35 Ethical Hacking Tools and Software for IT Professionals

What Are Hacking Tools and Software?

Hacking is the process of using various types of tools or technology in the form of computer programs and scripts to access unauthorized data for the security measures of a computer system or network.

Hacking tools and software are nothing but computer programs or complex scripts designed by developers that hackers use to learn about the weaknesses of computer OSs, various web applications, servers and networks. Nowadays, many employers, especially in the banking sector, are using ethical hacking tools to secure their data from attackers. Hacking tools are available in open-source form (freeware or shareware) or commercial solutions. One can also download such tools from the browser, especially if someone wants to use them maliciously.

Security professionals use ethical hacking tools, especially to get access to computer systems to access the vulnerabilities in computer systems so that their security will improve. Security professionals use hacking tools such as packet sniffers to intercept network traffic, password crackers to discover passwords, port scanners to identify open computer ports, etc. Though there is a variety of hacking tools available in the market, keep in mind what their purpose should be.

Nevertheless, network administration has grown tremendously in the last couple of years. Initially, it was used to monitor networks, but now it can be used to manage firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), VPNs, anti-virus software, and anti-spam filters.

Some of the most famous hacking tools in the market are Nmap (Network Mapper), Nessus, Nikto, Kismet, NetStumbler, Acunetix, Netsparker, Intruder, Nmap, Metasploit, Aircrack-Ng, etc.

Importance of Hacking Software

Whenever it comes to hacking software, we often feel anxious or paranoid that it will cause damage to our computer system. However, the reality is so different that employers might need someone as a professional expert to protect the essential data concerning valuable assets to companies, hardware, and software systems from attackers. Thus, the need for ethical hacking has become so evident and vital that companies have started hiring ethical hackers. The following are some crucial features of hacking software: 

• It provides inside and outside security from threats to end users.
• It is used to test the network security by finding loopholes in it and fixing them.
• One can also download ethical hacking software for his/her home network security from the open source and secure it from threats.
• One can also get a vulnerability assessment to protect their network or system from external attacks.
• It is also used to audit the company's security by ensuring the computer system runs smoothly with no issues.

Top Ethical Hacking Tools to Watch Out For in 2024

1. Invicti

Invicti is a web application security scanner hacking tool that automatically finds SQL Injection, XSS, and vulnerabilities in web applications or services. It is usually available on the SAAS solution.

Features

• It detects Dead-accurate vulnerability with the help of unique Proof-Based Scanning Technology.
• It requires minimal configuration with a scalable solution. 
• It automatically detects URL rewrite rules as well as custom 404 error pages.
• There is a REST API for seamless integration with the SDLC and bug-tracking systems.
• It scans up to 1,000 plus web applications within just 24 hours.

2. Fortify WebInspect

Fortify WebInspect is a hacking tool that provides comprehensive dynamic analysis security in an automated mode for complex web applications and services.

Features

• It is used to identify security vulnerabilities by allowing it to test the dynamic behavior of running web applications. 
• It can keep the scanning in control by getting relevant information and statistics. 
• Through simultaneous crawl professional-level testing, novice security testers can access centralized program management, vulnerability trending, compliance management, and risk oversight.

3. Cain & Abel

Cain & Abel is an Operating System password recovery tool provided by Microsoft.

Features

• It is used to recover the MS Access passwords.
• It can be used in Sniffing networks.
• The password field can be uncovered.
• It Cracks encrypted passwords with the help of dictionary attacks, brute-force, and cryptanalysis attacks.

4. Nmap (Network Mapper)

The finest hacking software ever is used in port scanning, one of the phases in ethical hacking. Primarily a command-line tool, it was then developed for operating systems based on Linux or Unix, and the Windows version of Nmap is now available.
 
Nmap is a network security mapper capable of discovering services and hosts on a network and thereby creating a network map. This software offers several features that help in probing computer networks, host discovery, and operating system detection. It is script-extensible, provides advanced vulnerability detection, and adapts to network conditions such as congestion and latency while scanning.

Also Read: Top Network Security Certifications and How to Choose the Right One for You

5. Nessus

The next ethical hacking tool on the list is Nessus. Nessus is the world’s most well-known vulnerability scanner, designed by Tenable Network Security. It is free and chiefly recommended for non-enterprise usage. This network vulnerability scanner efficiently finds critical bugs on any given system.
 
Nessus can detect the following vulnerabilities:

• Unpatched services and misconfiguration.
• Weak passwords – default and common.
• Various system vulnerabilities.

