FIM vs PA File Sight

FIM is free, open-source software for monitoring file systems on premises. It watches files in the background, keeps historical information, emits events when changes occur, creates hashes, and analyzes content, attributes, ownership, and permissions. On Linux, the Audit daemon can identify who caused an event and which command produced it. Events may be written locally, sent over a network, or sent to both destinations. Documentation lists Elasticsearch 8.x or OpenSearch 2.x and Splunk indexer 9.x integrations, with only one integration active at a time. FIM runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS. Installation guidance lists Ubuntu Xenial or later, CentOS 7 or later, Windows 7 or Server 2016 or later, and macOS Big Sur or later. Minimum requirements are one CPU core, 128 MB memory, and 1 GB storage, with storage use increasing over time. The maker says support is free and provides an email contact.

PA File Sight monitors file integrity, helps protect against ransomware, prevents data loss, and audits file access. It records who creates, reads, changes, moves, or deletes files and folders, with usernames, IP addresses, and computer names. For network-based ransomware, it uses honeypots, heuristics, and executable allow rules to detect and stop attacks. Real-time rules can identify file copying and block access to cloud folders or external drives. Lite and Ultra editions are available; Ultra adds historical reports and advanced alerts for copying activity or information leaks. The product is on-premises, keeping settings, databases, and network information on customer servers. An embedded database is the default, with Microsoft SQL Server as an alternative. Communications use SSL/TLS by default, while stored credentials are encrypted with Microsoft's CryptProtectData function. The central server and Satellite software require 64-bit Windows. The download includes a fully functional 30-day trial without a credit card or purchase. Listed prices include a 30.00 USD monthly Ultra subscription and perpetual licenses.