5 Best BGP Monitoring & Anomaly Detection Tools for 2025

Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is the only routing methodology that operates on the Internet. It is central to the routing decision-making implemented by routers. Thus, it enables data to traverse networks across different Autonomous Systems (ASes). Given its foundational importance to internet traffic flow, BGP has unfortunately become a prime target for malicious actors.

The nature of BGP’s design, which trusts route announcements from external networks without inherent validation, makes it vulnerable to attacks such as BGP hijacking, route leaks, and prefix disaggregation. In response, BGP monitoring and anomaly detection tools have become essential for network operators aiming to safeguard their infrastructure and maintain stable internet connectivity.

This article explores the various tools and strategies for monitoring BGP activity to detect and mitigate BGP-related anomalies and malicious activities. It will also provide an in-depth overview of how these tools function, the capabilities they offer, and their effectiveness in enhancing network security.

Here is our list of the best BGP monitoring and anomaly detection tools:

1. ManageEngine OpManager EDITOR’S CHOICE This comprehensive network monitoring tool provides BGP monitoring capabilities, enabling real-time tracking of BGP routes and alerts for route anomalies, helping ensure network stability, and preventing potential BGP hijacking threats.
2. Cloudflare Magic Transit BGP hijack detection, DDoS protection, and optimized routing through Cloudflare’s global Anycast network for enterprises.
3. Cisco Crosswork Cloud Network Insights This tool was, until recently, called BGPmon and it has a large following for its routing data collection and facilities to help block BGP route hijacking.
4. Kentik Network Security and Compliance Provides network traffic monitoring and analysis, helping to detect BGP anomalies, optimize performance, and maintain security compliance.
5. BGPStream An open-source tool for real-time analysis of BGP data, helping to detect and visualize BGP anomalies and attacks.

The importance of BGP monitoring and anomaly detection

BGP operates as the backbone for inter-domain routing, determining how data is routed across the internet. Its key function is to exchange routing information between different autonomous systems, allowing for the delivery of data from source to destination. However, BGP’s reliance on trust-based exchanges without inherent validation mechanisms makes it susceptible to a wide range of security threats.

A BGP hijack occurs when a malicious actor advertises IP prefixes they do not own, effectively rerouting traffic through their network. Similarly, route leaks involve improper propagation of routes between networks, leading to inefficiencies and traffic misdirection. BGP prefix disaggregation is the process of breaking up large IP address blocks into smaller subnets. It can also be leveraged to disrupt routing and create unnecessary traffic overhead.

Monitoring BGP activity is therefore essential to detect these issues as they arise. Anomalies in BGP routing patterns can often indicate the presence of malicious activity or misconfigurations that could lead to significant network disruptions. Anomaly detection tools continuously analyze BGP data and alert administrators to these issues, helping to prevent service disruptions and mitigate potential attacks.

Selecting BGP monitoring tools

Surprisingly, there aren’t many BGP monitoring systems available on the market. There are even fewer that focus on BGP security and threat detection. However, we have sought out the best tools, including those that were designed to monitor performance but can also contribute insights through anomaly detection.

Key concepts in BGP anomaly detection

Before delving into specific BGP monitoring tools, it’s crucial to understand the core principles behind anomaly detection in BGP networks. Several methods and approaches are commonly used to monitor and identify abnormal BGP behavior:

Prefix and route anomalies

• Prefix Hijacking: One of the most common BGP attacks, prefix hijacking involves the malicious advertisement of IP address blocks not owned by the attacker. Detection tools track and compare IP prefix ownership to determine if unauthorized prefixes are being advertised by a rogue AS.
• Route Leaks: A route leak happens when BGP prefixes are improperly advertised to an unintended recipient, resulting in inefficient routing or traffic interception. Anomaly detection tools analyze route propagation patterns to identify such leaks.

BGP path anomalies

• AS Path Prepending: Path manipulation, particularly AS path prepending (a technique used to artificially make a route less attractive), can be used maliciously to disrupt routing decisions. Monitoring tools can flag changes in AS path length that deviate from expected patterns.
• AS Path Loops: BGP is designed to prevent loops in routing paths by checking AS path history. If an AS path repeats inappropriately, this indicates an anomaly that must be flagged.

BGP route flapping

BGP route flapping occurs when routes are continuously advertised and withdrawn, which can destabilize network performance. Anomaly detection systems can monitor BGP advertisements and flag instances of excessive route instability or flapping.

Prefix disaggregation

The act of breaking up large address blocks into smaller subnets, called disaggregation, is typically an attempt to increase network visibility or exhaust network resources. Monitoring tools track prefix sizes and can detect instances where disaggregation is abnormal.

Security violations via BGP

BGP does not natively provide encryption or authentication of routing information. As a result, it is vulnerable to attacks such as route hijacking or unauthorized route modifications. Tools that detect these violations typically focus on detecting anomalies like suspicious BGP route advertisements and unauthorized announcements from ASes.

The best BGP monitoring tools for anomaly detection

We present details of each of the tools we recommend in the following sections.

