Cybersecurity Analysts use a variety of tools in their jobs, which can be organized into a few categories: network security monitoring, encryption, web vulnerability, penetration testing, antivirus software, network intrusion detection, and packet sniffers.
Network security monitoring tools
These tools are used to analyze network data and detect network-based threats. Examples of tools include Argus, Nagios, Pof, Splunk, and OSSEC.
Encryption tools
Encryption protects data by scrambling text so that it is unreadable to unauthorized users. Examples of tools include Tor, KeePass, VeraCrypt, NordLocker, AxCrypt, and TrueCrypt.
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Web vulnerability scanning tools
These software programs scan web applications to identify security vulnerabilities including cross-site scripting, SQL injection, and path traversal. Examples of tools include Burp Suite, Nikto, Paros Proxy, and SQLMap.
Penetration testing
Penetration testing, also known as “pen test”, simulates an attack on a computer system in order to evaluate the security of that system. Examples of penetration testing tools include Metasploit, Kali Linux, Netsparker, and Wireshark.
Antivirus software
This software is designed to find viruses and other harmful malware, including ransomware, worms, spyware, adware, and Trojans. Examples of tools include Norton 360, Bitdefender Antivirus, Norton AntiVirus, Kapersky Anti-Virus, and McAfee Total Protection.
Network intrusion detection
An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) monitors network and system traffic for unusual or suspicious activity and notifies the administrator if a potential threat is detected. Examples of tools include Snort, Security Onion, SolarWinds Security Event Manager, Kismet, and Zeek.
Packet sniffers
A packet sniffer, also called a packet analyzer, protocol analyzer or network analyzer, is used to intercept, log, and analyze network traffic and data. Examples of tools include Wireshark, Tcpdump, and Windump.
Firewall tools
Top firewall security management suites include Tufin, AlgoSec, FireMon, and RedSeal.
Managed detection services
Managed detection services analyze and proactively detect and eventually eliminate cyber threats. Alerts are investigated to determine if any action is required.