23 Best Incident Response Software For Better Security
Best Incident Response Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 23 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
In this article, I'll cover how these solutions can help optimize your incident management process, detect and respond to incidents promptly, and minimize the impact of security breaches. I'll also discuss pricing, features, integrations, and each software's pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
What Is Incident Response Software?
Incident response software refers to tools and technologies that help organizations manage and mitigate security incidents. It enables businesses to detect, investigate, and respond to potential threats as they occur.
Incident response software typically includes threat detection, incident tracking, automated response actions, collaboration tools, and reporting capabilities. Centralizing incident information and providing workflows helps organizations minimize security breaches, prevent data loss, and maintain business continuity.
Incident Response Software For Better Security Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Preparis | Pricing upon request | Website |
| ManageEngine EventLog Analyzer | Pricing available upon request | Website |
| AlienVault USM | $1,075/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Sumo Logic | From $15/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Greenbone OpenVAS | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Splunk | From $150/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| CrowdStrike Falcon Insight | From $24.99/month (billed annually) | Website |
| SolarWinds | From $19/user/month | Website |
| Varonis | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Carbon Black | Pricing upon request | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareBest Incident Response Software Reviews
Here’s my list of the best incident response software to help you detect, investigate, and respond to cyber threats.
Preparis is a cloud-based business continuity and emergency notification tool designed to help organizations prepare for and manage various disruptions. The software provides a comprehensive suite of features including risk assessment, emergency planning, response coordination, incident detection, and reporting.
Why I picked Preparis: Preparis offers an advanced emergency alert system that includes rapid response capabilities, customizable alerts, and multi-channel communication with bi-directional messaging. This ensures that alerts can be sent and received promptly via various channels such as push notifications, text, email, and voice messages. These features are crucial for ensuring that all stakeholders are promptly informed and can take necessary actions to mitigate risks during IT emergencies.
Preparis Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include customizable templates for building your IT incident response plans, real-time reporting for critical insights that guide your response efforts from start to finish, and an incident manager that allows you to track, assign, and resolve IT incidents efficiently.
Integrations include systems like ADP and Okta, allowing for coordination across your existing tools.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Incident response management across departments
- Effective notification system
- The tool is scalable
Cons:
- Limited customization options available
- Could offer a ticket management feature
ManageEngine EventLog Analyzer is a log management solution that helps you collect, monitor, and analyze logs from various sources within your IT infrastructure. It offers real-time insights into network activities, enabling you to detect and respond to security incidents promptly.
Why I picked ManageEngine EventLog Analyzer: EventLog Analyzer's real-time event correlation feature is crucial for incident response. It analyzes log data from multiple sources to identify patterns indicative of security threats, allowing your team to detect and address incidents swiftly. Additionally, its alerting system notifies you of suspicious activities as they occur, enabling immediate action to mitigate potential risks.
ManageEngine EventLog Analyzer Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include file integrity monitoring, log archiving, user activity monitoring, network device auditing, application log analysis, server log management, web server log management, database activity monitoring, threat intelligence integration, and customizable dashboards.
Integrations include ADManager Plus, ADAudit Plus, PAM360, ServiceDesk Plus, OpManager, Log360, Firewall Analyzer, Endpoint Central, Mobile Device Manager Plus, Cloud Security Plus, and Log360 Cloud.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports both agent-based and agentless log collection
- Pre-built compliance reports simplify regulatory adherence
- Real-time event correlation enhances incident detection
Cons:
- Integration with certain third-party tools may require additional effort
- Customization of reports can be complex
AlienVault USM is an incident response software that combines essential security capabilities into a single platform. It can help organizations address security incidents with features like real-time threat detection, centralized log management, and automation workflows.
Why I picked AlienVault USM: I chose AlienVault USM due to its comprehensive suite of unified security capabilities. AlienVault USM provides me with everything I need to safeguard my infrastructure and data, including asset discovery, vulnerability assessment, threat intelligence, log management, and incident response.