6. Nikto

Nikto is a web scanner that scans and tests several web servers to identify outdated software, dangerous CGIs or files, and other problems. It can perform server-specific as well as generic checks and prints by capturing the received cookies. It is a free, open-source tool that checks version-specific problems across 270 servers and identifies default programs and files.

Features

• It is an open-source tool.
• Checks web servers and identifies over 6400 CGIs or files that are potentially dangerous.
• Checks servers for outdated versions as well as version-specific problems.
• Checks plug-ins and misconfigured files.
• Identifies insecure programs and files.

7. Kismet

This is the best ethical hacking tool for testing wireless networks and hacking wireless LANs or wardriving. It passively identifies networks, collects packets, and detects non-beaconing and hidden networks with the help of data traffic.
 
Kismet is a sniffer and wireless network detector that works with other wireless cards and supports raw-monitoring mode.

Features

• Runs on Linux OS, which may be Ubuntu, backtrack, or more.
• Applicable to Windows at times.

8. NetStumbler

This is also an ethical hacking tool used to prevent wardriving. It works on Windows-based operating systems and can detect IEEE 902.11g, 802, and 802.11b networks. A newer version of this, MiniStumbler, is now available.

Features

• Identifying AP (Access Point) network configuration.
• Finding causes of interference.
• Accessing the strength of signals received.
• Detecting unauthorized access points.

9. Acunetix

This ethical hacking tool is fully automated and detects and reports more than 4,500 web vulnerabilities, including every XSS and SQL Injection variant. Acunetix fully supports JavaScript, HTML5, and single-page applications, so you can audit complex authenticated applications.

Features

• Consolidated view.
• Integration of scanner results into other platforms and tools.
• Prioritizing risks based on data.

10. Netsparker

If you want a tool that mimics hackers' work, you want Netsparker. This tool identifies vulnerabilities in web APIs and web applications, such as cross-site scripting and SQL Injection.

Features

• Available as an online service or Windows software.
• Uniquely verifies identified vulnerabilities, showing that they are genuine, not false positives.
• Saves time by eliminating the need for manual verification.

11. Intruder

This tool is an entirely automated scanner that searches for cybersecurity weaknesses, explains the risks found, and helps address them. Intruder takes on much of the heavy lifting in vulnerability management and offers over 9000 security checks.

Features

• Identifies missing patches, misconfigurations, and common web app issues like cross-site scripting and SQL Injection.
• Integrates with Slack, Jira, and major cloud providers.
• Prioritizes results based on context.
• Proactively scans systems for the latest vulnerabilities.

12. Nmap

Nmap is an open-source security and port scanner and network exploration tool. It works for single hosts and large networks alike. Cybersecurity experts can use Nmap for network inventory, monitoring host and service uptime, and managing service upgrade schedules.

Features

• Offer binary packages for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X.
• Contains a data transfer, redirection, and debugging tool.
• Results and GUI viewer.

13. Metasploit

The Metasploit Framework is open-source, and Metasploit Pro is a commercial offering with a 14-day free trial. Metasploit is geared towards penetration testing, and ethical hackers can develop and execute exploit codes against remote targets.

Features

• Cross-platform support.
• Ideal for finding security vulnerabilities.
• Great for creating evasion and anti-forensic tools.

14. Aircrack-Ng

Wireless network use is rising, so keeping Wi-Fi secure is becoming more critical. Aircrack-Ng offers ethical hackers various command-line tools that check and evaluate Wi-Fi network security. Aircrack-Ng is dedicated to attacking, monitoring, testing, and cracking. The tool supports Windows, OS X, Linux, eComStation, 2Free BSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, and Solaris.

Features

• Supports exporting data to text files.
• It can crack WEP keys and WPA2-PSK and check Wi-Fi cards.
• Supports multiple platforms.

15. Wireshark

Wireshark is a great hacking software for analyzing data packets. It can also perform deep inspections of a large number of established protocols. You can export analysis results to many different file formats, such as CSV, PostScript, Plaintext, and XML.

Features

• Performs live captures and offline analysis.
• Cross-platform support.
• Allows coloring rules to packet lists to facilitate analysis.

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16. OpenVAS

The Open Vulnerability Assessment Scanner is a fully featured tool for large-scale scans, performing authenticated and unauthenticated testing and performance tuning.

OpenVAS supports various high- and low-level Internet and industrial protocols backed by a robust internal programming language.

17. SQLMap

SQLMap is an open-source hacking software that automates detecting and exploiting SQL Injection flaws and taking control of database servers. You can use it to connect directly with specific databases. SQLMap completely supports a half-dozen SQL injection techniques (Boolean-based blind, error-based, stacked queries, time-based blind, UNION query-based, and out-of-band).

Features

• Powerful detection engine.
• Supports executing arbitrary commands.
• Supports MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and more.

Also Read: Why Businesses Need Ethical Hackers?

18. Ettercap

Ettercap is a free tool that is best suited for creating custom plug-ins.

Features

• Content filtering.
• Live connections sniffer.
• Network and host analysis.
• Active and passive dissection of a lot of protocols.

19. Maltego

Maltego is a tool dedicated to link analysis and data mining. It comes in four forms: the free Community version, Maltego CE; Maltego Classic, which costs $999; Maltego XL, which costs $1999; and server products like Comms, CTAS, and ITDS, starting at $40000. Maltego is best suited to working with huge graphs.

Features

• Support for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS.
• Performs real-time information gathering and data mining.
• Displays results in easy-to-read graphics.

20. Burp Suite

This security-testing tool comes in three price tiers: Community edition (free), Professional edition (starting at $399 per user/per year), and Enterprise edition (starting at $3999/year). Burp Suite distinguishes itself as a web vulnerability scanner.

Features

• Scan scheduling and repeating.
• Uses out-of-band techniques.
• Offers CI integration.

21. John the Ripper

This free tool is ideal for password cracking. It was created to detect weak UNIX passwords and can be used on DOS, Windows, and Open VMS.

Features

• Offers a customizable cracker and several different password crackers in one bundle.
• Performs dictionary attacks.
• Tests different encrypted passwords.

22. Angry IP Scanner

This is a free tool for scanning IP addresses and ports, though it’s unclear what it’s so angry about. It can be used on the Internet or your local network and supports Windows, MacOS, and Linux.

Features

• Can export results in different formats.
• Command-line interface tool.
• Extensible with lots of data fetchers.

23. SolarWinds Security Event Manager

SolarWinds emphasizes computer security improvement, automatically detecting threats and monitoring security policies. You can easily keep track of your log files and get instant alerts should anything suspicious happen.

Features

• Built-in integrity monitoring.
• Intuitive dashboard and user interface.
• Recognized as one of the best SIEM tools, helping you easily manage memory stick storage.

24. Traceroute NG

Traceroute focuses on network path analysis. It can identify host names, packet loss, and IP addresses and provides accurate analysis via a command-line interface.

Features

• Supports IPV4 and IPV6.
• Detects path changes and alerts you about them.
• Permits continuous network probing.

25. LiveAction

This is one of the best ethical hacking tools available today. Used in conjunction with LiveAction packet intelligence, it can diagnose network issues more effectively and faster.

Features

• Easy-to-use workflow.
• Automates network’s automated data capture is fast enough to respond rapidly to security alerts.
• Its packet intelligence provides deep analyses.
• Onsite deployment for use in appliances.

26. QualysGuard

Look no further if you want a hacker security tool that checks vulnerabilities in online cloud systems. QualysGuard lets businesses streamline their compliance and security solutions, incorporating security into digital transformation initiatives.

Features

• Globally trusted online hacking tool.
• Scalable, end-to-end solution for all manner of IT security.
• Real-time data analysis.
• Responds to real-time threats.

27. WebInspect

WebInspect is an automated dynamic testing tool well-suited for ethical hacking operations. It offers hackers a dynamic, comprehensive analysis of complex web applications and services.

Features

• Lets users control scans through relevant statistics and information at a glance.
• Contains a variety of technologies suited for any level of tester, from novice to professional.
• Tests the dynamic behavior of web applications to spot security vulnerabilities.

28. Hashcat

Password cracking is a big part of ethical hacking, and Hashcat is a robust tool. It can help ethical hackers audit password security, retrieve lost passwords, and discover the data stored in a hash.

Features

• Open source.
• Multiple platform support.
• Supports distributed cracking networks.
• Supports automatic performance tuning.

29. L0phtCrack

This is a password recovery and audit tool for identifying and assessing password vulnerabilities on local networks and machines.

Features

• Easily customizable.
• Fixes weak password issues by forcing a password reset or locking out accounts.
• Optimizes hardware courtesy of multicore and multi-GPU support.

30. