PA File Sight is an on-premises product for file integrity monitoring, ransomware protection, data loss prevention, and file-access auditing. It records who creates, reads, changes, moves, or deletes files and folders, including usernames, IP addresses, and computers. Network ransomware detection uses honeypots, heuristics, and executable allow rules, while real-time rules can detect copying and block access to cloud folders or external drives. The product has Lite and Ultra editions; Ultra adds historical reports and advanced alerts for copying activity or possible information leaks. Settings, databases, and network information remain on customer servers. An embedded database is standard, with Microsoft SQL Server available instead. Communications use SSL/TLS by default, and stored credentials use Microsoft’s CryptProtectData encryption. Alert channels include email, PagerDuty, SNMP traps, Syslog, SMS gateways, and Windows Event Log. The central server and Satellite software require 64-bit Windows. A fully functional 30-day trial requires no credit card.
Who it is for
It suits organizations needing on-premises file auditing, ransomware controls, data-loss rules, and compliance-related reporting. Windows-based environments can choose Lite or Ultra editions and connect listed alert channels.
What is good
- Audits file and folder access activity
- Detects network ransomware with multiple controls
- Blocks copying to cloud folders or external drives
- Keeps data on customer servers
- Offers a 30-day trial without payment details
What to know first
- Central server requires 64-bit Windows
- On-premises deployment is required
- Ultra features cost more
- Each monitored server requires a license
Verdict
PA File Sight provides extensive file monitoring and protection without cloud hosting, with separate Lite and Ultra editions. Its Windows server requirement and per-server licensing should be considered before deployment.
Get started with PA File Sight
- Open the Power Admin PA File Sight website
- Download the fully functional 30-day trial without a credit card
- Install the central server and Satellite software on 64-bit Windows
- Select Lite or Ultra based on reporting and alert requirements
- Choose the embedded database or Microsoft SQL Server
- Configure email, SMS, PagerDuty, Syslog, SNMP, or Windows Event Log actions
Limits to know first
The perpetual Endpoint plan costs 20.00 USD per client computer and requires an Ultra-licensed server, with each client needing its own license. The Ultra subscription covers 1–9 monitored devices and includes 10 Endpoint licenses; extra groups of 10 cost $5 USD per month each.
Questions about PA File Sight
Is PA File Sight cloud-based?
No. Its settings, databases, and network information remain on customer servers.
Does PA File Sight offer a trial?
Yes. The download provides a fully functional 30-day trial without a credit card or purchase.
What editions are available?
The product has Lite and Ultra editions. Ultra adds historical reports and advanced alerts for file-copying or information-leak detection.
How much does PA File Sight cost?
Paid options include 20.00 USD once for an Endpoint perpetual license, 30.00 USD per month for an Ultra subscription covering 1–9 devices, 199.00 USD once for Lite perpetual, and 599.00 USD once for Ultra perpetual.
Which operating systems are supported?
The central server and Satellite require 64-bit Windows. Supported systems include Windows 8, 8.1, 10, 11, and Windows Server 2012 through 2025.
PA File Sight plans and pricing
All plansCompared on hardware monitoring software
- Free plan
- No
- Paid from
- $30/mo
- Deployment
- on_premises
- Real-time alerts
- Yes
- Configuration monitoring
- Yes
- Compliance reports
- Yes
- Supported platforms
- Windows 8, 8.1, 10, 11; Windows Server 2012, 2012 R2, 2016, 2019, 2022, 2025
