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Top 35 Ethical Hacking Tools in 2024 [With Pricing & Rating]

HomeBlogSecurityTop 35 Ethical Hacking Tools in 2024 [With Pricing & Rating]

Top 35 Ethical Hacking Tools in 2024 [With Pricing & Rating]

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Vitesh Sharma

Published

01st Jul, 2024

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Top 35 Ethical Hacking Tools in 2024 [With Pricing & Rating]

While some of us would argue that the world has started to see ethical hackers in a more positive light over the last few years, the term still has a negative connotation. Many people still consider it a criminal activity, mainly due to the portrayal of hackers as either cybercriminals or thieves in pop culture and popular media. That’s a shame because ethical hacking is simply a practice carried out by large organizations, mainly the tech industry, to protect their data. It’s something they do to keep their organization and its resources safe.

So, as you can see, ethical hackers are simply computer security specialists, and no, they’re not always wearing hoodies or masks. I’ll take you through the best ethical hacking tools and software in this blog.

Best Ethical Hacking Tools and Software

While it’s not possible to talk about all the ethical hacking tools available in one go, I’ll take you through some of the most popular ones below.

Nmap
Nessus
Burp Suite
Metasploit
Netsparker
Acunetix
Aircrack-Ng
John the Ripper
Ettercap
SQLMap
Invicti
Fortify WebInspect
Nikto
Hashcat
Maltego
Hydra
OWASP ZAP
NetStumbler
Kismet
Intruder
OpenVAS
Angry IP Scanner
Traceroute NG
LiveAction
QualysGuard
WebInspect
Hashcat
DirBuster
BeEF
IKECrack
WebGoat
Sqlmap
W3af
GoBurp Suite
Netcat

1. Nmap

Google Play

Short for Network Mapper, no ethical hacker can do without this tool because of its powerful searching and scanning abilities. Ethical hackers use this tool for port scanning. The information gathered using this tool is vital for every ethical hacker in deciding how to attack the target system, i.e., the steps involved. Nmap enables them to discover services and hosts on any network, creating a network map. Using this ethical hacking tool, you can probe computer networks and detect operating systems. First developed for Linux or Unix, Nmap is now a cross-platform tool and works on Mac and Windows.

Pricing: It is an Open-Source ethical hacking tool available on the internet
Customer Rating: 4.8 stars

Key Features	Description
Today Nmap (Network Mapper) exists as a free tool	Network discovery and security auditing tool Used by systems and network administrators Creative applications for tracking hosts and services Effective interrogation tool for network discovery Rapid scans for large networks, also suitable for a single host
Easy to install	Runs on all major operating systems Official binary packages for Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X

Pros	Description
Adaptable	Support for sophisticated techniques (IP filters, firewalls, routers) Various port scanning methods, OS detection, version detection, ping sweeps Documentation page for detailed information
Versatile	Compatible with a wide range of operating systems
User Friendly	Simple to get started with oneline commands or graphical versions
Cost Free	Freely downloadable with complete source code Can be modified and redistributed under the license terms
Popular	Thousands of daily downloads, included in popular operating systems Among the top ten programs on TheFreshmeat.Net repository
Cons	Description
Firewall and IDS Detection	Scans may trigger firewalls or intrusion detection systems
Incomplete OS Detection	Not always accurate or complete in identifying operating systems
Resource Intensiveness	Heavy scans on large networks can consume bandwidth and system resources
Limited Support for Encrypted Protocols	Difficulties in scanning networks relying on encrypted protocols
Learning Curve	Complex features and commandline interface require time for novice users
Network Disruption	Aggressive or poorly configured scans may briefly take down network services
Dependency on Network Conditions	Network conditions like latency and packet loss can influence scanning results

2. Nessus

InfoSec Write-ups

Second on the list is Nessus, the world’s most renowned vulnerability scanner. It was developed by Tenable. It helps you detect unpatched services, misconfiguration, weak passwords, and other system vulnerabilities. A free tool Nessus is recommended for non-enterprise usage. An ethical hacker can see critical bugs in any target system.

