Security in the cloud is a hot subject these days and for good reason. Many businesses spend a lot of money on software or use attack programs to keep their confidential data safe and secure.
Despite adopting a variety of defensive security systems and attack programs, many IT teams believe their cybersecurity approach falls short of what is required to keep the business safe from unwanted attacks. Because of their restricted skills, IT teams are often unable to accurately analyze the damage or determine the effectiveness of their security system.
- AttackIQ EDITOR’S CHOICE – Stands out for its real-time insights and effective security flaw detection. It’s intuitive, supports the MITRE ATT&CK Framework, and is ideal for robust security evaluations across multiple platforms.
- CyCognito – Excels in monitoring and identifying sophisticated threats with effective vulnerability mapping.
- DXC Technology – Offers a wide array of security solutions with a focus on Zero Trust strategy.
- Rapid7 InsightVM – Known for its capability in detecting and prioritizing security vulnerabilities.
- Cymulate – Provides end-to-end cyber risk management and real-time threat notifications.
- SafeBreach – Acclaimed for its wide range of attack simulations and user-friendly interface.
- Infection Monkey – Best for open-source environments and zero-trust security framework testing.
- Picus – Offers real-time network vulnerability insights with customizable attack options.
- XM Cyber – Specializes in continuous end-to-end network scanning and powerful analytics.
Auditing, penetration testing, red team testing, or other methods are all options for security experts when it comes to conducting testing. However, it is difficult to acquire a complete picture of the security of an organization using these methods since they have limits.
Companies have turned to a new tool that enables suppliers to assess a network’s cyber protection to meet the demand. Breach and Attack Simulation (BAS) is a widely used tool. A key function of the BAS tools is that they identify security flaws and provide recommendations on how to fix them promptly.
What is a Breach and Attack Simulation?
Using BAS technologies, firms can put their IT security efforts to the test, simulate threats in real-time, and execute scenarios. Security measures and tactics may be evaluated using these techniques to see whether they are successful and accomplish their intended goals.
As threats get more complex, the tools tell organizations if they are well-equipped to resist such assaults. There is also a benefit to ongoing testing of the corporate network.
Security measures have improved over time, yet many companies continue to be targeted. A hacker will find a way into your system via a backdoor and steal your data. With the use of BAS tools, firms can find and fix security holes in their key assets.
Using these tools, you may also compute an overall risk score, determine the most important remedial insights, and evaluate the results.
Why BAS?
Breach and Attack Simulation is currently a widely used IT security system that automatically detects security flaws and does penetration testing. The testing of current security components is made easier, and the insights gained are of great value to enterprises. BAS tools are preferred by most firms for a variety of security reasons and advantages: They include:
- Gives firms a better understanding of the many phases of an assault.
- Ongoing cyber-attack simulations.
- Analyzes the security controls that are currently in place.
- Tests your ability to identify and mitigate threats.
- Ensures that your security measures are up to date.
- Enhances the network’s visibility.
- Automatic monitoring of attackers is available.
- Uses malicious software to target lateral-moving endpoints.
- Prioritizes remedial actions by identifying and prioritizing vulnerabilities.
- Aware of management hazards.
- Planning security investments more quickly.
- Continuous coverage is achieved by blending red and blue team approaches.
- The management of risks.
- Brings attention to potential assault routes.
- Investigates the flaws that are exposing key assets.
The Best BAS Tools
Users may increase the safety of their company’s data by deploying BAS tools on the network. Hackers are always on the go, and they will do everything to get past your defenses.
However, with the aid of BAS tools, you can watch the attacker’s movements, make wiser judgments, and uncover misconfigurations before they occur. Use some of the top BAS tools mentioned below to find potential weak areas or security vulnerabilities ahead of time. Using these effective BAS tools, you can keep hackers at bay.
Our methodology for selecting the Best Attack Simulation Platform
We’ve broken down our analysis for you based on these key criteria:
- User interface ease-of-use and intuitiveness.
- Compatibility with widely recognized frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK.
- Effectiveness in identifying and prioritizing security flaws and misconfigurations.
- Real-time insight into security posture and compliance controls.
- Scalability and adaptability to various platforms and environments.
1. AttackIQ
An attack simulation platform that gives real-time insight and helps detect security flaws, identify misconfigurations and prioritize repair solutions is known as AttackIQ. To acquire real-time insights into how the system reacts to new threats, all you need to do is install test point agents and execute scenarios.
Key Features:
- Using AttackIQ is a breeze because of its intuitive user interface.
