PurpleSharp
PurpleSharp: A focused, free tool for ATT&CK-based Windows simulations and detection validation. Ranked #20 of 20 in Breach and Attack Simulation Software by our editors (5.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for windows teams running focused ATT&CK tests.
At a glance
- Editor score5.6 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forWindows teams running focused ATT&CK tests
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Runs MITRE ATT&CK simulations locally or across remote Windows endpoints
- Supports custom JSON playbooks and command-line execution
- Exports and imports ATT&CK Navigator layers for campaign planning
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only coverage limits cross-platform testing
- On-premises deployment may require local infrastructure and administration
- No continuous scheduling for recurring simulation programs
Our verdict on PurpleSharp
PurpleSharp is an open-source C# adversary simulation tool for Windows Active Directory environments. It is designed for security teams building and testing detection analytics, validating detection resiliency, identifying visibility gaps, and inspecting event-logging pipelines. Simulations can run on local endpoints or remote endpoints over SMB and RPC, with command-line execution for operational control. Its coverage spans execution, persistence, privilege escalation, credential access, lateral movement, discovery, and defense evasion, with 47 documented MITRE ATT&CK techniques.
The tool’s strongest fit is focused ATT&CK testing with customizable scenarios. JSON playbooks let teams define simulations around their own validation goals, while endpoint reconnaissance tasks and cleanup controls support preparation and post-simulation handling. ATT&CK Navigator layer export and import provides a direct planning and review connection for teams that map testing activity to ATT&CK techniques. This combination gives PurpleSharp useful depth for detection engineering rather than positioning it as a broad security operations platform.
PurpleSharp is free and open source, with an on-premises deployment model and Windows platform coverage. That keeps the product suited to teams that want local control over simulations and do not need a commercial plan structure. The trade-off is a narrower operating scope: teams testing Linux, macOS, or other platforms should choose a tool with broader platform coverage. The lack of continuous scheduling also makes it less suitable for organizations seeking recurring, automated breach and attack simulation programs. Windows-focused teams running deliberate ATT&CK exercises should find the feature set aligned with that use case; teams needing wider coverage or ongoing scheduling should look elsewhere.
PurpleSharp pricing
PurpleSharp fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Attack simulation modes | Not verified |
| Included attack surfaces | execution, persistence, privilege escalation, credential access, lateral movement, discovery, defense evasion |
| MITRE ATT&CK mapping | Yes |
| Custom attack scenarios | Yes |
| Continuous scheduling | Not verified |
| Deployment model | On-premises |
| Scenario library size | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 1 integrations: MITRE ATT&CK Navigator |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | purplesharp.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
PurpleSharp integrations
PurpleSharp lists 1 integrations on its own site.
- MITRE ATT&CK Navigator
Alternatives to PurpleSharp
- SafeBreach ValidateBroad, continuous BAS with custom attack creation and extensive security integrations.9.0
- Picus Security PlatformDeep, multi-surface validation for teams that need threat-library coverage.8.2
- SCYTHEA broad hybrid platform for validating defenses against named threat actors.7.8
See all PurpleSharp alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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