OpenCanary

At a glance

• Editor score
  8.6 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Free multi-protocol network deception
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Deployment model
  Self-hosted
• Facts checked
  22 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Covers SSH, FTP, HTTP, database, VoIP and other decoy services
  • Detects credential attempts and port scans on Linux
  • Supports syslog, email, webhooks, files and HPFeeds alerts

• Where it doesn't

  • Self-hosted deployment requires defenders to manage the environment
  • Integration breadth is limited compared with broader security platforms
  • It does not provide AI features

Our verdict on OpenCanary

OpenCanary is an open-source daemon for deploying network honeypot services that alert when attackers interact with them. It is intended for defenders who want deception sensors on non-public networks, with support for Linux, macOS and self-hosted deployments. Docker and Docker Compose are also available for deployment. Its decoy scope covers SSH, FTP, HTTP, HTTPS, MySQL, MSSQL, Telnet, SNMP, SIP, Git and HTTP proxy services, giving security teams several ways to represent network services in a monitored environment.

OpenCanary is free and open source, with no paid OpenCanary tiers described. The published product details emphasize broad protocol coverage rather than tiered packaging. Credential-based login-attempt detection can identify activity against decoy services, while port-scan detection is available on Linux. Configurable HTTP login skins and service banners allow the decoys to be adjusted for the environment. These features make the product suitable for teams that want network deception without a subscription plan, provided they are comfortable managing a self-hosted deployment.

Alert delivery can use syslog, files, email, HTTP webhooks and HPFeeds, giving defenders multiple notification paths. Docker deployment can help fit the sensor into an existing container-based workflow, while direct Linux or macOS operation supports a different deployment model. The product’s focus is narrow and clear: network deception, credential lures and interaction alerts. Teams seeking a free, open-source sensor across many protocols should consider OpenCanary; teams needing broader integrations, AI features or a more managed product should look elsewhere.

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OpenCanary pricing

OpenCanary fact sheet

Alternatives to OpenCanary

• BeelzebubA flexible self-hosted honeypot runtime with adaptive interactions and deep security integrations.9.4
• CowrieA mature, deep SSH and Telnet honeypot for self-hosted threat monitoring.9.2
• TPT-PotA broad self-hosted honeypot platform for teams that want many decoys and built-in analysis.9.0

See all OpenCanary alternatives →

OpenCanary vs the competition

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Featured on iTechGuides

OpenCanary is listed in our Honeypot Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update