Top 10 Network Security Tools to Protect Your Business

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Is your network really secure?

Cybercriminals don’t need sophisticated tools to get in; just a single weak point. A poorly configured firewall, outdated scanner, or missed endpoint could be all it takes to expose your sensitive data.

Businesses lose an average of $4.45 million per breach (IBM, 2023), yet most security gaps go unnoticed until it’s too late. The right network security tools don’t just detect threats—they prevent costly disasters before they happen.

This article covers 10 must-have network security tools to monitor, protect, and fortify your network—before it becomes a hacker’s playground.

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TL;DR

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What Are Network Security Tools & Why Do You Need Them?

Network security tools act as your business’s first line of defense against cyber threats. They monitor, detect, and block malicious activity before it can cause damage. Whether it's preventing unauthorized access, stopping a ransomware attack, or securing cloud applications, the right tools keep your network safe, compliant, and operational.

Without them?

Data breaches, financial losses, and regulatory fines become a real threat. Attackers don’t wait. They exploit misconfigurations, unpatched systems, and weak security policies to gain access. The right security stack ensures your defenses are always a step ahead.

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How Network Security Tools Protect Your Business

Cyber threats are more aggressive and sophisticated than ever. A firewall alone won’t cut it. Businesses need layered security to tackle evolving risks.

Here’s how network security tools help:

a) Prevent cyber threats before they strike

• Block malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks before they infiltrate systems.
• Detect suspicious network activity and isolate threats in real time.

b) Give IT teams full visibility and control

• Monitor network traffic, log activity, and flag unauthorized access attempts.
• Reduce attack surfaces by identifying weak spots before hackers do.

c) Ensure compliance and avoid hefty fines

• Stay in line with GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2, and other security frameworks.
• Enforce access controls to protect sensitive customer and business data.

Without these protections, businesses risk becoming easy targets.

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Key Features to Look for in Network Security Tools

Not all network security tools are created equal. A flashy dashboard means nothing if it doesn’t secure your network.

Look for solutions that provide:

→ Threat detection and real-time monitoring

• Alerts you to suspicious activity, unauthorized access, and anomalies.
• Uses AI-driven analysis to detect and respond to zero-day threats.

→ Intrusion prevention and firewall protection

• Blocks unwanted traffic before it reaches your network.
• Detects intrusions and prevents attacks in real time.

→ Access control and security automation

• Ensures only authorized users can access sensitive data.
• Automates security policies, user provisioning, and compliance checks.

→ Secure cloud and SaaS application management

• Prevents shadow IT and unapproved software from creating security gaps.
• Protects cloud environments from unauthorized access and data breaches.

A single tool won’t do it all. A strong security stack includes multiple layers of protection—because hackers don’t take shortcuts, and neither should your defenses.

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Top 10 Network Security Tools

Wireshark

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Wireshark is a free and open-source network security tool and a protocol analyzer used by IT professionals to capture, inspect, and analyze network traffic in real time. It provides deep visibility into packet-level data, helping teams troubleshoot network issues, detect anomalies, and investigate security threats.

Key Features

• Packet capture & analysis: Captures live network traffic and provides detailed insights into packet-level data.
• Protocol inspection: Supports deep inspection of hundreds of protocols with filtering and color-coded packet views.
• Cross-platform support: Runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS, offering flexibility for different environments.

Pros

• Highly detailed packet analysis for diagnosing network issues
• Free and open-source with no feature limitations
• Broad protocol support, making it useful for various network environments

Cons

• Steep learning curve for beginners due to complex interface
• Difficult to analyze large packet captures, slowing down performance
• Limited built-in security features, primarily a diagnostic tool

Pricing: Wireshark is completely free to download and use, with no licensing costs.

Tenable Nessus

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Tenable Nessus is a leading vulnerability scanner designed to help businesses identify, assess, and remediate security risks across networks, applications, and cloud environments. It provides comprehensive vulnerability scanning, ensuring IT teams can detect software flaws, misconfigurations, and potential exploits before attackers do.

Key Features

• Comprehensive vulnerability scanning: Identifies software flaws, misconfigurations, and missing patches across operating systems and applications.
• Pre-built policies & templates: Offers ready-to-use scan configurations for common security standards like CIS, PCI DSS, and HIPAA.
• Automated scanning & reporting: Provides scheduled scans, automated alerts, and detailed remediation recommendations.

