Akto
Akto is an open-source API security platform that helps you discover all your APIs, detect sensitive data exposure, and find vulnerabilities in your CI/CD pipeline before hackers do.
Metasploit
Metasploit is a powerful penetration testing framework that helps you identify, exploit, and validate security vulnerabilities across your network to strengthen your overall defensive posture and reduce risk.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Akto | Metasploit |
|---|---|---|
| Website | akto.io | rapid7.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 14 days free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2021 | 2003 |
| Headquarters | Bengaluru, India | Boston, USA |
Overview
Akto
Akto is a specialized API security platform designed to help you secure your entire API ecosystem. You can automatically discover every API endpoint in your network, including hidden or 'shadow' APIs that often go undocumented. The platform continuously monitors your traffic to identify where sensitive data like PII or financial info is being exposed, giving you a clear map of your security posture.
You can integrate security testing directly into your development workflow by running over 100 built-in security tests against your APIs. This allows you to catch broken object-level authorization (BOLA) and other common vulnerabilities before they reach production. Whether you are a security engineer or a developer, you can use Akto to automate the tedious parts of API auditing and maintain a robust defense against modern web threats.
Metasploit
Metasploit helps you think like an attacker so you can stay one step ahead of security threats. You can use the world’s most used penetration testing framework to find weak spots in your defenses, simulate real-world attacks, and verify that your security patches actually work. It simplifies the complex process of exploitation by providing a massive library of tested code and automated tools that handle the heavy lifting for you.
You can choose between the open-source Framework for command-line power or the Pro version for a guided, graphical experience. Whether you are conducting a quick vulnerability scan or a deep-dive security audit, the platform provides the data you need to prioritize risks. It is a go-to solution for security consultants, internal red teams, and IT managers who need to prove where their network is vulnerable.
Overview
Akto Features
- Automated API Discovery Inventory all your APIs automatically by analyzing network traffic to find shadow APIs and undocumented endpoints instantly.
- Sensitive Data Tracking Identify exactly where sensitive data like passwords or credit card numbers are leaking across your API requests and responses.
- BOLA Detection Run automated tests to find Broken Object Level Authorization flaws, the most critical risk in modern API security today.
- CI/CD Integration Trigger automated security scans within your GitHub or GitLab pipelines to stop vulnerable code from ever being deployed.
- API Traffic Mirroring Analyze real-world traffic patterns without impacting your application performance using seamless mirroring from AWS, Azure, or GCP.
- Custom Test Editor Create your own security tests using a simple YAML-based editor to address unique business logic vulnerabilities in your apps.
Metasploit Features
- Exploit Database. Access thousands of verified exploits for various operating systems and applications to test your systems against real-world threats.
- Smart Exploitation. Automatically match vulnerabilities with the correct exploits to save time and increase the success rate of your penetration tests.
- Payload Generation. Create custom payloads that allow you to maintain access and move laterally through a network to test internal security controls.
- Vulnerability Validation. Import data from scanners like Nexpose to verify which vulnerabilities are actually exploitable and pose the highest risk to you.
- Post-Exploitation Tools. Use advanced modules to gather evidence, escalate privileges, and demonstrate the potential impact of a successful breach to stakeholders.
- Phishing Simulations. Launch social engineering campaigns to test your team's awareness and identify users who might be susceptible to real-world phishing attacks.
Pricing Comparison
Akto Pricing
- Up to 50 endpoints
- Automated API discovery
- Basic security tests
- Community support
- Local deployment option
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Unlimited endpoints
- Advanced sensitive data detection
- CI/CD pipeline integration
- Slack and Jira alerts
- Priority email support
Metasploit Pricing
- Command-line interface
- Manual exploitation
- Access to 2,000+ exploits
- Basic payload generation
- Community-driven updates
- Manual credential harvesting
- Everything in Framework, plus:
- Graphical user interface
- Automated exploitation wizard
- Phishing campaign builder
- Advanced reporting and evidence
- Vulnerability scanner integration
Pros & Cons
Akto
Pros
- Fast setup with immediate visibility into shadow APIs
- Comprehensive library of pre-built security test cases
- Open-source core allows for deep customization
- Strong focus on the OWASP API Top 10
- Easy integration with existing DevOps workflows
Cons
- Initial traffic mirroring setup can be technical
- Pro tier pricing is a significant jump
- Learning curve for writing custom YAML tests
Metasploit
Pros
- Massive library of frequently updated exploits
- Industry standard tool for penetration testing
- Powerful automation features in the Pro version
- Excellent integration with other Rapid7 security products
- Highly customizable for advanced security researchers
Cons
- Steep learning curve for the command-line version
- Pro version pricing is high for small teams
- Can be flagged by antivirus software during testing