Top 15+ Open Source Incident Response Tools
Based on their categories and GitHub stars, here are the leading open-source incident response tools to help you automate detecting and resolving security breaches.
See the explanation of incident response tools and pure incident response tools.
Incident response tools
See the explanation of categories.
Pure incident response tools
Tool selection criteria:
- Number of reviews: 200+ GitHub stars.
- Update release: At least one update was released last week.
Examples of incident response tools
Graylog
Graylog is a SIEM and log management platform for collecting, analyzing, and alerting on machine-generated data. It centralizes logs from multiple sources and supports a range of cybersecurity functions, including data aggregation, security event correlation, forensic analysis, incident detection and response, real-time alerting, UEBA, and IT compliance management.
Wazuh
Wazuh is an open-source SIEM and XDR platform for endpoint and cloud workload protection. It ships as a full platform: an Indexer (built on OpenSearch that stores and indexes alerts), a Server (the core engine for log collection and analysis), a Dashboard (web UI), and an Agent.1
Capabilities include intrusion detection, log data analysis, file integrity monitoring, vulnerability detection, and cloud and container security.
Microsoft Sentinel
Microsoft Sentinel is a cloud-native SIEM and SOAR solution that runs in Azure. It supports security event analysis across cloud and on-premises environments with visualization of log data, anomaly detection, threat hunting, and automated incident response.
Snort3
Snort3 is a network-based intrusion detection and prevention system (IDS/IPS) that monitors network traffic in real-time and logs packets. It identifies potentially malicious activity using a rule-based language that combines anomaly detection, protocol analysis, and signature inspection.
Key capabilities: Real-time traffic monitoring, packet logging, TCP/IP stack protocol analysis, OS fingerprinting.
OSSEC
OSSEC is a host-based intrusion detection platform that monitors and manages systems. The solution offers three versions: Free (open-source rules), OSSEC+ ($55/endpoint/year, adds threat intelligence and ML), and Atomic OSSEC (enterprise XDR combining OSSEC rules with ModSecurity WAF rules).
Development status note: OSSEC’s last major release was version 3.8.0 in January 2021, and the project has been in maintenance mode since. For new deployments, Wazuh, which forked from OSSEC in 2015, is the actively maintained successor with regular releases, an integrated dashboard, and a full XDR feature set.2
ntop
ntop is a network usage analyzer with a NetFlow plugin that provides network visibility by gathering traffic data from NetFlow exporters, firewall logs, and intrusion detection systems. It can sort traffic by IP, port, and L7 protocols; show real-time network traffic and active hosts; monitor latencies and TCP statistics; and detect application protocols using Deep Packet Inspection.
NfSen
NfSen collects NetFlow data using the nfdump tool. It allows you to display and navigate NetFlow data as flows, packets, and bytes; process NetFlow data within defined time constraints; and create plugins to process NetFlow data at regular intervals.
OpenVAS
OpenVAS is a vulnerability scanner developed by Greenbone Networks. It provides a set of vulnerability management tools with customizable scanning policies, detailed reporting, and support for multiple protocols.
Amass
The OWASP Amass Project uses open-source information-gathering techniques to map network attack surfaces and find external assets. Written in Go, it supports in-depth DNS enumeration, ASN analysis, and scripting to assess assets under an organization’s control.
Nmap
Nmap is an open-source network scanner for IP addresses, ports, and installed applications. It supports device discovery across single or multiple networks, service identification, and OS detection, making it a standard tool for penetration testing, network monitoring, and vulnerability scanning.
N8n
n8n is a workflow automation platform with a fair-code license. Source code is open for review and the platform can be self-hosted.
Key features: 400+ connectors, including Google Sheets, Slack, MySQL, and HubSpot; native AI agent capabilities for multi-step autonomous workflows; JavaScript and Python coding support with external library access; and self-hosting options for data privacy requirements.
n8n 2.0 introduced secure-by-default execution, strict environment management, and the removal of legacy features. Instance-level MCP connections now allow MCP-compatible AI platforms to access all selected n8n workflows via a single OAuth-secured connection directly relevant to agentic SOC workflows. A January 2026 release added TLS-over-TCP log streaming to enterprise SIEM platforms.3
Examples of pure incident management and response tools
TheHive
TheHive is a security case management platform for SOCs, CSIRTs, and CERTs. It supports simultaneous multi-analyst work on the same case, task management via templates, and IOC tagging.
