Unified Threat Detection, Analysis & Response Framework
Deploy a scalable open-source SOC platform for full packet capture, intrusion detection, and event correlation.
Overview
Security Onion is a powerful open-source platform designed for enterprise security monitoring, intrusion detection, and threat hunting. It combines tools like Zeek, Suricata, Wazuh, and Elasticsearch into a cohesive solution, delivering full visibility across network and host environments. At NetworkTestingTech, we help clients deploy and optimize Security Onion to build cost-effective SOC infrastructures with real-time detection and forensic analysis capabilities. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, we support customers across North America with expert guidance, scalable configurations, and hands-on training. Whether you’re responding to threats or proactively hunting them, Security Onion—backed by our expertise—helps unify, streamline, and strengthen your entire cybersecurity posture.
Core Components
Software
- Security Onion OS (Ubuntu-based) with built-in Suricata, Zeek, Wazuh, and TheHive
- Elasticsearch, Logstash, and Kibana (ELK) stack for search and visualization
- SOC interface with dashboards, alerts, PCAP replay, and endpoint telemetry
Hardware
- Multi-core x86 servers with 10G or higher NICs for packet processing
Seamlessly integrates with SFP+ Transceivers to support high-speed, full-duplex data handling across monitoring nodes. - SSD or NVMe arrays for fast event indexing and long-term log retention
Complements Passive Dispersion Compensation modules when deployed in dense fiber environments to ensure clean data transmission and reduced signal loss. - Redundant power supplies and high-efficiency cooling for continuous uptime Ideal for deployment alongside Fiber Termination Kit solutions to maintain structured and reliable physical network connections.
Software
- Security Onion OS (Ubuntu-based) with built-in Suricata, Zeek, Wazuh, and TheHive
- Elasticsearch, Logstash, and Kibana (ELK) stack for search and visualization
- SOC interface with dashboards, alerts, PCAP replay, and endpoint telemetry
Key Features and Functionalities
- Full-packet capture with indexable search and event replay
- Intrusion detection using Suricata and Zeek signature + behavioral engines
- Host-based telemetry and file integrity monitoring via Wazuh agents
- Built-in alerting, case tracking, and analyst collaboration through TheHive
- Custom rule sets, dashboards, and tuning via SOC interface
Integrations
- Compatible with Cortex analyzers, MISP threat intel feeds, and Sigma rules
- Out-of-the-box support for syslog, NetFlow, and STIX/TAXII ingestion
- Seamless export to third-party SIEMs or ticketing systems via API
Compatibility
- Bare-metal, VM, and cloud-native deployments
- Runs on Ubuntu 20.04+ with support for Docker containers
- Endpoint agents for Windows, macOS, and Linux systems
Benefits
- Complete open-source alternative to commercial SIEM/SOC platforms
- Unified network and host-based monitoring with central case management
- Deep packet visibility and log correlation for incident response
- Reduced security stack complexity with centralized dashboards
Applications
- Security Operations Centers (SOCs)
- MSSPs and cybersecurity consulting firms
- Higher education security teams and research labs
- Critical infrastructure and energy sector security
Industries
- Government & Defense
- Healthcare & Life Sciences
- Financial Institutions
- Higher Education
- Energy & Utilities
Relevant U.S. & Canadian Standards and Regulations
- NIST SP 800-53
- HIPAA Security Rule
- CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification)
- PIPEDA (Canada)
- ISO/IEC 27001
Case Studies
Case Study 1 – State University SOC (Columbus, Ohio)
A public university’s internal SOC team worked with NetworkTestingTech to deploy Security Onion across residence halls, labs, and administrative networks. The system provided real-time detection and visibility, allowing faster triage of student phishing attacks and lateral movement scenarios.
Case Study 2 – Public Utility Provider (Seattle, Washington)
Facing regulatory demands for increased cyber hygiene, a state-owned utility turned to NetworkTestingTech to implement Security Onion across substations and data centers. Automated alerting and packet replay helped analysts trace anomalies related to SCADA misconfigurations.
Case Study 3 – Provincial Healthcare System (Vancouver, Canada)
A regional health network in British Columbia partnered with NetworkTestingTech to secure endpoints and patient record systems. Security Onion’s hybrid deployment provided unified oversight across multiple hospitals and clinics, improving detection-to-response time for ransomware attempts.
Interested in deploying a full-featured, open-source SOC platform for your organization?
Contact NetworkTestingTech today to learn how Security Onion can be tailored to your security needs. Our experts are ready to guide you through implementation, tuning, and analyst training.