Snort - the de facto standard for intrusion detection/prevention

What is Snort?
SNORT® is an open source network intrusion prevention and detection system utilizing a rule-driven language, which combines the benefits of signature, protocol and anomaly based inspection methods. With millions of downloads to date, Snort is the most widely deployed intrusion detection and prevention technology worldwide and has become the de facto standard for the industry.


2009 Best of Open Source Security Conference - register now
SnortSP 3.0 beta launch
We’re pleased to introduce our first beta release built on the new Snort 3.0 architecture. SnortSP is an open-source platform for running packet-based network security applications, including the Snort 2.8.2.1 detection engine. SnortSP introduces a new shell-based user interface, a multi-threaded execution module, native IPv6 support, performance improvements, and more.
Get more info on SnortSP here.
Snort Users Webcast Series

Writing Effective Rules Part II
In this session Matt Olney of the Sourcefire Vulnerability Research Team (VRT) will present Performance Rules Creation: Rules Options and Techniques. Covers: detecting buffer overflows with content checks and isdataat, and PCRE | detecting attacks against the Kaminsky DNS bug with byte_test | more.
More info and webcast access | download the slides
Common Mistakes with Snort and How to Fix Them
In this latest Snort Users Webcast, Joel Esler, a Sourcefire security consultant and frequent contributor to the Snort community discusses fixes to some of the most common mistakes made when configuring and using Snort. Covers: Snort.conf file | Variables | Preprocessors | Rules | Barnyard and SnortUnified
View the webcast

Document Spotlight
Sourcefire VRT White PaperSourcefire Vulnerability Research Team (VRT) White Paper
White Paper covering the capabilities and processes followed by the Sourcefire VRT in writing rules.
Get it here.