Pricing

1 Year - $3,590
2 Years - $7,000.50
3 Years - $10,231.50

Customer Rating: 4.7 starts

Here are the key features of the Nessus tool:

Key Features	Description
1. Vulnerability Scanning	Performs comprehensive scans to identify security problems and weaknesses in network devices, servers, or applications.
2. Policy Compliance Checking	Tests systems against predefined security policies and industry compliance standards (e.g., PCI DSS, CIS benchmarks).
3. Configuration Auditing	Audits system configurations to find misconfigurations that could lead to security vulnerabilities.
4. Web Application Scanning	Equipped with web application scanning to identify flaws in web servers, web applications, or their components.
5. Scalability	Supports scalable scanning for both small and large environments.
6. Credential-Based Scanning	Scans with authenticated credentials for more detailed and accurate information on missing patches and misconfigurations.
7. Customizable Scanning Policies	Allows users to define and customize scanning policies based on specific situations and preferences.
8. Report Generation	Generates detailed and customizable reports, including information on identified vulnerabilities, their risk levels, and recommended actions.
9. Integration with Other Tools	It integrates well with various security and IT management tools to improve workflow.
10. Continuous Monitoring	Offers functions for ongoing monitoring to quickly identify changes in the network and new vulnerabilities.
11. Asset Discovery	Discovers and inventories assets to keep the asset inventory up to date.
12. Cloud Environment Support	Supports scanning of assets in cloud environments and adapts to changes in modern IT infrastructure.
13. User Authentication Testing	Features testing of user authentication procedures and identifies weaknesses in login processes.

Here is the list of pros and cons of the tool:

Pros	Description
Adaptable	Support for sophisticated techniques (IP filters, firewalls, routers) Various port scanning methods, OS detection, version detection, ping sweeps Documentation page for detailed information
Versatile	Compatible with a wide range of operating systems
User-Friendly	Simple to get started with one-line commands or graphical versions
Cost-Free	Freely downloadable with complete source code Can be modified and redistributed under the license terms
Popular	Thousands of daily downloads, included in popular operating systems
	Among the top ten programs on TheFreshmeat.Net repository
Cons	Description
Firewall and IDS Detection	Scans may trigger firewalls or intrusion detection systems
Incomplete OS Detection	Not always accurate or complete in identifying operating systems
Resource Intensiveness	Heavy scans on large networks can consume bandwidth and system resources
Limited Support for Encrypted Protocols	Difficulties in scanning networks relying on encrypted protocols
Learning Curve	Complex features and command-line interface require time for novice users
Network Disruption	Aggressive or poorly configured scans may briefly take down network services
Dependency on Network Conditions	Network conditions like latency and packet loss can influence scanning results

3. Burp Suite

Astaqc Consulting

Burp Suite is a Java-based framework that deals with Web Penetration Testing. It is an industry-standard suite of tools that information security professionals use. As an ethical hacker, Burp Suite enables you to find vulnerabilities in your target system and confirm if any attack vectors are affecting web applications. Burp Suite has a great web application crawler that maps content and functionality accurately. It also handles state changes, application logins, and volatile content.

Here are the key features and description of Burp Suite:

Key Features	Description
1. Proxy	Inspection and control of Internet traffic by intercepting and modifying HTTP/S requests.
2. Scanner	Automates the discovery of flaws in Web applications, focusing on SQL Injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).
3. Spider	Discovers and maps the web application structure, distinguishing between endpoints and parameters.
4. Repeater	Allows manual modification and replay of single requests to observe application responses.
5. Intruder	Launches custom attacks by sending payloads to find and exploit potential weaknesses.
6. Sequencer	Evaluates the randomness and strength of tokens or session identifiers for security testing.
7. Decoder	Assists in decoding and encoding information from various formats during security testing.
8. Comparer	Allows comparison of two HTTP responses to identify differences stemming from security problems or application behavior changes.
9. Extensibility	Supports plug-ins, enabling the community to expand capabilities.
10. Collaborator	Helps find and verify problems related to external service usage and third-party components.
11. Session Handling	Manages session cookies and authentication-related data during testing.
12. Target Analysis	Summarizes information about the target web application, including site maps and detected problems.
13. Configuration Options	Offers various configuration options for tailoring the testing environment to different scenarios.

