75 Top Open Source Security Apps: Page 3

Network Monitoring

53. Wireshark

Wireshark (formerly known as Ethereal) captures and interactively analyzes network traffic. As the world' most popular network protocol analyzer, it has a huge community, and the Web site includes a staggering amount of documentation and support. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

54. tcpdump

Although it doesn't have as many bells and whistles as some newer programs, tcpdump effectively monitors networks and helps administrators track down problems. Operating System: Linux.

55. WinDump

As you might guess from the name, WinDump offers a Windows version of tcpdump. The site also includes downloads for the WinPCap packet capture and filtering engine. Operating System: Windows.

56. Angry IP Scanner

Also known as "ipscan," Angry IP Scanner scans IP addresses and ports very quickly. It can generate reports that include NetBIOS information (computer name, workgroup name, and currently logged in Windows user), favorite IP address ranges, web server detection, and more. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

57. Knocker

This simple TCP security port scanner works on multiple platforms and is easy to use. Operating System: Windows, Linux, Unix.

58. NSAT

Short for "Network Security Analysis Tool," NSAT performs bulk scans for 50 different services and hundreds of vulnerabilities. It provides professional-grade penetration testing and comprehensive auditing. Operating System: Linux, Unix, FreeBSD, OS X.

59. SniffDet

This tool implements a number of different open-source tests to see if any of the machines in your network are running in promiscuous mode or with a sniffer. Note that some of the documentation for this app is in Portuguese. Operating System: Linux.

60. SEC

Although we put this app in the Network Monitoring category, the Simple Event Coordinator (SEC) actually works with many different applications. To use it, you set up a set of rules that specify what actions you want to occur whenever a particular event occurs. Operating System: OS Independent.

Password Crackers

61. Ophcrack

Of course a password cracker can be used for nefarious purposes, but there are plenty of times they come in handy for perfectly legitimate reasons, namely, forgetting your password. If you don't use a password manager and can't remember an important password, try this tool. It claims to recover 99 percent of passwords within seconds. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

62. KeePass Password Safe

Now available in "Classic" and "Professional" editions, KeePass stores all of your passwords in an encrypted database so that you only have to remember one master password. It's a much safer option than using the same password all the time or writing down your passwords. Both editions are available in a portable version for use on a thumb drive. Operating System: Windows.

64. KeePassX

While the original KeePass only works on Windows, KeePassX works on Windows, Linux, or OS X. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

65. Password Safe

Like KeePass, Password Safe stores your passwords securely in a database so that you only have to remember the master key. In addition to the standard version, it's also available in a portable version that runs on a thumb drive so that you can take it with you. Operating System: Windows.

66. PWGen

If your password is easy to remember, it's probably also easy to guess. This app randomly generates strong passwords for better protection. (But because these passwords are hard to remember, it's best to use PWGen with a password safe.) Operating System: Windows.

67. Figaro's Password Manager

This Linux-only password safe encrypts passwords with the blowfish algorithm. It also features a password generator and can act as a bookmark manager as well. Operating System: Linux.

Portable Apps Collections

68. PortableApps.com

Probably the best-known collection of open-source and freeware apps that runs on a thumb drive, PortableApps.com includes several security-related apps, including portable versions of ClamWin, KeePass, and Eraser. Operating System: Windows.

69. Democrakey.com

Unlike the other tools in this category, Democrakey really serves just one person: protecting your privacy and anonymity while you're online. It comes in two flavors: Minimal includes the Tor Browser, ClamWin Portable, Thunderbird Portable, and TrueCrypt; Full adds AbiWord Portable and Gimp Portable. Operating System: Windows

70. winPenPack

This collection of both open source and freeware apps includes a number of security tools. It comes in several different versions, so check out the application comparison table to see which one has the security apps you're looking for. Operating System: Windows.

Systems Administration Tools

71. xpy

For Windows XP only (hence the name) this 60KB program improves the privacy, security, and performance of the OS. It disables the Windows "calling home" features, tweaks the settings on Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player, removes Windows Messenger, and more. Operating System: Windows.

72. Inside Security Rescue Toolkit

Also known as INSERT, the Inside Security Rescue Toolkit packs dozens of helpful security and system administration apps into a single download. In addition to a complete, bootable Linux system (based on Debian), you'll get apps for anti-virus protection, network analysis, forensics, and more. Operating System: Linux.

73. Network Security Toolkit (NST)

Like INSERT, NST includes a whole lot of tools and a complete Linux distribution that fit on a CD-ROM. In this case, you get nearly 100 tools and the Linux copy is based on Fedora. Operating System: OS Independent.

74. Startup Manager

Tired of waiting forever while Windows starts up? This app gives you control over which applications and services launch when you start up your system, so that you get better performance and greater security. Operating System: Windows.

User Authentication

75. WiKID

Available in both a free, community edition and a commerical edition that includes enterprise-level support, WiKID offers strong two-factor authentication. It works well for remote network access via VPN or Citrix, secure online banking, extranet applications, and more. Operating System: OS Independent.

ALSO SEE: 26 Open Source Security Apps with Commercial Support

AND: 2008: The Top 75 Open Source Security Apps