Open Source Doesn’t Mean Free
The hidden operational, staffing, and maintenance costs undermining OT cybersecurity programs.
Open-source tools like Suricata, Zeek, and Wireshark are foundational to OT security—but the real cost isn’t the software.
This white paper reveals the hidden tradeoffs of open source in operational environments and explains why hybrid approaches are emerging as the most sustainable path forward.
The Numbers Tell the Story
96% of organizations increased or maintained their use of open-source software in the past year
7 out of 10 organizations say open source is critical for mission-critical workloads
32% of surveyed organizations report their security tools are not open source
Open Source Is Powerful — But OT Changes the Equation
Open-source cybersecurity tools have become essential for gaining visibility into OT environments where proprietary protocols, legacy systems, and limited monitoring capabilities are the norm. For organizations starting from near-zero visibility, open source provides a fast and flexible starting point.
But “free” tools come with real costs.
In OT environments, open source demands:
- Specialized protocol expertise
- Continuous tuning and rule maintenance
- Deep packet analysis and detection engineering
- Ongoing upkeep with no guaranteed support
For teams already facing budget constraints and a shortage of OT cybersecurity talent, these hidden costs can often exceed commercial solutions.