Best Incident Response Software Shortlist
Here are the top 12 best incident response software I recommend based on my experience using them:
- Splunk - Best for extensive network management
- Carbon Black - Best for behavioral analytics
- AlienVault USM - Best SIEM solution for threat detection
- IBM Security QRadar SIEM - Best for medium to large-scale businesses
- CrowdStrike Falcon - Best for effective cybersecurity ecosystems
- SolarWinds - Best for log management and reporting
- Greenbone OpenVAS - Best for all-in-one vulnerability scanning
- Varonis - Best for managing email systems
- Sumo Logic - Best cloud-based security platform for enhanced threat detection
- Tenable - Best vulnerability management solution
- Tripwire - Best for monitoring file integrity
- Rapid7 InsightIDR - Best for endpoint visibility, authentication monitoring
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.
Overview of the 12 Best Incident Response Software
Here’s my list of the best incident response software to help you detect, investigate, and respond to cyber threats.
1. Splunk - Best for extensive network management
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.
Pricing: $86/5 users/month
Trial: 14-day free trial
Pros
- Powerful log management and security information and event management (SIEM) capabilities
- Customizable dashboards
- Extensive library of native and pre-built integrations
Cons
- Splunk can be resource-intensive
- Steep learning curve
2. Carbon Black - Best for behavioral analytics
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.
Pricing: Pricing upon request
Trial: 90-day free trial
Pros
- Advanced threat hunting and behavioral analysis
- Real-time endpoint visibility and automated threat containment
- Well-rounded security ecosystem.
Cons
- It can be challenging to implement
- It can overwhelm organizations with limited resources or less complex security needs
3. AlienVault USM - Best SIEM solution for threat detection
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.
Pricing: $1,075/month (billed annually)
Trial: 14-day free trial
Pros
- Unified security platform
- Integrated threat intelligence capabilities.
- Centralized log management
Cons
- Initial setup may require technical expertise
- Limited customization options
4. IBM Security QRadar SIEM - Best for medium to large-scale businesses
IBM Security QRadar SIEM is a security information and event management (SIEM) solution. It collects and analyzes event logs and flow data from various sources, giving organizations more visibility into their IT infrastructure.
Why I picked IBM QRadar: IBM QRadar is my top choice for medium to large businesses because it can ingest and analyze event log data at scale, offering support for over 450 device support modules (DSM) and over 370 applications. Its advanced threat detection, comprehensive log and event management, intelligent incident response capabilities, and the trusted brand of IBM make it the ideal incident response software solution for organizations aiming to strengthen their security posture.
IBM QRadar Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include network traffic analysis that can efficiently analyze large volumes and an extensive integration ecosystem. These features collectively convince me that QRadar is a powerful SIEM solution for medium to large businesses to respond to evolving cyber threats effectively.
Integrations include native integrations with IBM Resilient and IBM BigFix. There are also pre-built integrations with Cisco ASA and Microsoft Active Directory.
Pricing: From $470/month (excludes the cost of infrastructure)
Trial: Free plan available
Pros
- Extensive log management
- AI-powered threat detection
- Comprehensive security ecosystem
Cons
- Initial setup may require technical expertise
- Might be expensive for small businesses
5. CrowdStrike Falcon Insight - Best for effective cybersecurity ecosystems
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.
Pricing: From $24.99/month (billed annually)
Trial: 15-day free trial
Pros
- Advanced threat intelligence
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) capabilities.
- Cloud-native architecture
Cons
- Pricing can be relatively high
- Dependency on connectivity
6. SolarWinds - Best for log management and reporting
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).
Pricing: From $2,877/year
Trial: 30-day free trial
Pros
- Robust log management
- Advanced reporting
- Scalability and flexibility
Cons
- Difficult to learn
- Complex licensing structure
7. Greenbone OpenVAS - Best for all-in-one vulnerability scanning
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.
Pricing: Pricing upon request
Trial: 14-day free trial
Pros
- Comprehensive vulnerability scanning
- Customizable scanning policies
- Active community support
Cons
- Unintuitive user Interface
- Steep learning Curve
8. Varonis - Best for email management systems
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.
