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description: Copyright (c) 2025 Alex Joseph
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# Free SOAR

## Comprehensive Guide to Free SOAR Platforms for Cybersecurity

### 1. What Are SOAR Platforms?

**SOAR** stands for Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response. These platforms are designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of security operations by integrating and automating various security tools and processes. SOAR platforms enable organizations to collect security threat data from multiple sources, automate repetitive tasks, and coordinate responses to security incidents. Their core roles in cybersecurity operations include:

* **Integration and Coordination:** Unifying disparate security tools and processes for streamlined threat response workflows.
* **Automation of Repetitive Tasks:** Freeing up security personnel to focus on complex activities by automating routine tasks.
* **Improved Incident Response:** Providing visibility into the incident lifecycle and enabling faster detection, investigation, and response.
* **Threat Detection and Response:** Refining alert criteria and efficiently sifting through alerts.
* **Centralized Coordination:** Acting as a centralized layer for structured, repeatable, and automated processes.
* **Context Enrichment:** Offering insights and context to help security teams make informed decisions quickly .

***

### 2. Leading Free and Open-Source SOAR Platforms

Below is a list of notable free and open-source SOAR platforms, each with unique features and capabilities:

#### 2.1 n8n

* **Type:** Workflow engine for SOAR
* **Key Features:**
  * Visual low-code/no-code interface
  * Python-to-no-code support
  * MITRE ATT\&CK mapping
  * Integration with SIEMs, ticketing, and threat intelligence platforms
  * Free Community Edition (source-available, not fully open source)
* **Best For:** Customizable, API-driven automation for teams seeking flexibility .

#### 2.2 StackStorm (st2)

* **Type:** Event-driven SOAR infrastructure
* **Key Features:**
  * Custom workflows and rule automation engine
  * 160+ integration modules (e.g., NetBox, Splunk)
  * Strong plugin ecosystem
  * Requires Python and YAML knowledge
* **Best For:** Infrastructure-level auto-remediation and DevOps automation .

#### 2.3 Shuffle

* **Type:** Full SOAR platform
* **Key Features:**
  * No-code workflow builder
  * 200+ plug-and-play integrations
  * Unlimited workflows, apps, and users in the free plan
  * SIEM-to-ticket and 2-way ticket synchronization
* **Best For:** SOC teams seeking easy, no-code orchestration .

#### 2.4 TheHive Project – Cortex

* **Type:** Threat intelligence and case management
* **Key Features:**
  * MITRE ATT\&CK mapping
  * Strong integration with threat intelligence tools (e.g., MISP)
  * IOC analysis and structured case management
  * Note: Recent shift to a commercial license may limit open-source use
* **Best For:** Teams needing case management and threat intelligence integration .

#### 2.5 Tracecat

* **Type:** Full SOAR platform
* **Key Features:**
  * No-code and configuration-as-code options
  * REST API for workflow management
  * Role-based access controls and SSO
  * User-friendly for non-technical users
* **Best For:** Organizations seeking scalable, multi-tenant SOAR playbooks .

#### 2.6 Tines

* **Type:** Cybersecurity automation platform
* **Key Features:**
  * Drag-and-drop automation
  * Integrations with ServiceNow, Rapid7, and more
* **Best For:** Event-driven automation with a focus on integrations .

***

### 3. Features and Capabilities Overview

<table><thead><tr><th>Platform</th><th>No-Code Builder</th><th width="171.10546875">Custom Scripting</th><th width="126.07421875">Integrations</th><th>Case Management</th><th width="132.60546875">MITRE Mapping</th><th>Free Plan/License</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>n8n</td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes (Python)</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td><td>Community Edition</td></tr><tr><td>StackStorm</td><td>No</td><td>Yes (Python/YAML)</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td><td>No</td><td>Open Source</td></tr><tr><td>Shuffle</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td><td>Free Plan</td></tr><tr><td>TheHive</td><td>No</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes</td><td>Open Source*</td></tr><tr><td>Tracecat</td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td><td>Open Source</td></tr><tr><td>Tines</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td><td>No</td><td>Free Tier</td></tr></tbody></table>

\*TheHive’s open-source status is changing; check current licensing.

