Alternatives to OpenSCAP

Open source tools for scanning systems against SCAP security policies and hardening baselines. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as OpenSCAP.

  • CIS-CAT Lite

    A free tool from the Center for Internet Security that checks systems against CIS Benchmarks.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinux

    CIS-CAT Lite checks against CIS Benchmarks instead of SCAP policies, runs on Windows and macOS too, but is proprietary with fewer benchmarks than Pro.

  • Lynis

    Audit Unix-like systems for hardening opportunities.

    FreeOpen sourcemacOSLinuxCommand line

    Lynis audits Linux and macOS for hardening opportunities with suggested improvements, without needing SCAP profiles, though suggestions need review per system.

  • Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit

    Microsoft tools and security baselines for analyzing, testing and comparing Windows security configurations.

    FreeProprietaryWindows

    Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit compares Windows configurations against official Microsoft baselines, so it suits Windows fleets rather than Linux systems.

  • Wazuh Agent

    Endpoint agent that feeds a Wazuh server with security and compliance data.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsLinux

    Wazuh Agent includes configuration assessment alongside log collection and file integrity monitoring, but needs a Wazuh manager and indexer deployment.

Also worth comparing

These listings name OpenSCAP as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.

  • Nessus

    Widely used commercial vulnerability scanner.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinux

    OpenSCAP scans against SCAP policies and hardening baselines rather than a general vulnerability plugin library.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.