1. ManageEngine OpManager

ManageEngine OpManager is a network monitoring tool designed for enterprises looking to ensure optimal network performance, and its BGP monitoring features make it an excellent choice for managing BGP routes and detecting anomalies in routing behavior. OpManager offers a specialized BGP monitoring module that helps network administrators track and analyze BGP sessions, monitor the status of routers, and detect irregularities such as BGP route hijacks and leaks.

Key Features:

• Real-time BGP Monitoring: Gives administrators visibility into route updates and helps them detect issues like route flapping and hijacking.
• BGP Peer Monitoring: Enables users to monitor BGP peers, including their status and health, ensuring that communication between routers remains stable.
• BGP Route Analysis: Analyzes BGP routing tables and updates to detect potential anomalies in routing paths, allowing for quick troubleshooting and resolution of routing issues.
• BGP Alerting: Customizable alerts can notify administrators in case of irregularities like changes in AS paths or prefixes.
• Multi-Vendor Support: Supports a wide range of network devices and routers from different vendors, ensuring compatibility across diverse network environments.

Why do we recommend it?

ManageEngine OpManager provides real-time visibility into BGP route performance and helps detect anomalies such as BGP hijacks or route leaks. Its ability to monitor BGP peers, analyze routing tables, and send customizable alerts makes it an effective tool for preventing network disruptions caused by BGP-related issues.

I found that the full OpManager package is a comprehensive network monitoring tool designed to provide end-to-end visibility and management of IT infrastructure. It supports real-time monitoring of various network devices, including routers, switches, firewalls, and servers, and offers extensive capabilities for performance monitoring, fault detection, and traffic analysis.

Who is it recommended for?

ManageEngine OpManager is recommended for medium to large-sized enterprises and network administrators looking for a comprehensive, user-friendly network monitoring solution. It is ideal for organizations that require real-time visibility into network performance, security, and uptime. OpManager is particularly suited for businesses with complex network infrastructures, including multi-vendor environments, where proactive monitoring and rapid issue resolution are essential for maintaining operational continuity.

OpManager is a downloadable software package and it will run on Windows Server or Linux. It is also available as a service on the AWS Marketplace and Azure Marketplace. You can explore OpManager further before buying by accessing a 30-day free trial.

2. Cloudflare Magic Transit

Cloudflare Magic Transit is a comprehensive service designed to protect enterprise networks by providing DDoS protection, BGP security, and optimized routing through Cloudflare’s global Anycast network. It offers robust protection against BGP hijacking and other BGP-related anomalies by leveraging Cloudflare’s massive global infrastructure, which spans hundreds of data centers worldwide.

Key Features:

• Route Filtering: Implementing route filtering to block unauthorized or malicious BGP routes, ensuring only legitimate routes are accepted.
• BGP Route Validation: Using mechanisms like RPKI (Resource Public Key Infrastructure) to validate the authenticity of BGP routes and prevent route hijacking.
• DDoS Protection: Provides hardware-free DDoS protection using Cloudflare’s global network to absorb and filter attacks.
• Ultra-Low Time to Mitigate: Identifies and blocks malicious traffic within seconds, usually within 3 seconds.

Why do we recommend it?

We recommend Cloudflare Magic Transit for BGP security due to its ability to protect enterprise networks from BGP hijacking and other threats by leveraging Cloudflare’s massive global infrastructure and advanced security tools. Magic Transit provides real-time BGP monitoring, route hijack detection, and DDoS protection, making it an essential tool for securing modern network infrastructures.

I noted that Magic Transit works by routing your network traffic through Cloudflare’s global Anycast network, ensuring that traffic flows securely and efficiently. The service continuously monitors BGP announcements and can automatically identify suspicious or unauthorized BGP routes. If an anomaly is detected, Magic Transit can mitigate the attack or hijack attempt before it can impact your network.

Who is it recommended for?

Cloudflare Magic Transit is recommended for large enterprises and organizations that require robust BGP security, network traffic optimization, and DDoS protection. It’s ideal for businesses with complex, mission-critical network environments that need reliable and scalable BGP hijack prevention.

Cloudflare offers custom pricing for its Magic Transfer service. You can get a demo to begin your investigation into the tool.

3. Cisco Crosswork Cloud Network Insights

Cisco Crosswork Cloud Network Insights is a comprehensive solution designed to provide deep insights into network performance and behavior. It leverages advanced analytics and cloud-based tools to help organizations monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize their network infrastructure.

Key Features:

• BGP Monitoring with BGPmon: Continuous monitoring of BGP sessions and routes.
• Automated Monitoring: Alerts for abnormal routing changes, helping to quickly identify BGP hijacking or route leaks.
• Network Performance Analytics: Detailed analytics on network traffic and performance.

Why do we recommend it?

We recommend Cisco Crosswork Cloud Network Insights for its powerful BGP monitoring capabilities, especially BGPmon, which helps prevent security risks like route hijacking. Its cloud-native architecture ensures scalability and flexibility, making it ideal for dynamic network environments.