Here are the pros and cons of the tool:

Pros	Description
Comprehensive Feature Set	A complete suite of tools for security testing web applications.
User-Friendly Interface	Accessible to novices with an intuitive interface, while also providing advanced features for in-depth study.
Active Community and Support	Large active user community, frequent updates, and improvements.
Extensibility	Expandable and modifiable through extensions to suit different testing needs.
Regular Updates	Continual updates and additions to keep up with changing security threats.
Advanced Manual Testing Tools	Powerful manual testing tools like repeaters and intruder provide a high degree of control over requests and responses.
Cons	Description
Cost for Full Features	The full-featured version is commercial and comes with a price, which may be a limitation for individual users or smaller organizations.
Resource Intensive	Scanning large web applications or performing in-depth testing can be resource-intensive, affecting system performance.
Learning Curve	Despite a user-friendly interface, fully utilizing Burp Suite's potential, especially its advanced functions, may have a learning curve for some users.

Pricing: $19,121 Per year

Customer Rating: 4.8 starts

4. Metasploit

Medium

Metasploit is an open-source penetration testing framework written in Ruby. It is a public resource for confirming security vulnerabilities and developing code. This code allows any ethical hacker to break into their network to identify security risks and decide which vulnerabilities to address first—many beginners in the field of ethical hacking use this tool to sharpen their skills.

Here are the key features and description of Metasploit:

Key Features	Description
1. Exploitation Framework	Powerful attack framework simplifying development, testing, and implementation of exploits against target systems.
2. Module Development	Users can develop, modify, and integrate their own modules, offering high flexibility.
3. Payloads	Various payloads from simple shell commands to sophisticated and stealthy options, providing flexibility in access gained.
4. Post-Exploitation Modules	Large collection of modules for post-exploitation tasks like privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and lateral movement in compromised networks.
5. Payload Encoders	Contains encoders to hide payloads, increasing the chances of a successful attack by bypassing security mechanisms.
6. Automation	Streamlines vulnerability identification and exploitation through automation.
7. Community and Updates	Large, active community contributes regularly, ensuring updates with new features and modules.

Here are the pros and cons of the tool:

Pros	Description
Versatility	Flexible, handling various exploits, payloads, and post-exploitation modules.
Community Support	Active community providing help, documentation, and a library of useful modules.
Rapid Development	Modular architecture allows quick development and integration of new exploits and modules.
Educational Resource	Serves as an educational resource, helping security professionals understand attacker techniques.
Integration with Other Tools	Integrates well with other security tools and frameworks, strengthening overall cybersecurity capabilities.
Cons	Description
Complexity for Beginners	Intimidating for beginners; learning curve in mastering Metasploit due to its extensive features.
Resource Intensive	Some tasks and modules are demanding, potentially slowing down system performance during big scans.
Legal and Ethical Concerns	While intended for security testing, misuse can lead to legal and ethical issues; caution required to avoid violating third-party rights or engaging in illegal activities.

Pricing: It is an Open-Source tool available on the internet

Customer Rating: 4.6 stars

5. Netsparker

Cybersecurity Excellence Awards

The advantage that Netsparker brings to the table is that it gives you the ability to imitate a hacker’s typical actions. You can use this tool to identify any web API threats (application programming interface), such as SQL injection or cross-site scripting. You don’t have to worry about vulnerabilities being disguised as a false positive – Netsparker identifies genuine vulnerabilities one after the other without manual verification. This software is also easy to access. It’s available as an online service and Windows software.

6. Acunetix

PR Newswire

Between an SQL Injection (SQLi) and an XSS attack (cross-site scripting), which would you say is more dangerous? The former sends damaging SQL statements back to the victim user and compromises the safety of the database server behind the application. On the other hand, the latter attacks interactions between users and an application if it is vulnerable. Acunetix is a lifesaver in both scenarios. It’s a fully automated tool, capable of detecting and reporting almost 5,000 security threats, including every variant of SQLi and XSS! It supports both HTML5 and JavaScript and prioritizes vulnerabilities based on risk level.

