Zeek

Security & privacy

Free & open sourceEditorial overview
A CLOSER LOOK

What is Zeek?

Zeek is a network-analysis framework that turns observed traffic into structured logs and events, with a scripting language for custom analysis, helping defenders investigate activity and build detections from protocol-level context across their networks.

Protocol metadata logs

Event scripting

Packet-capture analysis

Extensible analyzers

Is it a good fit?

Best suited to

Security analysts investigating network behavior

Before you choose

Not primarily an inline blocker. Log volume and analysis require planning.

Editorial assessment based on the provider’s published information. Our method

Know what you're signing up for.

The listed Zeek software is available without a license fee under BSD license. Included capabilities cover protocol metadata logs, event scripting, packet-capture analysis. Free analysis framework; sensors, log storage, and investigation platforms are separate.

Free analysis framework; sensors, log storage, and investigation platforms are separate.

Check current official pricing

The useful parts. The trade-offs.

Why consider it

Rich context for investigations

Flexible custom analysis workflows

What to keep in mind

Not primarily an inline blocker

Log volume and analysis require planning

How to use it well

Zeek is a useful option for security analysts investigating network behavior. Process a small authorized packet capture and learn the generated connection and protocol logs before deploying a live sensor. Start with a small, representative task so you can check the results before extending the setup.

Define retention and downstream search needs, then add scripts only when they answer a specific investigation question. Consider the practical trade-off: not primarily an inline blocker.

A few things you might be wondering.

Is Zeek free?

The listed Zeek software is available without a license fee under BSD license. Included capabilities cover protocol metadata logs, event scripting, packet-capture analysis. Free analysis framework; sensors, log storage, and investigation platforms are separate.

Is Zeek mainly a packet-blocking firewall?

No. It is primarily a passive network-analysis and event-generation framework.

Can it analyze saved packet captures?

Yes. Offline capture analysis is a useful way to learn and test its output.

Where can I check the latest prices?

Use the provider link on this page. Billing period, location, team size, promotions, taxes, and optional extras may affect the amount you pay.

How should I compare this tool with alternatives?

Choose tools for the same task, then compare their feature limits, platform support, and total cost for your team. The Compare button helps you keep a shortlist.

Are the user reviews moderated?

Yes. New reviews are submitted for moderation. We show published user reviews separately from the editorial overview and never assign a default user rating.

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