AlienVault USM Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include real-time threat detection and alerts which allows me to track and deal with security threats as they happen. Other features include integration with Open Threat Exchange (OTX) — an open-source platform that allows security professionals to share their research. These make AlienVault USM an excellent choice for incident response for me.
Integrations are available natively with security solutions such as Palo Alto Networks, Cisco, Check Point, and Fortinet. Pre-built integrations are available through the AlienApp ecosystem.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Centralized log management
- Integrated threat intelligence capabilities.
- Unified security platform
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Initial setup may require technical expertise
Best cloud-based security platform for enhanced threat detection
Sumo Logic is a cloud-native machine data analytics platform that specializes in log management, real-time monitoring, and security analytics.
Why I picked Sumo Logic: Sumo Logic stood out as the best cloud-based incident management tool for me due to its advanced threat detection capabilities. Sumo Logic makes it easy to see security-related data in one location. With the Sumo Logic Monitors tool, I’m able to get instant alerts when the system detects anomalies.
Sumo Logic Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include machine learning-powered anomaly detection and centralized incident investigation that help me address security incidents. It also offers customizable dashboards, automated incident response workflows, and a scalable cloud-native architecture which makes it a standout choice for incident response software.
Integrations include native integrations with major cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. It also has pre-built integrations with Kubernetes, Docker, and VMware.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Powerful analytics and visualization
- Real-time threat detection
- Cloud-Native platform
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Complex pricing structure.
Greenbone OpenVAS is an open-source vulnerability assessment tool that helps organizations identify and address security weaknesses within their network infrastructure. OpenVAS can scan for and find security vulnerabilities, then provide details and suggestions for fixing them.
Greenbone OpenVAS offers flexibility, extensibility, and a community of users, making it a good choice for maintaining a strong security posture.
Why I picked Greenbone OpenVAS: Greenbone OpenVAS stood out to me for its all-in-one vulnerability scanning capabilities. With OpenVAS, I can do vulnerability assessments across the network infrastructure, get detailed reports, and prioritize remediation efforts to make sure my security is solid.
Greenbone OpenVAS Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include comprehensive reporting and continuous monitoring support, allowing me to identify and assess vulnerabilities across my network infrastructure comprehensively. OpenVAS also provides the flexibility to customize scanning policies and prioritize vulnerability remediation based on your unique requirements and risk profile.
Integrations are pre-built with vulnerability management platforms, Nessus and Qualys; ticketing systems, JIRA and ServiceNow; and reporting and analytics tools like Splunk and ELK Stack for in-depth analysis and visualization of vulnerability data.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Active community support
- Customizable scanning policies
- Comprehensive vulnerability scanning
Cons:
- Steep learning Curve
- Unintuitive user Interface
Splunk is a software platform that specializes in data analytics and operational intelligence. It offers a comprehensive incident response platform with powerful analytics and real-time monitoring capabilities.
Why I picked Splunk: I chose Splunk because it has a customizable security platform and can track and stop threats across an organization's complex IT environment. Splunk's robust search and analytics features give me extensive visibility into network performance, traffic, and security incidents.
Splunk Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include powerful search and analysis, extensive data integration, and real-time monitoring. These features enable me to gain actionable insights and identify threat patterns. Splunk's easy data collection, analysis, and correlation make it stand out compared to other options.
Integrations include native and pre-built options to connect to lots of security solutions, IT tools, business applications, and cloud platforms like AWS and Google Cloud Platform.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive library of native and pre-built integrations
- Customizable dashboards
- Powerful log management and security information and event management (SIEM) capabilities
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Splunk can be resource-intensive
CrowdStrike Falcon Insight is a cloud-native endpoint protection platform that delivers advanced threat intelligence and real-time protection against sophisticated cyber threats.
