Infection Monkey vs Picus Security Platform

Infection Monkey is an open-source breach and attack simulation tool for checking data center resilience to perimeter breaches and internal server infection. Monkey Agent scans systems and simulates attack techniques, while Monkey Island Server provides a command-and-control web interface. The tool maps visible machines, accessible services, and possible routes through a network, then reports security issues the agents discover or exploit. It supports on-premises environments, containers, and public and private clouds. The documented AWS integration uses Systems Manager to run Infection Monkey on EC2 instances, and plugins can be installed, updated, removed, or uploaded through the Monkey Island interface. Internet access is not required; when available, it is used to check for updates and whether machines can reach the internet. The FAQ says sensitive data is encrypted in the Island database and sent to agents over HTTPS, and that first launch requires creating credentials for access to the server. It also says the tool avoids exploits or attacks that may affect target systems, including EternalBlue. The Free plan is free.

Picus Security Platform helps security teams validate attack surfaces, exposures, and security controls to prioritize risks and remediation. It simulates attacks against controls such as EDR, SIEM, firewalls, WAFs, and email gateways, then supports remediation and retesting. The platform combines automated penetration testing, breach and attack simulation, and exposure validation. Its threat library contains more than 30,000 TTPs and thousands of scenarios; critical new simulations are added under a 24-hour SLA. AI Threat Builder converts inputs such as a blog URL, PDF, CVE ID, or threat actor name into an ATT&CK-mapped simulation. Picus says it integrates with more than 75 security technologies. Deployment options include SaaS, on-premises, and fully air-gapped environments, with yearly subscriptions and unlimited simulations. Pricing is available on request, and a 14-day free trial is listed. The trial includes one simulation agent, a ransomware-only library, and recommendations for one technology. After the trial, recurring simulations stop and simulation results are no longer accessible.