Pricing: Pricing upon request
Trial: 30-day free trial
Pros
- Data-centric security
- Email system monitoring
- File system visibility and control
Cons
- Complex to deploy
- Steep price tag for some
9. Sumo Logic - 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.
Pricing: Pricing upon request
Trial: Free plan available
Pros
- Cloud-Native platform
- Real-time threat detection
- Powerful analytics and visualization
Cons
- Complex pricing structure.
- Steep learning curve
10. Tenable - Best vulnerability management solution
Tenable is a cybersecurity company that enables organizations to gain visibility into their network assets and track their overall security posture.
Why I picked Tenable: I picked Tenable for its vulnerability management solution, which helps me identify and prioritize vulnerabilities across my network. With Tenable, I can proactively address potential entry points for attackers and reduce the risk of security incidents.
Tenable Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include continuous monitoring and reporting capabilities, which allow me to detect vulnerabilities and respond promptly to new threats. These features reduce my exposure window to threats and help keep my systems safe.
Integrations are native to Splunk, IBM QRadar, and ArcSight. There are also pre-built integrations with ServiceNow and JIRA for seamless vulnerability ticketing and remediation.
Pricing: From $3,344.25/65 assets/year
Trial: 7-day free trial
Pros
- Comprehensive vulnerability management
- Extensive asset coverage
- Advanced reporting and dashboards
Cons
- Configuration is complex
- Expensive to maintain
11. Tripwire - Best for monitoring file integrity
Tripwire is a trusted provider of security configuration management solutions designed to protect critical systems and sensitive data. Tripwire solutions offer continuous monitoring of system configurations and file integrity.
Why I picked Tripwire: I chose Tripwire for its exceptional file integrity monitoring capabilities, which lets me check files for errors and see if they've been tampered with. By detecting unauthorized changes, anomalies, or deviations from secure configurations, Tripwire helps organizations identify potential security breaches and respond rapidly.
Tripwire Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include extensive vulnerability management capabilities that allow me to detect and address security incidents. It also offers continuous monitoring and detection of unauthorized changes, log management, and event correlation.
Integrations are native to Splunk, IBM QRadar, and ArcSight. There are also pre-built integrations with ServiceNow and JIRA.
Pricing: Pricing upon request
Trial: 30-day free trial
Pros
- File integrity monitoring
- Configuration compliance
- Advanced threat detection
Cons
- Complex deployment
- Limited scope
12. Rapid7 InsightIDR - best for endpoint visibility and authentication monitoring
Rapid7 InsightIDR is a security information and event management (SIEM) solution that combines SIEM capabilities with user behavior analytics (UBA) to provide comprehensive threat detection and incident response.
Why I picked Rapid7 InsightIDR: Rapid7 InsightIDR became my preferred choice because of its robust endpoint visibility and authentication monitoring capabilities. InsightIDR lets me see user activity in real time, stop insider threats, and respond to security incidents — all of which help keep endpoints and authentication systems secure.
Rapid7 InsightIDR Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include endpoint visibility and advanced user behavior analytics to detect anomalous activities, identify insider threats, and enhance overall security. InsightIDR monitors authentication events, enabling me to detect and respond to unauthorized access attempts and potential account compromises.
Integrations come pre-built for Carbon Black, CrowdStrike, Splunk, IBM QRadar, ArcSight, Duo Security, and Okta.
Pricing: From $3.82/asset/month
Trial: 30-day free trial
Pros
- Endpoint visibility and detection
- User behavior analytics
- Extensive integration capabilities
Cons
- Complexity for small environments
- Initial setup and configuration
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:
- LogRhythm - Best for real-time monitoring and analysis
- McAfee ESM - Best for real-time tracking and analysis
- Cisco Secure Endpoints - Best for real-time visibility into endpoint activity
- Acutinex – Best for tailored network security solutions
- Palo Alto Network – Best for security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR)
- Cynet 360 – Best all-in-one incident response software
- LogPoint – Best for centralized log management
- RSA NetWitness Platform – Best for network visibility
- FireEye Helix – Best intelligence-driven incident response software
- Cybereason Defense Platform – Best for endpoint detection and response
- Swimlane – Best for streamlined workflow
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?
Why’s incident response necessary?
How does incident response software work?
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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