Uncover Threats with Precision Using Zeek (Bro)
Flexible and powerful network security monitor for deep packet inspection and real-time threat detection.
Overview
Zeek (formerly known as Bro) is a powerful open-source network analysis framework trusted by security professionals worldwide. It offers deep packet inspection, rich protocol analysis, and script-based detection that enables real-time threat identification and forensic investigations. Designed for high-performance environments, Zeek sits out-of-band and passively monitors network traffic to generate detailed logs and alerts. At NetworkTestingTech, we help clients across North America deploy and fine-tune Zeek to meet the unique needs of enterprise networks, SOCs, and research environments. From our Phoenix, Arizona base, we provide support, training, and integration services to ensure Zeek’s analytical capabilities are fully leveraged in even the most complex infrastructures.
Core Components
Software
- Zeek Core Engine (Open-source)
- Zeek Package Manager for plugin management
- Scripts for protocol detection, threat detection, and log parsing
Hardware
- High-speed packet capture NICs compatible with PF_RING or DPDK
Complemented by Ethernet Testers to validate throughput and performance in dynamic network setups. - Rack-mounted servers with multi-core CPUs and large storage arrays for log retention
Enhanced using Media Converters Ethernet to Fiber for seamless integration into hybrid infrastructure. - Optional FPGA-accelerated appliances for ultra-high-throughput environments Paired with Amplifiers In Transmission to maintain signal integrity across demanding optical links.
Cloud Services
- Zeek integration with SIEM platforms hosted in AWS, Azure, or GCP
- Cloud-based log archival and real-time streaming to threat intelligence platforms
- API-based alert forwarding to incident response tools
Key Features and Functionalities
- Layer-7 application visibility and protocol dissection
- Signature and anomaly-based threat detection
- Custom scripting with Zeek’s policy language
- Integration with real-time alerting systems
- Rich log generation (HTTP, DNS, SSL, FTP, SSH, etc.)
Integrations
- Compatible with SIEMs like Splunk, Elastic Stack, and IBM QRadar
- Feeds into Security Orchestration tools like TheHive and Cortex
- Can integrate with Suricata, Snort, and pfSense for layered defense
Compatibility
- Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS, RHEL)
- Virtual environments (VMware, KVM, Proxmox)
- High-performance capture libraries like AF_PACKET, PF_RING, and DPDK
Benefits
- Full visibility into network traffic and communication patterns
- High customizability through scripting
- Ideal for detecting stealthy, low-and-slow attacks
- Lightweight and scalable for large infrastructures
Applications
- Security Operations Centers (SOC)
- Network Forensics and Threat Hunting
- Academic Research in Cybersecurity
- Government and Industrial Network Monitoring
Industries
- Higher Education & Research Institutions
- Financial Services
- Energy & Utilities
- Federal and State Government
- Healthcare and Insurance
Relevant U.S. & Canadian Standards and Regulations
- NIST 800-137
- NERC CIP
- HIPAA Security Rule
- PCI DSS
- PIPEDA (Canada)
Case Studies
Case Study 1 – Research University (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
A major research university deployed Zeek across their data center with support from NetworkTestingTech to monitor inter-departmental traffic. Zeek logs helped uncover lateral movement in a red-team exercise and informed new microsegmentation policies.
Case Study 2 – Government Lab (Sandia, New Mexico)
A government cybersecurity lab used Zeek to conduct real-time monitoring of their air-gapped environments. NetworkTestingTech provided tuning and automation support, allowing analysts to focus on behavioral threat patterns.
Case Study 3 – Cybersecurity Consultancy (Toronto, Canada)
A Canadian MSSP partnered with NetworkTestingTech to incorporate Zeek into its threat intelligence offering. By leveraging custom Zeek scripts and log enrichment, the firm provided clients with actionable threat insights and enhanced forensic capability.
Ready to integrate Zeek (Bro) into your security operations?
Contact NetworkTestingTech to discuss deployment strategies, get expert support, or request a demo tailored to your organization.