Rapid7 InsightIDR

Basic Information

Rapid7 InsightIDR is a comprehensive Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and Extended Detection and Response (XDR) solution. It functions as a cloud-native platform designed for accelerated threat detection and response.

• Model/Version: InsightIDR is a continuously updated SaaS platform, offering tiers such as InsightIDR Essential, Advanced, and Ultimate, which provide varying levels of features and capabilities.
• Release Date: The InsightIDR platform was launched in 2016.
• Minimum Requirements:
  • Collector: Requires a dedicated machine with a 2GHz+ processor (4 CPU cores recommended), 8GB RAM (recommended), and 60GB+ available disk space.
  • Insight Agent: Designed with a minimal footprint, requiring communication with the Collector.
• Supported Operating Systems:
  • Collector: Linux 64-bit and Windows 64-bit operating systems.
  • Insight Agent: Microsoft Windows, macOS, and various Linux distributions.
• Latest Stable Version: As a SaaS offering, InsightIDR receives continuous updates. A plugin was successfully tested on 2025-07-22, indicating ongoing development and stability.
• End of Support Date: Rapid7 will discontinue security updates for Windows and Linux 32-bit operating systems for the Insight Agent on May 12, 2025. Existing agents on these systems will continue to function but will not receive updates.
• End of Life Date: Not applicable for the core SaaS platform due to its continuous update model.
• License Type: Subscription-based, typically priced per unit or asset.
• Deployment Model: Primarily a cloud-based (SaaS) solution, utilizing on-premise Collectors and Agents to gather data from diverse environments. It supports hybrid and multi-cloud deployments, including AWS and Azure.

Technical Requirements

Rapid7 InsightIDR's technical requirements are distributed across its cloud service, on-premise Collectors, and endpoint Agents.

• RAM:
  • Collector: 8GB RAM recommended.
  • Honeypot: 1GB RAM.
• Processor:
  • Collector: 4 CPU cores with 2GHz+ on each core recommended.
  • Honeypot: 1 CPU.
• Storage:
  • Collector: 60GB+ available disk space.
  • Honeypot: 10GB hard disk space.
  • Log Data: Standard SIEM subscription includes 13 months of log data storage, with options for unlimited retention via Data Archiving to private Amazon S3 buckets.
• Display: Access to the InsightIDR console is via a web browser, implying standard display capabilities.
• Ports:
  • Insight Agent to Collector: TCP ports 5508, 6608, and 8037. For endpoint scanning, additional TCP ports 20000-30000 are required.
  • Collector to Rapid7 Cloud: Requires outbound HTTPS connectivity to Rapid7 cloud endpoints.
• Operating System:
  • Collector: Linux 64-bit or Windows 64-bit.
  • Insight Agent: Microsoft Windows, macOS, and various Linux distributions.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

The technical requirements for InsightIDR are primarily focused on its on-premise components (Collectors and Agents) that facilitate data ingestion into the cloud-native platform. The Collector requirements are moderate for a server-grade system, ensuring efficient processing and forwarding of logs. The Insight Agent is designed to be lightweight, minimizing impact on endpoint performance. The cloud-based architecture handles the heavy lifting of data analysis and storage, allowing for scalability without extensive on-premise hardware investment beyond the Collectors. Rapid7 continuously updates its platform, with the cloud infrastructure dynamically scaling to meet enterprise demands.

Support & Compatibility

Rapid7 InsightIDR offers broad support and compatibility across various environments, leveraging its cloud-native architecture and extensive integration capabilities.

• Latest Version: As a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution, InsightIDR is continuously updated, ensuring users always have access to the latest features and security enhancements.
• OS Support:
  • Insight Agent: Supports Microsoft Windows, macOS, and a wide range of Linux distributions.
  • Collector: Compatible with 64-bit versions of Windows and Linux operating systems.
  • Deployment: Fully supports Windows assets in hybrid, on-premises, or cloud-only domains, with partial support for Linux deployments in these scenarios.
• End of Support Date: Support for the Insight Agent on 32-bit Windows and Linux operating systems will cease on May 12, 2025. Users are advised to upgrade to 64-bit systems for continued updates and support.
• Localization: Specific localization details are not extensively documented in public information; the primary interface and documentation are in English.
• Available Drivers/Integrations: InsightIDR boasts extensive integration capabilities with a wide array of security tools, cloud services (e.g., AWS, Azure), authentication logs, network devices, and endpoint data. It supports standard syslog for log forwarding and offers out-of-the-box data connectors for various sources. Custom log parsing tools are available for unsupported log formats.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