Why I picked CrowdStrike Falcon Insight: I picked CrowdStrike Falcon Insight for its comprehensive cybersecurity ecosystem, combining advanced threat intelligence, real-time protection, and proactive threat-hunting capabilities. It provides an all-encompassing solution to enhance my organization's security posture and defend against sophisticated cyber threats effectively.
CrowdStrike Falcon Insight Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include AI-driven threat intelligence that provides me with proactive threat hunting and real-time detection and protection against sophisticated cyber threats. These comprehensive EDR capabilities offer deep visibility into endpoints, allowing for rapid detection, investigation, and response to security incidents.
Integrations include native integrations with popular SIEM platforms such as Splunk, IBM QRadar, and ArcSight. It can use external threat intelligence feeds, like VirusTotal and ThreatConnect, to improve its threat detection.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Cloud-native architecture
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) capabilities.
- Advanced threat intelligence
Cons:
- Dependency on connectivity
- Pricing can be relatively high
SolarWinds offers a wide range of powerful IT management and monitoring solutions, including network, systems, and security management tools. SolarWinds' incident response software helps organizations and security teams respond to security incidents.
Why I picked SolarWinds: I chose SolarWinds for its robust log management and reporting capabilities. With SolarWinds, I can centralize and analyze logs from different sources, gaining valuable insights into system events and security incidents. Its extensive reporting features empower me to track and investigate incidents efficiently.
SolarWinds Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include the centralized incident management system, which has helped me streamline and improve my incident response processes, as well as collaborate more effectively among teams. SolarWinds provides reports to help me see potential threats, system events, security incidents, and compliance adherence.
Integrations come pre-built with incident response tools like Splunk, LogRhythm, and IBM QRadar. SolarWinds integrates natively with other SolarWinds products, such as Network Performance Monitor (NPM) and Server & Application Monitor (SAM).
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Scalability and flexibility
- Advanced reporting
- Robust log management
Cons:
- Complex licensing structure
- Difficult to learn
Varonis is a comprehensive data security platform that focuses on protecting sensitive data and mitigating data-centric risks. Varonis lets organizations track user behavior, detect data breaches, and respond quickly to security incidents.
Why I picked Varonis: Varonis made my list due to its excellent email management system capabilities. With Varonis, I can effectively track and protect my email systems, ensure data privacy and compliance, and safeguard against unauthorized access or misuse.
Varonis Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include an efficient email monitoring system, which helps me stop email-based threats, phishing, and data leaks. Varonis also has great file system visibility and control, which stops unauthorized activities and detects and responds to them.
Integrations include pre-built integrations with popular email systems like Microsoft Exchange and Office 365. Varonis also integrates with SIEM platforms like Splunk and IBM QRadar.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- File system visibility and control
- Email system monitoring
- Data-centric security
Cons:
- Steep price tag for some
- Complex to deploy
VMware Carbon Black focuses on endpoint security and threat intelligence, helping organizations protect their endpoint devices from various cyber threats.
Why I picked Carbon Black: Carbon Black made my list because it uses behavioral-based detection and advanced machine learning to identify anomalous patterns. Behavioral analysis hones in on suspicious activities, allowing security teams to promptly investigate and respond to incidents before they escalate.
Carbon Black Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include advanced threat detection, EDR, endpoint visibility and monitoring, behavioral analytics and detection, and incident response workflows. Its integration capabilities and proactive threat hunting are also why I picked it as a top choice for organizations seeking effective incident response capabilities.
Integrations include native integrations with incident management software, like Splunk and IBM QRadar; vulnerability management solutions, like tenable.io and Qualys; and cloud security platforms, like AWS Security Hub and Azure Sentinel. It also has pre-built integrations with two Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) platforms, IBM Resilient and Splunk Phantom.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Well-rounded security ecosystem.
