Are open-source security tools secure? Weighing the pros and cons

Introduction

There is a myth that good security solutions are necessarily expensive, but the truth is that there are many options, not only at low cost, but even excellent free tools that can be employed to protect most businesses.

A good example of this is OWASP’s list of free for Open Source Application Security Tools, which includes solutions for static, dynamic and interactive application security testing, and static code quality tools. Even though some of the solutions listed also have paid versions, for most use cases they are free, including their use in open-source projects.

Security solutions do not necessarily have to be expensive, at least not in terms of licensing. But does it make sense to protect your business using a tool with few or no mandatory updates or even a timely fix of known vulnerabilities?

Before opting for a free security solution, a question needs to be answered: Are open-source security tools really secure? Or is it necessary to invest in a paid solution from a recognized brand to obtain a higher level of protection? To answer this question, we will assess the pros and cons of some of the leading open-source security software, including possible risks and how to adopt good practices to reduce costs without giving up a well-protected environment.

Open-source firewalls

Firewalls are one of the most basic security tools. They are essential for every organization and for most home users who need to protect their network from cybersecurity threats. With technological developments far beyond the basic filtering of incoming and outgoing network traffic, firewalls have gained the ability to function as VPN concentrators, web filters and even function as a network antivirus.

Corporate solutions known as next-generation firewalls include features such as application recognition/control, identity control by user or group, integrated Intrusion Prevention (Read more...)