The Hive 5 is distributed as a commercial product by StrangeBee. Organizations evaluating TheHive should be aware that they are looking at a paid platform, not a free open-source tool.4
IRIS
IRIS is a collaborative platform for incident response analysts to exchange technical investigation results. It can receive alerts from SIEM and other sources and is extensible via custom modules. Default integrations include VirusTotal, MISP, WebHooks, and IntelOwl.
FIR
FIR (Fast Incident Response) is a cybersecurity incident management tool for tracking and reporting incidents. It is primarily used by CSIRTs, CERTs, and SOCs.
Velociraptor
Velociraptor is an endpoint monitoring, digital forensics, and cyber-response tool from Rapid7. 5
Key features: Artifact collection from endpoints (logs, files, registry, network data); evidence analysis for threat detection; pre-configured incident response automation workflows; and integrations with SIEMs, EDRs, and threat intelligence platforms. Velociraptor Query Language (VQL) enables the creation of custom artifacts for specialized forensic needs.
GRR Rapid Response
GRR Rapid Response, developed by Google, is a platform for remotely gathering and analyzing data from compromised computers. Key functions include data collection, live memory analysis, remote command execution, and forensic artifact analysis covering files, Windows Registry data, network traffic, system logs, and cookies.
Types of incident management tools
Incident response tools focus on the administrative and operational side, organizing, managing, and tracking incidents, with visibility and coordination across teams. Some include SOAR capabilities for automated responses.
Pure incident response tools are more tactical, focused on active response, forensic investigation, and root cause analysis during and after an attack.
Incident management and response tools
- Incident tracking and documentation
- Alerting and escalation
- Collaboration and case management
- SOAR workflow automation
Pure incident response tools
- Root cause analysis and remediation
- Threat intelligence integration
- Evidence documentation
- Real-time response
Explanation for categories
Incident response tools’ categories:
- Security information and event management (SIEM) systems collect and analyze log data from several sources to provide real-time monitoring and incident response.
- Extended detection and response (XDR) tools enhance SIEM with detection and response across multiple security layers.
- Security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) software automates security workflows to improve response time and reduce manual effort.
- Intrusion detection systems (IDS) detect suspicious activities but do not actively respond.
- NetFlow analyzers provide insights into network traffic for anomaly detection.
- Vulnerability scanners are automated tools that scan web applications to search for security vulnerabilities.
- Antimalware software offers endpoint protection against malicious software.
Pure incident response tools’ categories:
- Incident response platforms (IRPs) help security teams manage and track incidents as they are discovered, leveraging threat intelligence and responding to detected threats using workflows and collaboration tools.
- Digital forensics and incident response (DFIR) tools are often used in the post-incident phase to conduct in-depth investigations, gather evidence, and determine how an attack was carried out.
What is an incident response tool?
Incident response tools are software applications or platforms that help security teams detect, manage, and resolve cybersecurity incidents. To qualify, a solution should automate or guide users through remediation, monitor for irregularities, notify users of unusual activity, and collect incident data for reporting.
What to look for when choosing an open-source incident response tool?
Core functionality fit: Define your use cases first, malware, phishing, DDoS, insider threats, and whether you need real-time response or post-incident forensics. Then decide whether you need an administrative SOAR-oriented platform (e.g., Microsoft Sentinel) or an investigation and forensics tool (e.g., Velociraptor).
Customization and flexibility: Look for configurable workflows, broad SIEM/threat intelligence/ticketing integrations, and well-documented APIs to combine tools and automate tasks.
Community health: GitHub contributor counts and response rates on community forums are reliable proxies for the level of support you can expect. More active contributors mean faster bug fixes and more up-to-date rule sets.
Commercial alternatives: Open-source tools typically require more configuration and lack out-of-the-box compliance reporting and enterprise dashboards. If your team lacks the capacity to maintain a custom deployment, a commercial alternative with clustering, agent management, and vendor support may be more cost-effective.
Data breach incident response plan: 5-step methodology
1. Preparation
Establish a solid foundation for incident response with policies, procedures, and a response team.