Here are the comprehensive points about the key features, pros, and cons of Acunetix:

Key Features	Pros	Cons
1. Comprehensive Scanning	DeepScan Technology: Ensures thorough scanning for accurate vulnerability detection.	Cost: Full-featured version can be expensive, potentially deterring smaller organizations.
2. DeepScan Technology	Incremental Scanning: Supports incremental scanning, reducing scan time and resource consumption.	Learning Curve: Users unfamiliar with web application security tools may require learning time.
3. Incremental Scanning	AcuSensor Technology: Integration for more accurate vulnerability identification and fewer false positives.	Resource Intensive: Scanning large or complex web applications may be resource-intensive, impacting system performance.
4. AcuSensor Technology	Scan Automation: Automation features like scheduled testing and CI/CD integration for convenient security testing.	Dependency on Updates: Relies on timely updates to its vulnerability database, requiring users to keep the tool up to date.
5. Scan Automation	Integration with Issue Tracking Systems: Simplifies identification and patching of vulnerabilities.	Interface Complexity for Beginners: The user-friendly interface may still be complex for beginners, requiring training.
6. Integration with Issue Tracking Systems	Compliance Reporting: Tools to measure compliance with security standards and best practices.
7. Compliance Reporting	Vulnerability Management: Central platform for managing and tracking vulnerabilities.
8. Vulnerability Management	Intelligent Crawler: Utilizes an intelligent crawler for navigating complex web applications.
9. Intelligent Crawler	Out-of-Band Vulnerability Detection: Discovers potential weaknesses for out-of-band attacks.

Pricing: $14,000

Customer Rating: 4.6 starts

7. Aircrack-Ng

Medium

Across the world, a layperson will equate good internet with a strong Wi-Fi connection. So, it’s no surprise that specific tools target Wi-Fi networks. The advantage that Aircrack-Ng offers ethical hackers is the arsenal of tools that they can use to check and evaluate a network. If they identify a vulnerable network, they can then test, monitor, strike, and crack it, like a proper operation! This Wi-Fi hacking software spares no platform- it supports Windows, OS X, Linux, 2Free BSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, and even Solaris!

Here are the key features of Aircrack-Ng:

Key Features	Description
1. Wi-Fi Security Suite	Integrated set of tools for cryptographic analysis of Wi-Fi networks.
2. Monitoring and Packet Capture	Allows monitoring of Wi-Fi networks and packet capture for analysis.
3. Attacking and Testing	Includes tools for attacking and testing the security of Wi-Fi networks.
4. Password Cracking	Supports Wi-Fi password cracking using techniques like WEP and WPA/WPA2.
5. Cross-Platform Compatibility	Works on different operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and macOS.

Here are the pros and cons of the tool:

Pros	Description
Versatile Toolset	Provides a wide range of tools for testing various aspects of Wi-Fi security.
Active Development	Actively updated with improvements to address new challenges in security.
Community Support	Benefits from a supportive user community, offering assistance and resources.
Open Source	Being open-source, Aircrack-ng is accessible at no cost, promoting transparency.
Cons	Description
Learning Curve	Has a definite learning curve, especially for new testers in Wi-Fi security.
Command-Line Interface	Users who prefer GUIs may find the command-line interface less user-friendly.
Legal Considerations	Unauthorized access to Wi-Fi networks may have legal consequences; users must be aware of related laws.

Pricing: It is an Open-Source tool available on the internet

Customer Rating: 4.5 stars

8. John the Ripper

Medium

If you know anything about the gruesome Jack the Ripper murders, you know that you have enough reason to fear this tool. This is a tool that explicitly targets and hacks passwords. It is free and can mainly spot weak UNIX passwords. It comes with a bundle of password crackers and can be used on Windows, DOS, and Open VMS. You can also use this ethical hacking tool to create a tracker tailored to your needs. If you want to target encrypted passwords and security, this is your tool.