***

### 4. Community Support, Documentation, and Learning Resources

* **Community Support:** Most platforms have active forums, GitHub repositories, and peer support systems. For example, StackStorm and Shuffle have vibrant communities where users share workflows and troubleshooting tips.
* **Documentation:** Comprehensive guides, API references, and tutorials are available for most platforms. n8n and StackStorm, in particular, offer detailed documentation for installation, configuration, and workflow creation.
* **Learning Resources:** Many platforms provide video tutorials, webinars, and sample playbooks. Community-contributed content is common, especially for open-source projects.
* **Case Studies and User Reviews:** While specific case studies for free SOAR platforms are limited, user discussions on forums (e.g., Reddit) highlight both the benefits and challenges of SOAR adoption, such as improved response times and the need for careful integration .

***

### 5. System Requirements and Implementation Considerations

* **Infrastructure Compatibility:** Check if the platform supports your environment (on-premise, cloud, or hybrid).
* **Hardware Specifications:** Requirements vary; ensure adequate CPU, memory, and storage based on expected data volume.
* **Software Dependencies:** Some platforms require specific versions of Python, Node.js, or other libraries.
* **Integration with Existing Tools:** Evaluate compatibility with your SIEM, firewalls, endpoint protection, and ticketing systems.
* **Customization and Scalability:** Assess the ability to create/modify playbooks and scale as your organization grows.
* **User Training:** Some platforms require scripting knowledge (e.g., StackStorm), while others are no-code (e.g., Shuffle).
* **Security and Compliance:** Ensure the platform meets your organization’s security and regulatory requirements.
* **Resource Allocation:** Even free platforms require investment in personnel time, training, and possibly additional infrastructure .

***

### 6. Integration Capabilities

* **SIEM Integration:** Most platforms can ingest alerts from SIEMs (e.g., Splunk, Elastic, QRadar).
* **Threat Intelligence:** Integration with platforms like MISP, VirusTotal, and commercial feeds is common.
* **Ticketing and Collaboration:** Many SOARs connect with ServiceNow, Jira, Slack, and Microsoft Teams for case management and team coordination.
* **Custom Integrations:** REST APIs and plugin ecosystems allow for custom tool integrations.
* **Centralized Control:** SOAR platforms provide a single interface for managing alerts, automating responses, and tracking incidents .

***

### 7. Real-World Experiences and Case Studies

* **User Experiences:** Community feedback highlights that SOAR platforms can dramatically improve response times and automate a significant portion of SOC activities. However, challenges include integration complexity and the need for well-defined processes.
* **Case Study Example:** A Fintech company using SOAR improved its Mean Time to Respond (MTTR) by 10x and automated 90% of Tier 1 SOC activities within a year (though not specified if the platform was free) .

***

### 8. Summary Table

| Platform   | Best For                      | Notable Strengths              | Potential Limitations       |
| ---------- | ----------------------------- | ------------------------------ | --------------------------- |
| n8n        | Flexible automation           | Low-code, MITRE mapping        | Not fully open source       |
| StackStorm | DevOps, infrastructure teams  | Custom scripting, integrations | Requires Python/YAML skills |
| Shuffle    | SOC teams, no-code automation | Unlimited free workflows       | Newer, smaller community    |
| TheHive    | Case management, threat intel | IOC analysis, MITRE mapping    | Licensing changes           |
| Tracecat   | Multi-tenant, user-friendly   | No-code and code options       | Less mature than others     |
| Tines      | Event-driven automation       | Drag-and-drop, integrations    | Free tier may be limited    |

***

### 9. Getting Started

1. **Assess Your Needs:** Define your automation goals, integration requirements, and team skill levels.
2. **Evaluate Platforms:** Use the summary tables above to shortlist platforms that fit your needs.
3. **Test Deployments:** Start with a pilot deployment in a test environment.
4. **Leverage Community Resources:** Join forums, read documentation, and participate in webinars.
5. **Iterate and Scale:** Refine workflows, expand integrations, and scale up as your team gains experience.

***

### 10. Final Thoughts

Free and open-source SOAR platforms offer powerful capabilities for organizations looking to automate and orchestrate their cybersecurity operations without the high costs of commercial solutions. By carefully evaluating your requirements, leveraging community resources, and planning for integration and scalability, you can successfully implement a SOAR solution that enhances your security posture and operational efficiency.