Key components:
- Incident response planning: Create comprehensive incident response policies outlining the scope, roles, responsibilities, and protocols.
- Incident response team: Form a team with representatives from IT, security, legal, HR, communications, and other relevant departments.
- Tools and resources: Ensure the availability of necessary tools and resources such as SIEM systems, forensic tools, and communication platforms.
- Communication plan: Develop internal and external plans to ensure clear, effective communication during an incident.
2. Identification & reporting
- Detect and confirm a security incident.
Key components:
- Monitoring systems: Implement continuous monitoring systems to detect unusual activities and potential security incidents.
- Incident reporting: Establish clear reporting channels for suspected incidents to ensure timely notification to the IRT.
- Documentation: Keep detailed records of detection activities, including logs, alerts, and initial findings.
If any employee notices an incident or potential data breach, they need to report it immediately.
To report a potential incident, employees should:
- a) Fill out the data breach report.
- b) Send a copy to their area manager via email or in person.
- c) Ensure the incident is private, excluding disclosures required by this plan.
After receiving an incident report, the area manager needs to immediately:
- a) Notify the manager of compliance with the incident and provide a copy of the completed report.
- b) Ensure the incident is private, excluding disclosures required by the plan.
3. Assessment
3.1 Decide whether the incident is a data breach
The chief information officer will review the initial findings and decide whether to establish the data breach incident response team and:
- a) Decide whether the incident is a data breach; if not, the incident will not be addressed to the response team.
- b) Identifies a data breach and assesses the risk of substantial harm using the company’s risk matrix assessment system.
Figure: Risk matrix assessment system
Source: McKinsey & Company6
3.2 Steps for assessing a data breach
If 3.1 b) is met, the CIO must immediately convene the data-breach incident response team to conduct the assessment. When doing the assessment, the following factors must be examined:
- The form of personal information affected.
- The context of the impacted information and the breach.
- The source and scope of the breach.
- The risk of individuals getting significant harm.
4. Notification
In phase 3, if the CIO identifies an eligible data breach, the affected company must notify the Department of State’s Privacy Office and the individuals impacted.
The notification must include the company’s:
- Identity and contact details.
- A description of the potential data breach.
- The types of private data affected.
- The company’s suggestion to secure stolen credentials.
5. Review
After addressing the immediate implications of a data breach, the CIO conducts a post-breach analysis and assessment. To conduct the review, the CIO should seek unofficial feedback from the data-breach incident response team and other business units, as needed.
The following are some examples of steps that could be taken in specific scenarios:
Example 1: If an employee committed a data breach, the affected company can:
- Increase network audits or IoT monitoring to prevent data breaches from recurring.
- Modify network security policy management rules to prevent recurrent data breaches.
- Implement new controls and limitations on role-based access control (RBAC) and mandatory access control.
Read more: Network security policy management solutions (NSPM).
Example 2: If a third party caused the data breach, the affected company can:
- Improve its IT security measures.
- Implement additional security measures to secure personal data (e.g., data encryption).
- Provide staff or contractors with instructions to prevent future breaches.
Further reading
- Role-based access control (RBAC)
- Agentic AI for Cybersecurity: Use Cases & Examples
- Network Security Policy Management Solutions (NSPM)
- Top 30+ Network Security Audit Tools
Reference Links
Cem's work has been cited by leading global publications including Business Insider, Forbes, Washington Post, global firms like Deloitte, HPE and NGOs like World Economic Forum and supranational organizations like European Commission. You can see more reputable companies and resources that referenced AIMultiple.
Throughout his career, Cem served as a tech consultant, tech buyer and tech entrepreneur. He advised enterprises on their technology decisions at McKinsey & Company and Altman Solon for more than a decade. He also published a McKinsey report on digitalization.
He led technology strategy and procurement of a telco while reporting to the CEO. He has also led commercial growth of deep tech company Hypatos that reached a 7 digit annual recurring revenue and a 9 digit valuation from 0 within 2 years. Cem's work in Hypatos was covered by leading technology publications like TechCrunch and Business Insider.
Cem regularly speaks at international technology conferences. He graduated from Bogazici University as a computer engineer and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School.
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