Here are the key features of the tool:

Key Features	Description
1. Hash and Cipher Type Support	Supports various hash and cipher types, including those for Unix, Windows, macOS, WordPress, Oracle, MySQL, ext3fs, NTFS, and more.
2. Open Source	Freely available for download, and users can read and modify its source code.
3. Audit and Recovery	Useful for security professionals for both auditing and password recovery purposes.
4. Cross-Platform Compatibility	Runs on multiple operating systems, providing compatibility across different environments.
5. Community Support	Active user community contributes to ongoing support and development, adapting to changing security needs.

Here is a list of pros and cons of John the Ripper ethical hacking tool:


Pros	Description
Versatility	Flexible in various password-cracking situations due to support for diverse hash and cipher types.
Open-Source Nature	Promotes transparency and cooperation among security experts, fostering trust in the tool's functionality.
Regular Updates	Community-driven updates ensure the tool remains relevant and effective in response to evolving security challenges.
Cons	Description
Learning Curve	May pose a learning curve for beginners due to the multitude of features and configurations to understand.
Command-Line Interface	Some users might find the command-line interface less user-friendly compared to tools with graphical user interfaces.

Pricing: It is an Open-Source tool available on the internet

Customer Rating: 4 stars

9. Ettercap

www.ettercap-project.org

Ettercap is an open-source network security tool commonly used for protocol analysis and security auditing.  It targets insecure ARPs (address resolution protocols) and poisons such ARP caches. It can filter content, sniff packets (both MAC and IP-based), analyze networks and hosts, decrypt passwords, etc. Ettercap can decode several types of passwords, including HTTP, FTP, POP, and SSL.

Here are the key features of the Ettercap tool:

Key Features	Description
1. Phishing Attacks	Tools for conducting phishing campaigns to trick users into revealing sensitive information.
2. Credential Harvesting	Methods like fake login pages and credentials capture for harvesting login credentials.
3. Payload Generation	Production of malicious payloads, usually in the form of executable files, containing exploits for attacks.
4. Spear Phishing	Supports customized phishing campaigns targeting specific individuals or organizations.
5. Website Attack Vectors	Provides attack vectors for compromising websites, including cloning sites and setting up malicious redirects.
6. Wireless Access Point Attacks	Tools for conducting attacks on wireless networks, including the setup of rogue access points.
7. Java Applet Attacks	Supports attacks on Java applets, enabling the execution of harmful code in target systems.

Here are the pros and cons of the tool:

Pros	Description
User-Friendly Interface	Easy-to-use interface, making SET accessible even for individuals with limited technical expertise.
Comprehensive Toolkit	A comprehensive social engineering attack toolkit that covers a wide range of attack vectors.
Active Community Support	Regular updates and contributions from a thriving community of security professionals.
Educational Purposes	Used by security professionals for educational purposes, allowing them to understand and defend against social engineering attacks.
Cons	Description
Potential for Misuse	The powerful toolkit carries the risk of misuse, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations in its use.
Legal Implications	Use for unauthorized purposes may lead to legal penalties; users must adhere to laws and regulations.
Limited Scope	While efficient for social engineering attacks, SET may have limited scope when compared to more specialized tools.

Pricing: It is an Open-Source ethical hacking tool available on the internet

Customer Rating: 4.8 stars

10. SQLMap

GitHub

SQLMap is a free, open-source tool that checks to see if there are any SQL injection bugs. This allows users to read data from SQL databases, interact directly with the file system, and execute operating.