- Real-time endpoint visibility and automated threat containment
- Advanced threat hunting and behavioral analysis
Cons:
- It can overwhelm organizations with limited resources or less complex security needs
- It can be challenging to implement
Other Incident Response Software Options
While they may not have made it to my list, these alternatives offer unique features and functionalities that may align better with your organization’s requirements. Some noteworthy incident response software worth exploring include:
- IBM Security QRadar SIEM
Best for medium to large-scale businesses
- Tenable
Best vulnerability management solution
- Rapid7 InsightIDR
Best for endpoint visibility and authentication monitoring
- Tripwire
Best for monitoring file integrity
- Cynet 360
Best all-in-one incident response software
- Swimlane
Best for streamlined workflow
- McAfee ESM
Best for real-time tracking and analysis
- Cybereason Defense Platform
Best for endpoint detection and response
- FireEye Helix
Best intelligence-driven incident response software
- RSA NetWitness Platform
Best for network visibility
- LogPoint
Best for centralized log management
- Palo Alto Network
Best for security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR)
- Acutinex
Best for tailored network security solutions
Selection Criteria For Incident Response Software
Here’s a summary of the primary selection and evaluation criteria I used to develop my list of the best Incident response software for this article:
Core Functionality
I examined the core functionalities of incident response software, including:
- Allows you to detect security incidents through various means, such as real-time monitoring and timely alerts when something suspicious is detected.
- Enables you to conduct thorough investigations of security incidents, providing you with tools for collecting and analyzing relevant data to determine the root cause, impact, and extent of the incident, such as logs, network packets, and system snapshots.
- Allows you to create and execute automated workflows to enhance the efficiency of incident response processes.
Key Features
I delved into the key features offered by each incident response software to identify standout capabilities, such as:
- Incident prioritization: I looked for features that help prioritize security incidents based on severity and impact, enabling efficient resource allocation.
- Integration with security tools: I looked at the software's ability to work with other security tools, like SIEM, threat intelligence platforms, and endpoint protection solutions.
- Forensic analysis: I assessed whether the software provides robust forensic analysis capabilities to investigate and analyze security incidents thoroughly.
- Collaboration and reporting: I evaluated features that facilitate collaboration among incident response teams and enable comprehensive reporting on incident details, actions taken, and lessons learned.
Usability
I looked at how usable the incident response software is, considering factors like how easy it is to use and deploy the solution and how many learning resources are available.
Cost and Pricing Model
Understanding the cost and pricing model of each incident response software is crucial for providing comprehensive information to organizations. I considered factors such as licensing models, subscription options, and additional costs associated with support or premium features.
There’s no fixed cost for incident response software, as it varies depending on the size of your organization and the number of assets in your infrastructure. However, you can expect to pay about $3 to $5 per asset a month. Businesses that need incident response software for 50 assets can expect to pay around $150 a month or more, depending on the features they need.
Compliance and Regulatory Support
I assessed the software's compliance and regulatory support to ensure it aligns with industry standards and regulations. I made sure the software's features, like audit logs and reporting templates, help organizations meet their regulatory obligations.
People Also Ask
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about incident response software:
What is incident response?
Incident response refers to detecting, analyzing, and responding to security incidents or breaches in an organization’s information systems. It involves identifying the scope and impact of the incident, containing the threat, eradicating the vulnerability, and recovering from the incident while minimizing damage.
Why’s incident response necessary?
Incident response is crucial for organizations to manage and mitigate security incidents effectively. It helps minimize the impact of breaches, protect sensitive data, maintain business continuity, and restore normal operations promptly. Incident response also aids in identifying vulnerabilities, improving security measures, and preventing future incidents.
How does incident response software work?
Incident response software automates and streamlines various stages of the incident response process. It watches for and warns about security incidents so organizations can respond properly. It also helps teams work together, and it automates response actions. Plus, it gives the team reports and documentation for post-incident analysis and compliance.
Choosing The Right Software
Investing in reliable and effective incident response software is crucial for organizations to minimize the impact of security incidents and protect their sensitive data. With the right incident response solution, organizations can quickly detect and respond to security incidents, reduce downtime, and prevent future breaches.
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