NetPol vs OTDefend

NetPol is self-hosted network monitoring software for OT, SCADA, and industrial networks. It polls managed switches using SNMP v2c and displays CPU, memory, interface status, errors, and uptime. Automatic CDP and LLDP discovery creates a live map of device relationships and link states. Operators can set per-switch alarm thresholds, acknowledge or silence alerts, and review an action history. The software also supports SSH configuration backups, side-by-side diffs, and full restore. Polling classes range from Core at 30–90 seconds to Slow at 300–900 seconds, with jitter intended to protect OT control planes. NetPol can run on a local server, VM, or Raspberry Pi without a cloud dependency. Its maker says switch data stays on the customer’s server and routine monitoring uses no telemetry, cloud sync, or third-party data processors. PDF reports cover switch status, alert summaries, and recommendations. Lite costs A$1,000 a month per node for up to 25 switches; Medium is 1500.00 AUD and Pro is A$2,000 a month per node. A seven-day trial is listed; there is no free plan.

OTDefend provides passive monitoring, threat detection, vulnerability management, and response for industrial environments. Its network intrusion detection inspects more than 16 industrial protocols from a mirror or TAP port, and the maker says it does not inject traffic. Supported protocols include Modbus, S7comm, DNP3, EtherNet/IP, IEC-104, IEC 61850, PROFINET, EtherCAT, POWERLINK, CC-Link IE, OPC UA, BACnet, FINS, MELSEC, and HART-IP. A dependency-free Windows agent runs from Windows XP through Windows 11 and collects host inventory and intrusion-detection events. Detection combines network IDS signatures, Sigma analytics, and YARA signatures; the homepage states 688 rules. A built-in threat-intelligence store accepts TAXII 2.1 and STIX 2.1 feeds and checks indicators against live traffic. Deployment options include an offline Docker bundle, a .deb sensor, and a bootable appliance ISO. OTDefend lists SIEM and other security integrations, plus IEC 62443, NERC CIP, and NIS2 reporting with exportable PDFs. Its design includes per-tenant isolation, role-based access, an active/standby core, and one-way sensors for data-diode segments. Pricing is on request.