InsightIDR demonstrates strong compatibility with modern IT infrastructures, including diverse operating systems and cloud environments. Its SaaS model ensures continuous updates and feature enhancements. The platform's ability to integrate with numerous data sources and support custom log parsing makes it highly adaptable. However, the discontinuation of 32-bit OS support for agents highlights a focus on modern, 64-bit environments. Overall, the support and compatibility status is robust, catering to complex enterprise needs while maintaining a streamlined deployment and management experience.

Security Status

Rapid7 InsightIDR is designed as a robust security solution, integrating multiple layers of detection and response capabilities.

• Security Features: InsightIDR combines SIEM, Extended Detection and Response (XDR), User Behavior Analytics (UBA), Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Network Traffic Analysis (NTA), and Deception Technology. Key features include Attacker Behavior Analytics, File Integrity Monitoring (FIM), embedded threat intelligence, automated response capabilities, and a visual investigation timeline. It also performs real-time endpoint scanning and checks process hashes against multiple virus scanners.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Publicly available information does not detail specific known vulnerabilities for the InsightIDR platform itself, which is typical for a continuously updated SaaS product where security patches are applied regularly.
• Blacklist Status: While InsightIDR itself does not have a "blacklist status," it actively identifies and alerts on suspicious activities, including those associated with known malicious indicators and blacklisted entities. It checks running process hashes against 50 virus scanners to detect unknown malware.
• Certifications: InsightIDR aids organizations in meeting various compliance requirements, including PCI DSS, by logging events, reviewing security alerts, and documenting investigations. Rapid7 as a company adheres to industry security standards, and its cloud platform is built on AWS, which holds numerous certifications.
• Encryption Support: All data processed and stored within the InsightIDR platform is encrypted at rest using industry-standard AES-256 encryption, with keys managed through AWS Key Management Service (KMS). Data in transit is secured via HTTPS.
• Authentication Methods: The Rapid7 Insight cloud platform supports robust identity and authentication mechanisms, including role-based access control (RBAC), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and single sign-on (SSO) through integrations like Microsoft apps.
• General Recommendations: For optimal security and value, Rapid7 recommends deploying the Insight Agent on over 80% of all Windows/Linux/Mac endpoints and servers. Organizations should also ensure ingestion of logs from foundational sources like DHCP, LDAP, Active Directory, and DNS.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

Rapid7 InsightIDR provides a high overall security rating through its comprehensive, multi-layered approach to threat detection and response. Its cloud-native architecture, combined with advanced analytics (UBA, ABA), endpoint visibility, and deception technology, enables early detection of sophisticated attacks. Strong encryption for data at rest and in transit, coupled with robust authentication methods, protects the integrity and confidentiality of security data. The platform's ability to support compliance requirements further solidifies its security posture. Continuous updates and embedded threat intelligence from Rapid7's research teams ensure it adapts to evolving threats.

Performance & Benchmarks

Rapid7 InsightIDR focuses on delivering efficient and rapid threat detection and response through its scalable cloud architecture and advanced analytics.

• Benchmark Scores: Specific, publicly available numerical benchmark scores for InsightIDR's performance (e.g., industry-standard SIEM benchmarks) are not detailed in the search results.
• Real-world Performance Metrics:
  • Investigation Speed: Users report 20x faster investigations and incident response.
  • Deployment Time: Known for fast deployment times, with value seen in days rather than weeks or months.
  • Detection Efficacy: Leverages attacker analytics to reduce false positives and quickly identify intruder activity.
  • Scalability: Cloud-based architecture allows for rapid increases in CPU, memory, storage, and networking capacity on demand to meet enterprise scaling and performance needs. Offers unlimited storage capabilities for agent-based data.
  • Data Retention: Provides 13 months of readily searchable data logs by default.
• Power Consumption: Not directly applicable to the SaaS component. Power consumption for on-premise Collectors and Agents depends on the underlying hardware infrastructure provided by the customer.
• Carbon Footprint: As a cloud-native solution, its carbon footprint is primarily associated with the cloud provider (AWS) and the energy efficiency of customer-managed on-premise Collectors. Rapid7 does not provide specific carbon footprint metrics for InsightIDR.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: InsightIDR is frequently compared to other SIEM and XDR solutions such as CrowdStrike Falcon, Wazuh, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft Sentinel, Splunk Enterprise, and IBM Security QRadar. It is often praised for its ease of use, deployment speed, and strong threat detection capabilities, with some comparisons noting it offers better initial cost savings than certain competitors, though overall pricing can be a consideration for smaller organizations.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

