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OSSEC

Free open-source host-based intrusion detection system for servers and workstations.

Open sourceIntrusion detection and network security monitoring

Updated · AppBreakup editorial · Linux, Windows, macOS, Self-hosted

Visit OSSECSee 4 alternatives

Is OSSEC free?

Yes, free and open source

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About OSSEC

OSSEC is a long-running open-source host intrusion detection system (HIDS). An agent on each machine reports to a central manager that analyses logs, checks file integrity, looks for rootkits and malware, audits configuration and can trigger active responses such as blocking an IP. It runs on Linux, Windows, macOS, the BSDs and other Unix systems, and is managed from the command line and config files. The project is maintained by Atomicorp, which also offers OSSEC+ (free with registration, adding extra rules and threat intelligence) and Atomic OSSEC, a paid commercial edition with a GUI, many more rules, vulnerability management and support. The free version suits admins and small teams who want proven file integrity monitoring and log alerting for compliance such as PCI DSS without a licence bill. Many newer deployments use Wazuh, a fork with a web dashboard.

Best for: Admins who want free, lightweight host intrusion detection and file integrity monitoring.

OSSEC pricing (checked Nov 8, 2026)

Each line is quoted from OSSEC's own site, with the page it came from.

Plan or termWhat it saysCheckedSource
PriceFreeNov 8, 2026ossec.net

Pros and cons

What works

  • Free and open source, with decades of production use
  • Covers log analysis, file integrity, rootkit detection and active response
  • Runs on Linux, Windows, macOS, BSD and other Unix systems
  • Helps meet PCI DSS file integrity requirements

Why people leave

  • No web dashboard in the free version; command line and config files only
  • Basic ruleset unless you register for OSSEC+ or pay for Atomic OSSEC
  • Community support only for the free edition

OSSEC vs CrowdStrike Falcon, Security Onion and Suricata

From each app's listing and the prices verified on its own site. A dash means we haven't verified it yet.

AttributeOSSECCrowdStrike FalconSecurity OnionSuricata
PricingOpen sourcePaidFree plan + paidOpen source
Verified price—$59.99 per device/year (Falcon Go, billed annually)——
Free planFree appNoYesFree app
Open sourceNoNoNoNo
Self-hostableNoNoYesNo
PlatformsLinux, Windows, macOS, Self-hostedWeb, Windows, macOS, LinuxLinux, Self-hostedLinux, macOS, Windows, Self-hosted

Top OSSEC alternatives

See all 4
  1. 1CrowdStrike Falcon logo
    CrowdStrike Falcon

    Commercial EDR with managed detection, for teams that want less to run themselves.

    66.2
  2. 2Security Onion logo
    Security Onion

    Free platform combining network and host monitoring with dashboards and case management.

    64.8
  3. 3Suricata logo
    Suricata

    Adds network-level intrusion detection where OSSEC only watches hosts.

    61.8
  4. 4Wazuh logo
    Wazuh

    Fork of OSSEC with a web dashboard, larger ruleset and active development, still free.

    56.8

Why people left OSSEC

In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.

No switching stories yet. If you moved away from OSSEC, review the app you switched to and tell us why.

Reviews

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OSSEC: common questions

What is OSSEC?

OSSEC: Free open-source host-based intrusion detection system for servers and workstations. Best for admins who want free, lightweight host intrusion detection and file integrity monitoring. Available for Linux, Windows and macOS, and you can host it yourself.

Is OSSEC free?

Yes. OSSEC is free, open-source software.

How much does OSSEC cost?

OSSEC is free and open source. Price: Free. Checked on OSSEC's own site, November 2026.

Is OSSEC open source?

No, OSSEC is not open source. Open-source alternatives include Wazuh.

What platforms does OSSEC run on?

OSSEC is available for Linux, Windows, macOS and Self-hosted.

What are the best alternatives to OSSEC?

The highest-ranked OSSEC alternatives right now are CrowdStrike Falcon, Security Onion and Suricata. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

OSSEC vs CrowdStrike Falcon: what's the difference?

OSSEC is free and open source; CrowdStrike Falcon is a paid product. Only CrowdStrike Falcon runs on Web.

See all 4 OSSEC alternatives