extensive libraries of reports tailored for compliance and forensic analysis. They provide continuously updated threat intelligence feeds, enabling proactive analysis and immediate alerts to potential threats.

What are network security monitoring tools?

Network security monitoring tools are software solutions designed to monitor and analyze network traffic, devices, and systems for potential security threats and vulnerabilities. These tools help organizations detect and respond to security incidents, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of their network infrastructure.

How do network security monitoring tools enhance cybersecurity?

Network security monitoring tools enhance cybersecurity by providing real-time visibility into network activity, detecting suspicious behavior or anomalies, and enabling rapid response to security incidents. By continuously monitoring network traffic and devices, these tools help organizations identify and mitigate potential threats before they can cause harm.

Are network security monitoring tools suitable for small businesses?

Yes, network security monitoring tools are suitable for businesses of all sizes, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Many network security monitoring tools offer scalable solutions that can be tailored to meet the specific needs and budget constraints of SMEs, providing essential cybersecurity capabilities without requiring extensive resources or expertise.

External Resources

1. ”ManafeEngine OpManager“. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
2. “OpManager Pricing, Alternatives & More 2024.” G2. Accessed May 21, 2024.
3. “Paessler PRTG.” Accessed: May 21, 2024.
4. “PRTG Network Monitor Reviews 2024: Details, Pricing & Features.” G2. Accessed 21 May 2024.
5. “A Review of SolarWinds Security Event Manager by Jeremy M.”. Capterra June 7, 2017. Retrieved May 21, 2024
6. “A Review of Nagios XI by Irfan M.”. Capterra March 2, 2022. Retrieved May 21, 2024
7. “A Review of Nagios XI by Irfan M.”. Capterra March 2, 2022. Retrieved May 21, 2024
8. “Nagios XI User Pros & Cons” Capterra, Accessed: May 21, 2024.
9. Splunk Enterprise Security. Accessed: May 21, 2024.
10. “A Review of Splunk”. Capterra Feb 12, 2024. Retrieved May 21, 2024
11. “A Review of Splunk by Davis M.”. Capterra September 19, 2022. Retrieved May 21, 2024
12. “A Review of Splunk by Rob B.”. Capterra March 12, 2021. Retrieved May 21, 2024
13. “A Review of Splunk by Parth P.”. Capterra Dec 04, 2021. Retrieved May 21, 2024

Cem Dilmegani

Principal Analyst

Cem is the principal analyst at AIMultiple since 2017. AIMultiple informs hundreds of thousands of businesses (as per Similarweb) including 60% of Fortune 500 every month.

Cem's work focuses on how enterprises can leverage new technologies in AI, automation, cybersecurity(including network security, application security), data collection including web data collection and process intelligence.

Cem's work has been cited by leading global publications including Business Insider, Forbes, Washington Post, global firms like Deloitte, HPE, NGOs like World Economic Forum and supranational organizations like European Commission. You can see more reputable companies and media that referenced AIMultiple.

Cem's hands-on enterprise software experience contributes to the insights that he generates. He oversees AIMultiple benchmarks in dynamic application security testing (DAST), data loss prevention (DLP), email marketing and web data collection. Other AIMultiple industry analysts and tech team support Cem in designing, running and evaluating benchmarks.

Throughout his career, Cem served as a tech consultant, tech buyer and tech entrepreneur. He advised enterprises on their technology decisions at McKinsey & Company and Altman Solon for more than a decade. He also published a McKinsey report on digitalization.

He led technology strategy and procurement of a telco while reporting to the CEO. He has also led commercial growth of deep tech company Hypatos that reached a 7 digit annual recurring revenue and a 9 digit valuation from 0 within 2 years. Cem's work in Hypatos was covered by leading technology publications like TechCrunch and Business Insider.

Cem regularly speaks at international technology conferences. He graduated from Bogazici University as a computer engineer and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School.

Sources:

AIMultiple.com Traffic Analytics, Ranking & Audience, Similarweb.
Why Microsoft, IBM, and Google Are Ramping up Efforts on AI Ethics, Business Insider.
Microsoft invests $1 billion in OpenAI to pursue artificial intelligence that’s smarter than we are, Washington Post.
Data management barriers to AI success, Deloitte.
Empowering AI Leadership: AI C-Suite Toolkit, World Economic Forum.
Science, Research and Innovation Performance of the EU, European Commission.
Public-sector digitization: The trillion-dollar challenge, McKinsey & Company.
Hypatos gets $11.8M for a deep learning approach to document processing, TechCrunch.
We got an exclusive look at the pitch deck AI startup Hypatos used to raise $11 million, Business Insider.