- Supports the MITRE ATT&CK Framework.
- Defends against threats that have been analyzed.
- Visibility into the security posture in real-time.
- Ensures the security of computer systems.
- Controls for regulatory and legal compliance are shown.
- Carries out an ongoing evaluation.
- Automated verification of security.
- Threat-informed operations are carried out.
- Effortless synchronization.
- Identifies and prioritizes the correction of setup errors quickly.
- Setting up and implementing AttackIQ is quick and painless.
- Provides information in real-time.
- Windows, Linux, and OS X platforms are supported.
- Adaptable to on-premises or cloud-based environments.
- AttackIQ is readily scalable.
- Generates new situations based on new dangers as they arise.
Why do we recommend it?
AttackIQ is recommended for its effective real-time insight and ability to detect security flaws and misconfigurations. It is intuitive and supports the MITRE ATT&CK Framework, making it a comprehensive tool for defending against analyzed threats.
The AttackIQ BAS tool is trusted by most firms since it helps to assess the efficacy of the security system. Admins may conduct several tests in a short amount of time thanks to an intuitive user interface.
Windows, Linux, and OS X platforms are all supported by this agent-based system. Additionally, the BAS tool may be installed on-premises or in the cloud. AttackIQ can execute complicated scenarios safely and securely. Research into novel security situations is also supported by capable staff.
Who is it recommended for?
Ideal for businesses needing a robust security evaluation tool that is easy to set up and offers real-time information across multiple platforms like Windows, Linux, and OS X.
Pros:
- Intuitive user interface.
- Supports the MITRE ATT&CK Framework.
- Real-time visibility into security posture.
- Quick identification and prioritization of setup errors.
- Scalable and adaptable to various environments.
Cons:
- May be complex for smaller organizations without dedicated security teams.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
AttackIQ is our top choice for an attack simulation platform due to its exceptional capability in providing real-time insights and identifying security vulnerabilities. Its intuitive user interface simplifies complex security evaluations, making it accessible to administrators of varying expertise levels. The support for MITRE ATT&CK Framework enhances its robustness in defending against analyzed threats, while its real-time visibility into security posture and compliance controls sets it apart.
Its adaptability to Windows, Linux, OS X platforms, and both on-premises and cloud-based environments makes it a versatile tool for diverse IT infrastructures. AttackIQ’s ability to scale and generate scenarios based on emerging threats makes it a forward-thinking solution, apt for businesses keen on maintaining a proactive security stance.
Download: AttackIQ Platform
OS: Windows, Linux, OS X; adaptable to on-premises or cloud-based environments
2. CyCognito
Cloud-based vulnerability management BAS solution CyCognito was launched in 2017. For the most part, the introduction of CyCognito was designed to assist organizations monitor and identify sophisticated threats. Eliminate and fix significant security threats across all assets of the company.
Key Features:
- It is easier to identify and prioritize risks with CyCognito’s support.
- Provides constant vision of the assault surface.
- Defense in depth vs. exploitation.
- Compatibility with cloud, on-premises, and other environments.
- To identify which assets are most at risk, a vulnerability map is created.
- Provides the ability to automate the process.
- Scanning for vulnerabilities in the information system.
- Advanced analytics tools.
- Security frameworks and regulatory compliance.
- Faster remediation with CyCognito.
Why do we recommend it?
CyCognito is recommended for its effective monitoring and identification of sophisticated threats. Its ability to create a vulnerability map and provide automated processes make it a valuable tool in cybersecurity.
Administrators may automate offensive cybersecurity activities using CyCognito, monitor all risks posed by attackers, and concentrate on how to close security vulnerabilities. Get a better understanding of how attackers see your business and your network by using CyCognito’s built-in security capabilities.
Businesses who have confidence in CyCognito can scan up to three times as many assets as were before on the network. The risk categories may be defined and sophisticated assaults can be prepared for using this tool.
Who is it recommended for?
This tool is best suited for businesses looking to scan and secure a large number of assets, offering a clear understanding of attack surfaces and potential vulnerabilities.
Pros:
- Advanced analytics tools.
- Effective in identifying and prioritizing risks.
- Comprehensive cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environment compatibility.
- Streamlines vulnerability scanning.
Cons:
- Could be overwhelming for smaller businesses due to its broad scope.
3. DXC Technology
DXC Technology is used in more than 70+ countries, offering high-quality security solutions for digital organizations. Different built-in features of DXC Technology have been designed to decrease risks and assist organizations in staying ahead of attackers to reduce hazards. It delivers threat intelligence feeds, advisory services, monitoring, and incident response, among other things.
