Zeek

Zeek is a highly sought-after open-source solution for network security monitoring, with over 70 log files provided by default, 3,000 network events tracked, and 10,000 deployments worldwide. Its key features include real-time network traffic analysis, customizable data outputs, and integration with SIEM systems. Technically, Zeek operates on a sensor, whether hardware, software, virtual, or cloud-based, and captures high-fidelity transaction logs and file contents. Use cases include manual review of network activity, integration into SIEM systems for security analysts, and deployment in various environments, including university and national lab networks. What sets Zeek apart is its 20+ years of federally-funded R&D, 260+ community-contributed packages, and 6,400+ GitHub stars, making it a cornerstone of the open-source and cybersecurity communities.