Here are some of the key feature about the SQLMap tool:

Key Features	Description
1. Automatic SQL Injection Detection	Automates the detection of SQL injection vulnerabilities, identifying potential attack points in web applications.
2. Comprehensive Database Support	Works with various database management systems, including MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and Microsoft SQL Server.
3. Blind SQL Injection Techniques	Incorporates advanced techniques for identifying and exploiting blind SQL injection vulnerabilities.
4. Time-Based Blind SQL Injection	Performs blind SQL injections by exploiting the time it takes for the application to respond.
5. Error-Based SQL Injection	Extracts information from an application by causing it to issue SQL errors, utilizing error-based SQL injection techniques.
6. Boolean-Based Blind SQL Injection	Supports boolean-based blind SQL injection, allowing the tool to determine information through true/false tests.
7. Authentication Bypass	Takes advantage of SQL injection vulnerabilities to bypass authentication mechanisms.
8. Data Extraction	Extracts data from the database, including tables, columns, and usernames, through various entry methods.
9. File System Access	Penetrates the underlying file system using SQL injection, allowing requests or modifications to arbitrary files.

Here are the pros and cons of the tool:

Pros	Description
Open Source and Free	SQLmap is an open-source semi-automatic tool available for free, suitable for security professionals, penetration testers, and researchers.
Active Development and Community Support	Under active development with a community providing updates, improvements, and local contributions.
Automated Detection and Exploitation	Automates the identification and exploitation of SQL injection weaknesses, saving time for security professionals.
Versatile and Extensible	Supports major database management systems and is user-extendable for additional features and modules.
Comprehensive Testing Capabilities	Offers various test functions, including time-based and boolean-based blind SQL injection, increasing applicability to different scenarios.
Output Options	Provides results in plain text, JSON, or XML format for easier analysis and reporting.
Cons	Description
False Positives	Like any automated tool, it may produce false positives that require manual verification.
Aggressive Testing May Cause Disruption	Testing aggressively may disrupt the normal operation of a web application unintentionally.
Limited to SQL Injection Testing	Primarily focused on SQL injection testing and requires additional tools for a complete security toolbox.
Complex Command-Line Interface (CLI)	Utilizes a command-line interface, potentially challenging for users more accustomed to graphical interfaces.
Requires Careful Usage	Due to its powerful capabilities, it should be used cautiously to avoid accidental damage or disruption to the target application.

If you’re an aspiring ethical hacker and want to understand the numerous intricacies of the above tools, a cybersecurity certification is usually the way to go. Our trusted and oft-abused search engine pal, Google, can help you find the best Cybersecurity certifications you can enroll for from home comfort.