Key Features:
- It is responsible for responding to incidents and mitigating risks.
- Securing OT and IoT.
- Intel feeds based on security threats.
- Service providers that provide security in an automated manner.
- Use a Zero Trust technique to secure data.
- Provide the network with complete transparency.
- High-tech defense against cyberattacks.
- Two-step verification is a must.
- Managed accounts with privileged status.
- Cybersecurity services.
Why do we recommend it?
DXC Technology is recommended for its wide array of security solutions, including threat intelligence feeds, incident response, and advisory services. Its emphasis on Zero Trust strategy is particularly noteworthy.
Advanced threat protection for your apps and data is provided by the wonderful BAS tool. Full network visibility and protection of vital assets are also provided as a result of the company’s cyber Defense services, which it offers.
For further data and service security, customers may utilize multifactor authentication using the widely used tool. It is now possible for administrators to manage and optimize data infrastructures, as well as to protect information across public, private, and hybrid clouds.
Who is it recommended for?
It is suitable for global companies seeking comprehensive digital security solutions, offering high-tech defenses against cyberattacks and complete network transparency.
Pros:
- Provides a broad range of cybersecurity services.
- Effective incident response and risk mitigation.
- Advanced threat protection for applications and data.
- Multi-factor authentication for enhanced security.
Cons:
- Its comprehensive nature might be more than what smaller businesses require.
4. Rapid7
Rapid7 is the best-in-class solution for detecting suspicious activity, spotting important dangers, and promptly remediating them. A great BAS tool that scans the whole network and delivers thorough data on the network’s weaknesses.
Key Features:
- Customizable and user-friendly dashboard.
- Attack monitoring of the attacking surface.
- The ability of a universal translator to expose flaws.
- Provides unrivaled insight into the attacks.
- Enables complete sight.
- Makes it easier to identify and prioritize security flaws.
- 95+ Attack Types and procedures are supported to solve problems.
- Replay attacks.
- Vulnerability risk control.
- Scans numerous surroundings at the same time.
- Obtaining immediate input is essential.
- An external danger is identified.
Why do we recommend it?
Rapid7 InsightVM is recommended for its exceptional capability in detecting and prioritizing security flaws and vulnerabilities. Its ability to scan multiple environments simultaneously is a key feature.
Additionally, the program offers advice on how to address any issues that may arise. When employing Rapid7’s technologies, it is simple to discover and resolve external security risks. Its built-in features allow firms to build a smooth route and lessen the difficulty of complying with regulations. To make things even better, this technology makes it possible to identify the weak points in any given setting.
Administrators have complete visibility into the network and may prioritize vulnerabilities and misconfigurations much like the attackers. The cloud-SIEM and XDR method for creating additional signals and reducing noise is supported by this product. Faster threat detection and response are two further advantages of Rapid7’s orchestration and automation capabilities.
Who is it recommended for?
Best for organizations looking for a comprehensive solution to identify external security threats and compliance difficulties across various environments.
Pros:
- Supports a wide range of attack types and procedures.
- Provides extensive insight into attacks.
- Facilitates quick feedback on vulnerabilities.
- Cloud-SIEM and XDR support for additional signal generation.
Cons:
- The platform’s complexity might require a learning curve for some users.
5. Cymulate
Cybersecurity experts use Cymulate, a prominent breach and attack simulation program, to identify vulnerabilities and test their systems against real-life assaults. It also simulates assaults at predetermined intervals and offers informative reports for analysis and suggestion purposes.
Key Features:
- End-to-end management of cyber-risk.
- Prioritize mitigation.
- Visibility of the security posture.
- Features that make it simple to install.
- Provides useful information.
- Highly-targeted attacks.
- Encompasses the complete process of killing.
- Management of evaluation or security auditing.
- Checking for vulnerabilities.
- It’s possible to integrate with third parties.
- False positives are eliminated.
- Continuously tests and recommends improvements.
- Provides real-time danger notifications.
- Verification by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
- BAS software that is completely automated and customized.
- Data extinction.
- Side-to-Side motion.
- simulate harmful traffic inbounds.
Why do we recommend it?
Cymulate is recommended for its end-to-end cyber risk management and ability to provide real-time threat notifications. Its continuous testing and recommendation feature make it a proactive security tool.
Cymulate is the ideal option if you need to get up and running with the BAS utility quickly. A SaaS-based solution that works around the clock to keep business-critical assets safe from external threats and intrusions. With the aid of its unique capabilities, users may monitor and track thousands of assault simulations. As it operates in the background, it has little impact on the business’s daily activities.