Pros

• Accurate and detailed vulnerability detection with minimal false positives
• Easy-to-use interface with pre-configured policies for faster assessments
• Supports scanning for on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments

Cons

• Scans can be slow, especially in large network environments
• Limited automation for remediation; requires manual patching
• Higher licensing costs compared to some alternatives

Pricing

• Nessus Professional: $4,708.20/year
• Nessus Expert: $7,068.20/year
• Multi-year discounts available

Metasploit

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Metasploit is a penetration testing framework developed by Rapid7. It allows security teams to identify vulnerabilities, simulate attacks, and test defenses against real-world threats. With an extensive database of exploits and payloads, this network security tool is widely used for ethical hacking and security assessments.

Key Features

• Exploit development & testing: Provides an extensive library of exploits, payloads, and post-exploitation modules.
• Automated penetration testing: Enables security teams to test system vulnerabilities through simulated attacks.
• Security awareness & training: Supports phishing simulations to evaluate employee awareness and improve security measures.

Pros

• Comprehensive exploit database for testing security defenses
• Seamless integration with other security tools and vulnerability scanners
• Supports automation for penetration testing

Cons

• Complex setup and steep learning curve for beginners
• Requires manual updates for the latest exploits
• Limited scalability for enterprise-level security operations

Pricing

• Community Edition: Free
• Pro Edition: $15,000/year

Snort

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Snort is an open-source intrusion detection and prevention system (IDPS) developed by Cisco. It analyzes network traffic in real time, identifying and blocking suspicious activity. Security teams can customize detection rules to meet specific security requirements, making Snort a flexible choice for network monitoring and protection.

Key Features

• Intrusion detection & prevention: Monitors network traffic for known attack patterns and prevents unauthorized access.
• Custom rule sets: Allows users to define and modify rules for better threat detection.
• Packet logging & analysis: Captures and logs network packets for in-depth security analysis.

Pros

• Open-source and highly customizable
• Strong community support for rule updates and troubleshooting
• Effective real-time traffic monitoring and logging

Cons

• Requires advanced networking knowledge to configure
• High number of false positives may need frequent tuning
• Lacks a graphical user interface, making setup and management complex

Pricing

• Personal Subscription: $29.99 per sensor/year
• Business Subscription: $399 per sensor/year

Splunk

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Splunk Enterprise Security (ES) is a security information and event management (SIEM) solution designed to help organizations detect, investigate, and respond to cyber threats in real time. This network security tool provides deep visibility into security events, logs, and network activity, allowing businesses to proactively manage risks and ensure compliance.

Key Features

• Advanced threat detection: Uses machine learning and behavior analytics to detect security threats before they escalate.
• Real-time monitoring & alerts: Continuously monitors security events and provides instant alerts for suspicious activities.
• Incident response & automation: Automates threat response workflows, reducing manual intervention and response times.

Pros

• Seamless integration with various security tools
• Highly customizable dashboards and reporting
• Strong data correlation capabilities for better security insights

Cons

• High pricing makes it expensive for smaller organizations
• Steep learning curve, requiring technical expertise
• Can slow down when processing large volumes of data

Pricing

Splunk offers various pricing models based on workload, data ingestion, or entity-based pricing. Exact costs vary depending on the deployment and usage.

OpenVAS

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OpenVAS (Open Vulnerability Assessment System) is an open-source vulnerability scanning and management solution designed to detect security flaws in IT infrastructures. It is widely used for penetration testing, security auditing, and compliance assessments.

Key Features

• Comprehensive vulnerability scanning: Identifies security flaws across networks, systems, and applications.
• Regular security updates: Continuously updated with the latest vulnerability definitions and detection techniques.
• Customizable scan policies: Allows users to configure scanning depth, targets, and security rules.
• Automated reporting & alerts: Generates detailed reports with risk assessments and remediation recommendations.
• Integration withsecurity tools: Works with various cybersecurity solutions for enhanced vulnerability management.