InsightIDR's performance is characterized by its speed and scalability, driven by its cloud-native architecture. It excels in accelerating incident investigations and providing rapid threat detection with a focus on reducing alert fatigue. While specific benchmark scores are not widely publicized, user feedback consistently highlights its efficiency in real-world security operations. The platform's ability to scale resources on demand ensures consistent performance even with large volumes of data. Its competitive positioning emphasizes ease of deployment and strong detection outcomes, making it a powerful tool for modern security teams.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for Rapid7 InsightIDR generally highlight its effectiveness in threat detection and incident response, alongside its user-friendly aspects.

• Strengths:
  • Unified View: Provides a "single pane of glass" for comprehensive visibility across cloud and on-premise environments, consolidating diverse data sources.
  • Ease of Use: Praised for its intuitive UI, easy navigation, and user-friendly log search capabilities, making it accessible even for new analysts.
  • Rapid Deployment & Value: Users appreciate the quick setup process and the ability to gain valuable insights and alerts almost immediately after connecting data sources.
  • Advanced Detection: Highly effective in detecting compromised users, lateral movement, and evolving attacker behavior through User Behavior Analytics (UBA) and Attacker Behavior Analytics (ABA), with low false positives.
  • Incident Management: Streamlined incident case management, visual investigation timelines, and automated response capabilities significantly accelerate investigations and remediation.
  • Support & Integrations: Good support for team collaboration and extensive integrations with other security tools and cloud services.
• Weaknesses:
  • Learning Curve: Some users note a steep learning curve to fully leverage all advanced features.
  • Customization: Desire for more advanced customization options for rules, alerts, and reports.
  • Log Source Support: A need for more supported log sources and improved ability to tune collectors for custom logs.
  • API Integration: Requests for easier API integration with ITSM (IT Service Management) systems for ticket management.
  • Pricing: While offering good value, the pricing can be on the higher side for smaller organizations with tighter budgets.
  • Depth in Specific Protections: Some alternatives may offer deeper runtime or workload-specific protections.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Incident detection and response across endpoints, networks, and cloud services.
  • Authentication monitoring and user behavior analysis to detect insider threats and compromised accounts.
  • Compliance reporting and File Integrity Monitoring (FIM) for regulations like PCI DSS.
  • Centralized log management and security data visualization.
  • Organizations seeking a unified SIEM/XDR solution with strong automation and threat intelligence.

Summary

Rapid7 InsightIDR stands as a leading cloud-native SIEM and XDR solution, meticulously engineered to provide comprehensive visibility and accelerated response to modern cyber threats. Its core strength lies in unifying diverse security telemetry—from endpoints, networks, and cloud environments—into a single, intuitive platform. The solution excels in leveraging advanced analytics, including User Behavior Analytics (UBA) and Attacker Behavior Analytics (ABA), to detect stealthy intruder activities and reduce false positives, thereby enhancing the efficiency of security teams. Rapid deployment, ease of use, and continuous updates via its SaaS model are consistently highlighted as significant advantages, enabling organizations to quickly realize value and maintain a proactive security posture.

Key strengths include its "single pane of glass" view, robust encryption of data at rest and in transit, strong authentication methods, and extensive integration capabilities with a wide array of security tools and cloud services. It effectively supports compliance requirements and offers streamlined incident management with visual investigation timelines and automated response options.

However, some areas for improvement noted by users include a potentially steep learning curve for advanced features, a desire for more granular customization of rules and alerts, and enhanced API integration with ITSM systems. While offering strong value, its pricing structure can be a consideration for smaller organizations.

In conclusion, Rapid7 InsightIDR is highly recommended for enterprises and security-conscious organizations seeking a powerful, scalable, and user-friendly SIEM/XDR solution. It is particularly well-suited for environments requiring robust threat detection, rapid incident response, comprehensive visibility across hybrid and multi-cloud infrastructures, and support for regulatory compliance. Its continuous evolution and focus on attacker behavior make it a formidable tool against evolving cyber threats.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.