I learned that a powerful tool integrated within the Crosswork Cloud is BGPmon. That system focuses specifically on monitoring BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) activity. It helps identify potential issues like BGP route hijacking, leaks, and misconfigurations. This solution ensures that enterprises have a real-time understanding of their network’s health, enhancing the ability to detect and resolve network anomalies before they can cause significant disruptions.

Who is it recommended for?

Cisco Crosswork Cloud Network Insights is recommended for large enterprises and service providers who require robust BGP monitoring, network performance analytics, and scalable solutions to manage complex network infrastructures. It’s well-suited for organizations focused on optimizing and securing their network.

Cisco Crosswork Cloud Network Insights is a cloud-based solution, meaning it does not have specific operating system requirements. It can be accessed through any device with internet connectivity, making it highly flexible and platform-agnostic. Cisco offers a 30-day free trial to allow potential users to test the platform before committing to a subscription.

4. Kentik Network Security and Compliance

Kentik Network Security and Compliance is a comprehensive network observability platform designed to provide in-depth visibility into network traffic, security threats, and overall network health. Kentik uses big data analytics to detect potential issues, including anomalies, security vulnerabilities, and compliance violations. Its BGP monitoring features allow for advanced tracking of routing behavior and the detection of BGP hijacking, leaks, and misconfigurations.

Key Features:

• BGP Monitoring: Provides real-time visibility into BGP routing paths and alerts for anomalous behaviors such as route hijacks, prefix leaks, and other security threats.
• Traffic Analytics and Security: Detects security incidents, such as DDoS attacks and other vulnerabilities, through deep packet inspection and anomaly detection.
• Compliance Reporting: Pre-built compliance reporting templates for regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS.

Why do we recommend it?

We recommend Kentik Network Security and Compliance for its BGP monitoring tools, traffic analytics, and ability to seamlessly integrate security and compliance monitoring. It offers real-time insights and effective anomaly detection, ensuring networks stay secure and compliant. Kentik’s platform integrates various data sources and applies machine learning algorithms to provide actionable insights,

I discovered that Kentik simplifies the process of maintaining network security compliance by providing real-time monitoring and automated reporting capabilities. Whether it’s for GDPR, PCI DSS, HIPAA, or other compliance standards, Kentik offers pre-built templates and analytics to help network administrators meet regulatory requirements efficiently. The platform ensures continuous monitoring and fast identification of any compliance issues, minimizing risk.

Who is it recommended for?

Kentik is ideal for large enterprises, service providers, and organizations that require deep network traffic analysis, robust BGP monitoring, and compliance reporting. It’s well-suited for security-focused organizations looking to optimize network performance while maintaining rigorous compliance with industry regulations.

Kentik is a cloud-based solution and its web-based interface is accessible from any device with an internet connection. Kentik offers a 30-day free trial, allowing users to explore its full range of features before committing to a subscription.

5. BGPStream

BGPStream is an open-source tool developed to help network administrators and researchers monitor and analyze Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) activity across the global internet routing ecosystem.

Key Features:

• BGP Monitoring: Continuous tracking of BGP routing updates, helping to identify any abnormal or malicious BGP activity, such as hijacking and prefix leaks.
• Historical Data Analysis: BGP data analysis to investigate past incidents or understanding long-term trends in network routing behavior.
• Modular Architecture: Lets users integrate various BGP data sources, offering flexibility to adapt to different network environments and use cases.

With a primary focus on BGP monitoring, it provides real-time and historical visibility into BGP route announcements and withdrawals, enabling the detection of anomalies such as BGP hijacks, route leaks, and other malicious activities. BGPStream’s modular architecture allows users to retrieve and process BGP data from multiple sources, facilitating proactive monitoring and enhanced network security. Through its detailed insights, BGPStream empowers organizations to track routing behavior and quickly identify critical security threats.

Why do we recommend it?

We recommend BGPStream for its powerful BGP monitoring functions, flexibility with data sources, and ease of use in detecting and analyzing BGP anomalies. As an open-source tool, it’s perfect for those seeking affordable, customizable BGP monitoring solutions.

I observed that BGPStream was developed as part of the CAIDA (Center for Applied Internet Data Analysis) project. CAIDA is a research organization that focuses on internet measurement and network analysis. The tool is actively maintained by CAIDA, which ensures regular updates and improvements, with an emphasis on performance, scalability, and accurate data retrieval. It has a strong community of developers and users contributing to its ongoing enhancement.

Who is it recommended for?

BGPStream is recommended for network engineers, security researchers, and large organizations looking for a customizable, open-source tool to monitor and analyze BGP routing activity. It’s particularly suited for users who require in-depth insights into routing anomalies and have the technical expertise to leverage its flexibility.

BGPStream is a cross-platform tool that can be run on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Being an open-source project, it is freely available to the public, with no licensing fees or subscription costs. Users can download the software directly from the project’s repository and begin utilizing it for BGP monitoring without incurring any financial costs.