Pros

• Completely free and open-source
• Supports multiple operating systems
• Highly customizable for different security needs
• Regularly updated with new security threats

Cons

• User interface is not intuitive, making it difficult for beginners
• False positives may require manual verification
• Setup and configuration can be complex
• Slower scans compared to commercial alternatives

Pricing

OpenVAS is free to use as an open-source project, but enterprise support and cloud-hosted deployments may incur additional costs.

Nagios

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Nagios XI is a comprehensive enterprise IT monitoring solution designed to proactively monitor, troubleshoot, and resolve infrastructure issues in a streamlined environment. It provides network, server, application, and log monitoring, making it a preferred tool for businesses looking to maintain system uptime and performance.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Monitoring: Monitors servers, networks, applications, and services.
• Customizable Dashboards: Provides real-time insights with graphical reporting and visualizations.
• Advanced Alerting: Sends notifications via email and SMS when issues arise.
• Scalability: Supports small to large enterprises with flexible node-based licensing.
• Automation & Auto-Discovery: Simplifies host and service monitoring with automated discovery tools.

Pros

• Highly customizable with support for third-party plugins
• Proactive monitoring to detect issues before they cause downtime
• Detailed reports and dashboards for better visibility
• Robust community support with active development

Cons

• Complex initial setup with a steep learning curve
• High licensing costs for enterprise use
• User interface is outdated compared to newer monitoring tools
• False alerts can be an issue, requiring manual verification

Pricing: Starts at $3,990 for 50 nodes and goes up to $25,990 for unlimited nodes, with enterprise add-ons available at extra cost.

Kali Linux

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Kali Linux is a free, open-source Debian-based distribution designed for penetration testing, ethical hacking, and cybersecurity research. It comes with over 600 pre-installed security tools, making it a preferred choice for cybersecurity professionals, forensic analysts, and ethical hackers worldwide.

Key Features

• Extensive security toolset – Includes over 600 penetration testing tools for network scanning, exploitation, password cracking, and forensic analysis.
• Rolling updates – Provides frequent updates with the latest security tools, bug fixes, and performance improvements.
• Customizable & lightweight – Supports various architectures (ARM, x64, x86) and allows users to create custom ISOs based on their needs.
• Live boot & persistence – Can be run as a live USB or installed permanently, with options for encrypted persistence.

Pros

• Free and open-source with no licensing costs.
• Pre-installed with top security tools for penetration testing and forensic analysis.
• Highly customizable, supporting multiple architectures and virtualization options.

Cons

• The network security tool has steep learning curve, requiring Linux knowledge to use effectively.
• Not beginner-friendly, with complex setup and configuration.
• Some features may be restricted in certain countries due to legal regulations.

Pricing

Kali Linux is completely free to download and use. However, running it on cloud platforms like AWS or Azure incurs instance-based costs.

Forcepoint

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Forcepoint Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) is an enterprise-grade firewall network security solution that combines advanced intrusion prevention, SD-WAN capabilities, and cloud-based security to protect distributed enterprises and government agencies. It ensures secure connectivity, deep packet inspection, and centralized management for comprehensive network defense.

Key features:

• Advanced threat protection – Detects and mitigates sophisticated cyber threats using deep packet inspection and intrusion prevention.
• Integrated SD-WAN – Ensures seamless and secure branch networking with intelligent traffic routing and failover.
• Centralized management – Provides a unified control panel to monitor and manage multiple firewall instances from a single dashboard.
• Seamless cloud integration – Works with Forcepoint’s Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) platform for enhanced cloud security and policy enforcement.

Pros

• Highly secure with deep packet inspection and flexible rule creation.
• Centralized management simplifies network security operations.
• Strong SD-WAN capabilities for secure and efficient network connectivity.

Cons

• Configuration can be complex, requiring expertise to set up optimally.
• Connectivity issues with the management server may occur occasionally.
• Higher pricing compared to some competitors.

Pricing: Forcepoint NGFW pricing varies based on deployment type, features, and number of nodes. Contact Forcepoint for custom pricing based on enterprise requirements.

Tor

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Tor (The Onion Router) is an open-source network security tool that enables anonymous communication by routing internet traffic through a distributed network of volunteer-operated servers. It enhances online privacy, helps bypass censorship, and protects users from tracking and surveillance.

