What Is the Best Network Audit Software for IT and OT?
Introduction
In today’s growth of industrial environments, where Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) networks increasingly overlap, maintaining a secure, transparent, and well-documented infrastructure is crucial. Network audit software has become a must tool to analyze, assess, and secure network assets, ensuring compliance, uptime, and safety.
As an automation experience, I’ve worked across various sectors where both IT and OT systems must operate in harmony. In this blog post, we’ll break down:
- What network audit software does
- What to look for in 2025
- The best tools for both IT and OT
- Infographic comparison with color-coded star ratings
- Use cases across different industries
Table of Contents
- Why Network Audit Software Matters
- Key Features to Look for in 2025
- Top Network Audit Software for IT & OT
- Infographic: Comparison & Star Ratings
- Industry Use Case Recommendations
- Final Thoughts
Why Network Audit Software Matters
Network audits are essential for:
- Asset discovery and inventory
- Vulnerability assessments
- Configuration backup & compliance validation
- Change tracking and network topology mapping
For OT, additional requirements include:
- Passive monitoring to avoid interrupting sensitive devices
- Protocol support for Modbus, DNP3, BACnet, and PROFINET
- Integration with ICS/SCADA platforms
Key Features to Look for in 2025
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Auto Discovery | Scans all devices across subnets including OT devices |
| Topology Visualization | Clear diagrams for physical/logical layouts |
| Vulnerability Scanning | Detect outdated firmware, weak credentials, open ports |
| Protocol Support | Must support industrial protocols for OT environments |
| Compliance Reporting | Helps meet NIST, IEC 62443, ISO 27001, etc. |
| Cloud & On-Prem Options | Flexible deployment based on plant security policies |
| SIEM/SCADA Integration | Supports exporting logs to Splunk, QRadar, or SCADA |
Top Network Audit Software for IT & OT in 2025
1. Nozomi Networks Guardian
- Specialization: Industrial Cybersecurity (OT-first)
- Features: Real-time threat detection, asset discovery, protocol analysis
- Integration: SCADA, firewalls, SIEM tools
- Best for: Critical infrastructure, utilities
- Price: $$$$
- Star Rating: 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
2. Tenable OT Security (formerly Indegy)
- Specialization: Risk-based visibility for OT & IIoT
- Features: Configuration change alerts, deep asset visibility
- Integration: Works with Tenable.io and Tenable.sc
- Best for: Manufacturing plants and pharma
- Price: $$$
- Star Rating: 🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜
3. PRTG Network Monitor (Paessler)
- Specialization: IT-first with growing OT support
- Features: SNMP, Modbus monitoring, customizable sensors
- Integration: API, dashboards, third-party tools
- Best for: Mixed IT/OT environments
- Price: $$
- Star Rating: 🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜
4. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager (NCM)
- Specialization: Configuration auditing and backup
- Features: Change detection, compliance reports
- Integration: IT-focused, some OT adaptation with SNMP
- Best for: Enterprise with multiple sites
- Price: $$
- Star Rating: 🟩🟩🟩⬜⬜
5. Claroty xDome
- Specialization: OT security platform with risk scoring
- Features: Asset tracking, threat detection, vulnerability mapping
- Integration: ERP, SIEM, firewall, HMI
- Best for: Process industries
- Price: $$$$
- Star Rating: 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
Infographic: Comparison & Star Ratings
| Software | OT Protocols | Topology View | Compliance Tools | Passive Scanning | Star Rating |
| Nozomi Guardian | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 | 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 |
| Tenable OT Security | 🟢🟢🟢🟢 | 🟢🟢🟢🟢 | 🟢🟢🟢🟢 | 🟢🟢🟢🟢 | 🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ |
| PRTG Network Monitor | 🟢🟢🟢 | 🟢🟢🟢🟢 | 🟢🟢🟢 | 🟢🟢🟢 | 🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ |
| SolarWinds NCM | 🟢🟢 | 🟢🟢🟢 | 🟢🟢🟢 | 🟢🟢 | 🟩🟩🟩⬜⬜ |
| Claroty xDome | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 | 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 |
Industry Use Case Recommendations
| Industry | Recommended Tool | Reason |
| Power Utilities | Nozomi Guardian | Real-time threat detection for critical assets |
| Automotive & Pharma | Tenable OT Security | Easy deployment with Tenable integration |
| Water & Wastewater | Claroty xDome | Full lifecycle asset and vulnerability coverage |
| Smart Buildings | PRTG Network Monitor | Simple sensors and protocol flexibility |
| Large Enterprise IT | SolarWinds NCM | Strong config management across multiple sites |
Final Thoughts
When selecting the best network audit software for IT and OT convergence, it’s essential to balance visibility, passive monitoring, and integration with your plant’s cybersecurity.
Final Picks:
- Best Overall OT Audit Platform: Claroty xDome or Nozomi Guardian
- Best for Mixed Environments: PRTG Network Monitor
- Best Value for Config Tracking: SolarWinds NCM
- Best Security + Compliance Tool: Tenable OT Security
Secure, monitor, and future-proof your IT/OT networks with the right software platform because visibility is the first step to control.