Cymulate’s user-friendly interface has made it a popular choice for both small and big organizations. Additionally, a BAS tool that needs low expenditure may be deployed in a matter of minutes. Businesses can keep one step ahead of any cyberattacks because of their unique characteristics.
Who is it recommended for?
Ideal for businesses needing quick deployment and continuous protection against external threats, particularly those seeking to monitor and track attack simulations effectively.
Pros:
- Simplified deployment and intuitive interface.
- Comprehensive attack simulation capabilities.
- Eliminates false positives.
- Continuous improvement recommendations.
Cons:
- May require regular monitoring to fully utilize its continuous testing features.
6. SafeBreach
To date, SafeBreach has been the oldest and most widely used BAS tool. The program simulates the most recent cyberattacks, both internal and external, that have taken place. This helps detect security holes and priorities them based on the most pressing security concerns.
Key Features:
- Simulation of almost 15,000 assaults.
- BAS tool SafeBreach may be installed in a few minutes.
- Quality reports may be generated within minutes.
- Risk assessment for networks.
- A devoted following of clients.
- For all cloud and endpoint networks to operate together.
- Constantly provides updates.
- The ability to travel in different directions.
- Detects previously unnoticed security flaws.
- Prioritizes dangers and weaknesses.
- SafeBreach is simple to install and integrate into your network.
- Validation of security controls continuously.
Why do we recommend it?
SafeBreach is recommended for its ability to simulate a wide range of attacks and provide frequent updates. Its ease of installation and integration into networks makes it a user-friendly choice.
Our recommendation is SafeBreach, a BAS product that has been around for a long time and has gained a lot of trust from consumers. More than 15000 assaults may be simulated, and users get frequent updates. As a bonus, SafeBreach is a breeze to set up, deploy, and integrate. Administrators may use its comprehensive, actionable insights to measure company risk and prioritize network security expenditures. Using a broad variety of breach tactics, it looks for vulnerabilities in an organization’s cyber defensive system from the viewpoint of a hacker.
Who is it recommended for?
Suitable for organizations looking for a reliable and long-established BAS tool that offers extensive attack simulations and actionable insights for network security prioritization.
Pros:
- Quick and easy to install and integrate.
- Provides valuable, actionable insights.
- Continuous security control validation.
- Prioritizes threats and vulnerabilities effectively.
Cons:
- The breadth of features might be overwhelming for smaller networks.
7. Infection Monkey
A zero-trust security framework may be tested on a network using the free and open-source Infection Monkey application. It is an easy-to-use, secure, and dependable tool with a simple user interface. Infection Monkey’s goal was to assist companies to locate and track the path of the attacker.
Key Features:
- Open-source software, Infection Monkey is available without charge.
- UX design that’s easy to use.
- Improved reporting functions.
- On-premises, container, and cloud environments are all supported by this product.
- Allows for continuous testing of the security of the network.
- GNU General Public License version 3 (GPL v3) was used to create Infection Monkey.
- Extensive testing and analysis.
- Visualizes and maps the assailant’s movements.
- Infection Monkey is a scalable and simple-to-use solution.
- Simulates attacks without affecting network operations.
- Creates audit reports.
- Debian, Windows, and Docker are supported for installation.
- Smaller-footprint CPUs and memory.
Why do we recommend it?
Infection Monkey is recommended for its open-source nature and ease of use. It’s an efficient tool for testing zero-trust security frameworks and provides detailed reports.
Throughout the years, Infection Monkey has grown to be a prominent piece of open-source software. As a result, huge corporations have come to rely on it to uncover security holes in both their in-house and cloud-based infrastructure.
MITRE-ATT&CK testing procedures are also supported, as are a variety of other testing methods. Another benefit of using open-source software is that it generates powerful actionable reports. Users may find out which devices are vulnerable thanks to these in-depth reports. Also included are ideas for securing the network against cyberattacks.
Who is it recommended for?
This tool is ideal for businesses of all sizes looking for a free and reliable solution to assess their network security, particularly in on-premises, container, and cloud environments.
Pros:
- Open-source and free.
- Supports extensive testing and analysis.
- Compatible with various environments.
- Generates powerful actionable reports.
Cons:
- Being open-source, it might require technical expertise to customize or troubleshoot.