List of More Ethical Hacking Tools

Ethical Hacking Tools	Features	Pricing
11. Invicti	Vulnerability scanning and management, Integration with CI/CD pipelines, Comprehensive reporting, Intelligent crawling and scanning, Automatic verification of vulnerabilities	USD $5994.00 per year
12. Fortify WebInspect	Deep scanning capabilities, Real-time scanning results, Integration with Fortify on Demand, Scans for a wide range of vulnerabilities, Comprehensive compliance reporting	No setup fee
13. Nikto	Detects over 6700 potentially dangerous files/programs, Checks for outdated versions of over 1250 servers, Checks for version-specific problems on over 270 servers, Configurable to check for custom items, Output to multiple formats (plain text, HTML, XML, CSV)	Open-source, free to use
14. Hashcat	Supports multiple hashing algorithms, Utilizes CPU and GPU for high-performance cracking, Open-source and customizable, Supports distributed cracking, Flexible rules engine for complex password policies	Open-source, free to use
15. Maltego	Visual link analysis, Data gathering from multiple sources, Graphical visualization of relationships, Customizable transforms, Integration with other OSINT tools	$5,000.00: 1 License Per Year
16. Hydra	Supports numerous protocols (HTTP, FTP, SMTP, etc.), Parallelized login attempts, User-friendly command-line interface, Extensive module support, Customizable attack patterns	Open-source, free to use
17. OWASP ZAP	Automated scanners, Passive and active scanning, Intercepting proxy, WebSocket support, REST-based API	Open-source, free to use
18. NetStumbler	Detection of WLANs using 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11g, Support for GPS, Logging of detected networks, Easy-to-use interface, Signal strength indicators	Free to use
19. Kismet	802.11a/b/g/n monitoring, Passive monitoring and detection, Network mapping and visualization, Intrusion detection capabilities, Integration with other security tools	Open-source, free to use
20. Intruder	Continuous security monitoring, Automated scans for over 10,000 vulnerabilities, Integration with Slack and Jira, Comprehensive reporting, Easy-to-use dashboard	Subscription-based, with various plans
21. OpenVAS	Comprehensive vulnerability assessment, Regular updates of Network Vulnerability Tests (NVTs), Scheduled and automated scans, Detailed reporting, Open-source and customizable	Open-source, free to use
22. Angry IP Scanner	Scans IP addresses and ports, Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux), Export results in multiple formats (CSV, TXT, XML), Command-line interface, Plugin support for extended functionality	Open-source, free to use
23. Traceroute NG	Real-time path analysis, Identifies hop-by-hop network paths, Measures latency and packet loss, Supports IPv4 and IPv6, Command-line interface	Free to use
24. LiveAction	Real-time network monitoring, Deep packet inspection, Flow analysis and visualization, Application and network performance management, Integration with other network tools	Subscription-based, with various plans
25. QualysGuard	Continuous vulnerability assessment, Policy compliance checks, Web application scanning, Detailed reporting and analytics, Integration with other security tools	Subscription-based, with various plans
26. WebInspect	Continuous vulnerability assessment, Policy compliance checks, Web application scanning, Detailed reporting and analytics, Integration with other security tools	Subscription-based, with various plans
27. Hashcat	Comprehensive web application scanning, Real-time vulnerability assessment, Integration with CI/CD pipelines, Detailed compliance reporting, Supports multiple testing methodologies	Subscription-based, with various plans
28. DirBuster	Multithreaded brute force attacks, Customizable wordlists, URL fuzzing capabilities, Detailed scan reports, Cross-platform support	Open-source, free to use
29. BeEF	Browser vulnerability exploitation, Command and control interface, Integration with other security tools, Extensive module library, Real-time interaction with compromised browsers	Open-source, free to use
30. IKECrack	The tool is designed to test the strength of IKE/IPSec connections, specifically focusing on Pre-Shared Key (PSK) authentication.	Open-source, free to use
31. WebGoat	A deliberately insecure web application for learning web application security vulnerabilities in a safe environment.	Free
32. Sqlmap	An automated penetration testing tool targeting SQL injection vulnerabilities in web applications.	Free
33. W3af	A free and open-source web application security scanner for identifying various vulnerabilities.	Free
34. GoBurp Suite	A suite of tools for web application penetration testing, including traffic interception, vulnerability analysis, and credential brute-forcing.	Free (limited features)
35. Netcat	A versatile command-line tool for network tasks like port scanning, file transfer, and creating network tunnels.	Free

Top Features of Ethical Hacking Tools

Vulnerability Scanning: Identify system weaknesses.
Penetration Testing: Simulate real-world attacks.
User-Friendly Interface: Easy navigation for all users.
Reporting and Analysis: Generate detailed vulnerability reports.
Exploitation Frameworks: Test and verify vulnerabilities.
Support for Multiple Platforms: Versatile compatibility.
Stealth and Anonymity: Operate covertly for realism.
Automation and Scripting: Streamline tasks efficiently.
Documentation and Tutorials: Comprehensive guidance.
Regular Updates: Address new security challenges.
Customization: Adapt to diverse testing requirements.
Compliance Checking: Ensure adherence to standards.
Network Mapping: Visual representation of infrastructure.
Password Cracking and Auditing: Assess authentication strength.
Real-time Monitoring: Observe and analyze network traffic.
Integration with Other Tools: Enhance capabilities with integration.
Scalability: Suitable for testing large environments.
Legal and Ethical Considerations: Emphasize responsible use.
Community and Support: Active user community and support.

Why is Ethical Hacking Tool Important?

Whether it is hacking software or online business dealing and matching engines, the parents of the computer world always have their nerve endings on edge about what sorts of damage such programs may bring. In some cases, employers must hire actual experts to monitor the data concerning its company's important resources and expensive hardware & software systems--referred to as various business operating platforms software (BOPS)--on whom attackers would naturally set their sights if they could get in easily.