Key Features

• Onion routing technology – Encrypts and routes traffic through multiple nodes to ensure anonymity.
• Access to restricted content – Enables users to bypass geographic restrictions and censorship.
• No tracking or surveillance – Prevents websites, advertisers, and ISPs from tracking browsing activity.
• Cross-platform compatibility – Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android devices.

Pros

• Strong anonymity and privacy protection.
• Free to use and open-source.
• Bypass censorship and access restrictions.

Cons

• Slower browsing speeds due to multiple encryption layers.
• Some websites block Tor users.
• Potential for misuse in illegal activities.

Pricing: Tor is completely free to use, as it is funded by donations and volunteer support.

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Or try CloudEagle - a Smarter Way to Manage SaaS security

Managing SaaS security is a growing challenge for businesses, with increasing risks from unauthorized access, Shadow IT, compliance gaps, and vendor security risks.

Traditional security measures struggle to keep up with the complexity of modern SaaS environments, leading to data breaches, compliance failures, and unnecessary costs.

CloudEagle.ai simplifies SaaS security by providing centralized access control, automated license governance, and robust risk management, ensuring complete visibility and compliance across your SaaS stack.

Key SaaS Security Challenges & How CloudEagle Solves Them

Uncontrolled access & permission sprawl → CloudEagle’s access management

Many businesses lack visibility into who has access to which SaaS applications, leading to overprivileged users and security risks. CloudEagle provides centralized access controls, ensuring the right users have the right permissions and reducing security vulnerabilities.

Shadow IT risks & compliance violations → CloudEagle’s shadow IT detection

Employees often subscribe to SaaS tools without IT approval, exposing organizations to security and compliance risks. CloudEagle detects unapproved SaaS usage, giving IT teams full visibility and control over unsanctioned applications.

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License mismanagement & data security risks → CloudEagle’s license governance & RBAC

Poor license management results in unused or misallocated licenses, increasing costs and security risks. CloudEagle enforces Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), ensuring licenses are assigned based on job roles, ensuring optimal usage and ROI.

Vendor security & compliance uncertainty → CloudEagle’s security compliance & vendor risk management

Organizations struggle with assessing vendor security and ensuring compliance with regulations. CloudEagle automates security compliance monitoring, helping businesses evaluate vendor risks and maintain audit-ready documentation.

CloudEagle.ai transforms SaaS security by eliminating security gaps, optimizing access controls, and ensuring compliance, making it the ultimate solution for secure and efficient SaaS management.

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Locking Down Your Network: The Right Tools Make All the Difference

Securing your business against cyber threats isn’t just about having the right tools - it’s about using them effectively.

From firewalls and intrusion detection systems to SaaS security and compliance monitoring, a well-rounded security stack helps prevent breaches, safeguard sensitive data, and ensure business continuity. Here’s a quick recap of what we covered:

• Network security tools detect, block, and prevent cyber threats before they cause harm.
• Firewalls, vulnerability scanners, and SIEM solutions provide multi-layered protection.
• Managing access, preventing Shadow IT, and ensuring compliance are crucial for SaaS security.
• A combination of proactive monitoring, real-time detection, and automated response strengthens defenses.

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Streamline SaaS Security with CloudEagle

As businesses rely more on SaaS applications, traditional network security tools fall short in managing access, compliance, and vendor risks. CloudEagle fills this gap by offering centralized access control, Shadow IT detection, license governance, and vendor security monitoring—giving IT teams complete visibility and control.

By integrating CloudEagle into your security strategy, you can eliminate SaaS security blind spots and protect your business from hidden vulnerabilities.

Read Next:

1. 6 Best SaaS Security Posture Management Tools

→ Explore the 6 best SaaS security posture management tools to safeguard your cloud, ensure compliance, and enhance overall security.

2. 8 Best Single Sign-On Tools in 2024

→ Discover the top Single Sign-On (SSO) tools to simplify user access, enhance security, and prevent credential fatigue across your SaaS applications.

3. Ultimate SaaS Security Checklist to Safeguard Your SaaS in 2025

→ Explore key strategies and must-follow practices to secure your SaaS ecosystem, including access controls, compliance checks, and vendor risk assessments.‍

4. How to Monitor and Manage Privileged Access With CloudEagle.ai?

→ Learn how CloudEagle.ai automates privileged access management with robust monitoring, ensuring compliance and security for your SaaS environment.

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