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OSSEC

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Open-source host intrusion detection

Free, no paid tier
Free Security Monitoring Log Management
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Reviews on G2
10 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Price
Free, no paid tier. Compare plans

Key facts

  • OSSEC is an open-source host-based intrusion detection system
  • It monitors logs, performs file integrity checking, and detects rootkits
  • Completely free and open-source

Pros

  • Open source HIDS
  • Good intrusion detection
  • Self-hostable
  • Active community
  • Free

Cons

  • Complex setup
  • Learning curve
  • UI limited
  • Documentation dated
  • Resource usage

What is OSSEC?

Editorial review
OSSEC detects intrusions and monitors hosts. Open-source host intrusion detection-security monitoring that's free and proven. The detection is file and log based. The open-source is genuine. The deployment is flexible. Security teams wanting host monitoring use OSSEC for open-source intrusion detection.

Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux

how we evaluate Source ossec.net ↗

Ratings Across the Web

4.6 (10 reviews)

OSSEC holds an aggregate rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 10 reviews across G2, last checked September 17, 2026.

G2 10 reviews
4.6/5

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

  • Host IDS
  • Log analysis
  • File integrity
  • Rootkit detection
  • Active response
  • Open source

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Oct 2, 2026

OSSEC plans and prices, checked October 2026
PlanPriceDetails
Free

$0

  • Open source HIDS
  • Host-based intrusion detection
  • Log analysis
+1 more
  • File integrity monitoring
View full pricing

Is OSSEC worth the price?

Great value

OSSEC's pricing is exceptionally generous as it is entirely free.

This open-source solution provides core HIDS functionalities without any cost, making it an outstanding value. It's best for organizations with the technical expertise to deploy and manage open-source software.

Full OSSEC pricing: every plan, hidden costs and alternatives

Reviews

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4.6/5

Across 10 verified user reviews on G2

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Best OSSEC Alternatives

Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.

Microsoft Sentinel logo
Microsoft Sentinel Paid

Cloud-native SIEM by Microsoft

4.4
LogRhythm logo
LogRhythm Paid

SIEM and security analytics platform

4.2
Rapid7 InsightIDR logo
Rapid7 InsightIDR Paid

Cloud SIEM for threat detection

4.4
See all security tools →

Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

OSSEC vs Microsoft Sentinel Head-to-head: features, pricing, who wins OSSEC vs LogRhythm Head-to-head: features, pricing, who wins OSSEC vs Rapid7 InsightIDR Head-to-head: features, pricing, who wins

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OSSEC FAQ

How does OSSEC detect intrusions on a host?

OSSEC detects intrusions through file and log-based analysis. It monitors hosts to identify suspicious activities and potential security breaches using these methods.

Which teams would benefit most from using OSSEC?

Security teams looking for open-source intrusion detection and host monitoring capabilities would find OSSEC most beneficial. Its features are well-suited for organizations prioritizing self-hosted security solutions.

How is OSSEC priced?

OSSEC is free to use, as it is an open-source solution. There is no paid plan required to access its host intrusion detection and security monitoring features.

What kind of trade-offs should users consider before deploying OSSEC?

Users should be aware that OSSEC has a complex setup and a learning curve. Additionally, its user interface is limited, and some of its documentation may be dated.

Can OSSEC be integrated with other security tools for log management?

OSSEC functions as a security monitoring and log management tool, primarily focusing on host intrusion detection. Its capabilities in log management can complement other security tools within an overall security infrastructure.

How does OSSEC compare to Microsoft Sentinel for host intrusion detection?

OSSEC provides open-source, self-hostable host intrusion detection with an active community, while Microsoft Sentinel is a commercial cloud-native SIEM. OSSEC's core strength lies in its free, proven host-based detection capabilities.

Source: ossec.net

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