Here are some key attributes of hacking software:

It provides interior as well as exterior security to help protect end users from all sorts of threats. Today it is even possible to find many ethical hacking software programs on open-source platforms. This keeps our home networks secure from all manner of threats. Using this software for hacking, networks or systems can be assessed for vulnerabilities so that they are more resilient against outside intrusions.

Can You Legally Use Hacking Tools?

The short answer – is yes. You can use hacking tools legally, but under the following conditions:

1. You’re a white hat hacker

As previously mentioned, what separates ethical hackers from criminals is that the former uses their skills and these tools to identify security threats and vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. You cannot exploit any organization’s security flaws for personal gain or fun (even if you’re wearing a white hat/beanie).

2. You have written permission

If you have express written permission from the organization (whose computer network you’re intercepting), it is legal for you to use the hacking tools mentioned above. This means that the company probably employs you as an ethical hacker, and they’re aware of what you’re doing. However, if they are not, you’re a cybercriminal engaging in criminal activity.

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How Do You Use Hacking Tools?

You can use any hacking tool you want by using the steps outlined below:
Download and install the desired hacking tool you want.
Launch the software once it has been successfully installed.
Finish setting up the particular software on your system.
Please acquaint yourself with the tool's UI and functionalities; get comfortable with it, basically.
Take the software for a test drive using a preconfigured external browser.
Get started, i.e., use the software for hacking to intercept/analyze a website.

Wondering what Social Engineering is? Read more about recent attacks, steps, and prevention involved in social engineering in the linked blog.

Before they can hack into any system and start figuring out security issues in the code, every ethical hacker usually has to sign a legally binding document, which states that they have to work towards improving the organization’s security and nothing else. They would have typically built their capabilities by enrolling in a CEH training program.

Conclusion

Amidst the rising tide of Internet security threats, there has been a surge in demand for talented and certified ethical hackers. Courses such as the Certified Ethical Hacking Course enable people to fight back against fraud and prevent identity theft, CEH Training Programs will help you achieve the skill set to build your career and take advantage of upcoming opportunities. Realizing that the weakest links in cybersecurity are usually end users, hackers take advantage of vulnerabilities and exposed security holes to effect spectacular high-profile data breaches as have happened recently.

Now that you know what makes an ethical hacker and the different tools you may end up using, we hope you’re more evident on whether you’d consider making ethical hacking your career. If you’re looking to build a career in this domain, check out our Certified Ethical Hacker Training course.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which one is the best hacking tool?

There are several useful hacking tools you can use. Nmap, Nessus, and Burp Suite are some of the more popular ones.

2. Is it legal to have hacking software?

You can legally use hacking software only if you’re a white-hat hacker, i.e., you have consent from the organization whose websites you plan on intercepting.

3. Is ethical hacking hard to learn?

Yes, but several ethical hacker training programs or courses on cybersecurity can help you get started.

4. What are the steps to learn hacking legally?

You can learn hacking legally through an ethical hacking course, wherein you’ll learn how to work with various hacker tools. There are also several websites where you can learn to hack legally.

5. How much time does it take to become a hacker?

This depends on several factors, such as how you plan to acquire skills. For example, learning on your own will take you much longer than if you were to enroll in a cybersecurity course.

Vitesh Sharma

Blog Author

Vitesh Sharma, a distinguished Cyber Security expert with a wealth of experience exceeding 6 years in the Telecom & Networking Industry. Armed with a CCIE and CISA certification, Vitesh possesses expertise in MPLS, Wi-Fi Planning & Designing, High Availability, QoS, IPv6, and IP KPIs. With a robust background in evaluating and optimizing MPLS security for telecom giants, Vitesh has been instrumental in driving large service provider engagements, emphasizing planning, designing, assessment, and optimization. His experience spans prestigious organizations like Barclays, Protiviti, EY, PwC India, Tata Consultancy Services, and more. With a unique blend of technical prowess and management acumen, Vitesh remains at the forefront of ensuring secure and efficient networking solutions, solidifying his position as a notable figure in the cybersecurity landscape.

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