8. Picus
For almost a decade, Picus has been a leading BAS tool. It gives real-time data on network vulnerabilities and provides fast feedback in the form of recommendations. Cybersecurity specialists may use the product’s advanced features to identify and stop attacks before they can be carried out by an intruder.
Key Features
- Constantly updates the user with new information.
- The vulnerability of real-time networks.
- Installing and running Picus is a snap.
- Network vulnerability is the subject of the reports provided.
- Constantly updated assault scenarios.
- 100+ APT and malware scenarios Supported.
- The company provides endpoint security.
- Track and notify of any potential holes in the system.
- Determined log source locations.
- Tracking of daily routines
- Response to a threat.
- Policy administration & implementation.
- A wide range of options for customization and filtering are available.
Why do we recommend it?
Picus is recommended for its real-time network vulnerability insights and its ease of installation. Its customizable and filtering options make it adaptable to different needs.
One of the reasons Picus security is preferred by most suppliers is that it is a breeze to set up and is very customizable. To execute simulations quickly, Picus is different from other BAS tools that take longer. It’s also simple to use and can handle complicated simulations thanks to Picus’s reporting capabilities and user-friendly design. There are a large number of customers that use Picus security since it is one of the oldest BAS products available. Another advantage of utilizing Picus is that it helps identify log and alert gaps.
Who is it recommended for?
Ideal for organizations seeking a veteran BAS tool that provides quick simulations and is easy to use, with a focus on identifying log and alert gaps.
Pros:
- Provides real-time network vulnerability insights.
- Extensive support for APT and malware scenarios.
- Efficient in tracking daily routines and threat responses.
Cons:
- May not offer as many features as newer, more complex BAS tools.
9. XM Cyber
XM Cyber, released in 2016, is a robust breach and attack simulation program that automatically performs attack simulation processes in the background and identifies assaults before they happen. Attack Path Management features are used to keep an eye on the hybrid network and identify intruders.
Key Features:
- Provides network scanning from end to end.
- Recommends corrective measures after spotting potential flaws.
- Mimics attacks indefinitely.
- It’s important to be visible in your security posture.
- An overview of crucial attack vectors is available to users.
- Includes extensive analytic capabilities.
- Scalable and simple to install regardless of location.
- Enhances the rate of recovery.
Why do we recommend it?
XM Cyber is recommended for its continuous end-to-end network scanning and powerful analytics capabilities. It effectively identifies hidden attack paths and provides scalable solutions.
The powerful technology, which was formerly known as HaXM, delivers continuous network scanning from end to end without slowing down your network’s performance in the least bit. There are several options for selecting assault targets with the aid of XM Cyber. Also, it helps discover all the secret attack vectors across various network settings and decreases the risk of internal assaults.
Different sophisticated analytics technologies are supported, which help locate attack pathways and disrupt them It also considers the assault from the attacker’s point of view and provides guidance on how to counteract the threat.
XM Cyber is a highly scalable and easy-to-deploy BAS solution that provides real-time visibility and helps users to discover hidden connections that lead to a route to put all of your important assets at risk.
Who is it recommended for?
Best suited for businesses needing a robust and scalable BAS solution that can provide real-time visibility and proactive identification of attack pathways in a hybrid network.
Pros:
- End-to-end continuous network scanning.
- Offers extensive analytics capabilities.
- Identifies and disrupts hidden attack paths.
Cons:
- The complexity of its analytics might require advanced understanding for maximum utilization.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is afflicted by several long-term problems, such as data breaches and increased threat levels. Scalability and flexibility have been enhanced, but so have dangerous considerations as cloud computing has grown in popularity. Modern risk management in a hybrid context is difficult to manage at the best of times.
Most of the day’s cyberattacks are carried out by a big number of malicious software and attackers on the cloud. Malware programs have been used by numerous firms in the past to remedy the problem and keep systems safe. However, to test the security system’s effectiveness, one needs to use breach and attack simulation (BAS) platforms. Automated testing and real-time monitoring are both available on these platforms. It’s important, though, to choose the greatest one.
Remember that each BAS tool has a distinct function and purpose. To pick the best BAS tool for your firm, you must focus on the tool’s most important capabilities. The best BAS solution allows enterprises to detect misconfigurations, discover security holes, and simulate assaults in the cloud. It has to be able to detect and avoid gaps in hybrid settings.
Make sure the BAS tool you’re considering has a feature that prioritizes security flaws and verifies control implementations. Make sure you choose an IT solution that has most of these basic functions since they will help your firm better analyze and defend itself from threats. You should go through this list of budgetary and security-related BAS tools to see which ones fit best with your needs.