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Cisco FindIT VS BackBox

Compare Cisco FindIT VS BackBox and see what are their differences

Cisco FindIT logo Cisco FindIT

FindIT Network Discovery Utility: Get product information, technical documents, downloads, and community content.

BackBox logo BackBox

BackBox is a Linux distribution based on ...
  • Cisco FindIT Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-20
  • BackBox Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-11-06

Cisco FindIT features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    Cisco FindIT provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies network management tasks even for users with limited technical expertise.
  • Comprehensive Network Insight
    It offers comprehensive visibility into the network, allowing administrators to easily discover and identify Cisco devices on the network.
  • Automatic Device Discovery
    Automatically discovers Cisco devices in the network, reducing the need for manual configuration and saving time for network administrators.
  • Centralized Management
    Provides a centralized management dashboard that consolidates network information, making it easier to oversee and configure network devices.
  • Integration with Other Cisco Solutions
    Seamlessly integrates with other Cisco products and solutions, enhancing network management capabilities and interoperability.

Possible disadvantages of Cisco FindIT

  • Limited to Cisco Devices
    Primarily designed for Cisco devices, which may not fully support non-Cisco equipment, limiting its utility in heterogeneous network environments.
  • Cost Considerations
    The tool might be part of a licensed package or require subscription fees, which can be a concern for smaller organizations or those with budget constraints.
  • Complexity in Large Networks
    In very large networks, the tool might present challenges in scalability and might require additional setup and configuration.
  • Dependency on Cisco Infrastructure
    Organizations heavily reliant on Cisco infrastructure might find themselves locked into Cisco's ecosystem, which could affect diversification and adaptability.
  • Software Updates and Support
    There may be dependencies on continuous updates and support from Cisco, requiring consistent management to ensure the tool's optimal functioning.

BackBox features and specs

  • Lightweight
    BackBox is designed to be a lightweight operating system, which makes it ideal for use on older hardware or in virtual machines with limited resources.
  • User-Friendly
    The user interface is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible for users who may not be as experienced with Linux systems.
  • Security Tools
    BackBox comes pre-installed with a suite of security and penetration testing tools, catering specifically to network security professionals.
  • Community Support
    The BackBox community offers robust support through forums, documentation, and an active user community, which can be incredibly helpful for troubleshooting and learning.
  • Regular Updates
    The distribution receives regular updates that include the latest security patches and feature improvements, ensuring a secure environment.
  • Ubuntu-Based
    Being based on Ubuntu, BackBox inherits all the stability and compatibility benefits associated with Ubuntu and its vast repository of software packages.

Possible disadvantages of BackBox

  • Niche Focus
    BackBox is specifically designed for security and penetration testing, which may not make it suitable as a general-purpose operating system.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly interface, the specialized tools and functionalities might still present a learning curve for users unfamiliar with network security.
  • Limited Software
    The default software selection is geared toward security tasks, so users may need to spend extra time installing additional software for other purposes.
  • Hardware Compatibility
    While generally good, there may still be some hardware compatibility issues, especially with very new or very old hardware.
  • Performance Overhead
    Some of the pre-installed security tools can be resource-intensive, which might affect performance on lower-end systems.

Analysis of BackBox

Overall verdict

  • Yes, BackBox is regarded as a good option for cybersecurity professionals due to its user-friendly interface, stability, and the extensive range of pre-installed security tools. It is maintained by a community that ensures regular updates and additions of new tools.

Why this product is good

  • BackBox is a Linux distribution specifically tailored for penetration testing and security assessments. It is designed with an emphasis on providing a robust and comprehensive environment for security professionals. Built on Ubuntu, it features a full arsenal of tools necessary for ethical hacking, performance analysis, and vulnerability testing.

Recommended for

  • Penetration Testers
  • Security Analysts
  • IT Security Professionals
  • Network Administrators
  • Educators and Students in Cybersecurity

Cisco FindIT videos

Cisco Tech Talk: Cisco FindIT Plugin for Kaseya

BackBox videos

BackBox Linux Review 2017 - Is It Any Good?

More videos:

  • Review - BackBox Linux Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Cisco FindIT and BackBox)
Monitoring Tools
33 33%
67% 67
Development
100 100%
0% 0
Log Management
27 27%
73% 73
Network & Admin
51 51%
49% 49

User comments

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Reviews

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Cisco FindIT Reviews

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BackBox Reviews

The 22 Best Linux Distros for Hackers (Pentesting)
BackBox is a Linux distribution for pentesting on Ubuntu. It provides targeted intrusion testing and security assessment, providing a toolkit for analyzing network and computer systems, as well as a complete set of other tools needed for ethical hackers and security testing.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Cisco FindIT and BackBox, you can also consider the following products

Azure Virtual WAN - Learn about Virtual WAN automated scalable branch-to-branch connectivity, available regions, and partners.

Cisco DNA Center - Find and resolve network issues with Cisco DNA Center. Provides software-based network automation and assurance. Control and manage intent-based networks.

Nmap - Nmap Free Security Scanner, Port Scanner, & Network Exploration Tool. Download open source software for Linux, Windows, UNIX, FreeBSD, etc.

Cisco Network Assistant - Cisco Network Assistant simplifies wired and wireless network management, and provides critical product information using Cisco Active Advisor.

Ubiquiti Network Management System - Ubiquiti Network Management System manages all the EdgeMAX, EdgeSwitch, airMAX and UFiber devices.

Auvik - Auvik’s network infrastructure RMM gives IT service providers better visibility, documentation, and...