For those of you who are unfamiliar with the whole open-source community, you are in for a very nice surprise. Open-source software is freely available, and has been known to even be better than commercial solutions. The reason being is because these applications are community driven. So, just like in pretty much any industry, there are open-source communities developing software for security, and this article describes the top ten.

Are open source security tools really as secure as those available for sale?

Yes, say a growing number of enterprises that are implementing open source security tools. While some are understandably hesitant to employ solutions that are openly available to hackers and users alike, many organizations are finding that open source tools not only cost less than their commercial counterparts, they are at least as secure as commercial products, if not more so.

“Generally speaking, I think the reliance on open-source security tools in enterprise is increasing, but relatively slowly,” reports Ed Moyle of consulting firm Security Curve. “We are seeing reduction in use within areas that have traditionally been dominated by open source, but that reduction is being made up for by some relatively rapid gains in other areas that have been traditionally dominated by commercial tools.”

Should your company follow the crowd moving towards open source security? That depends on which is more important to you: an agile solution that doesn’t cost much or a comprehensive solution that comes with plenty of support.[more]

Tags: Computer Protection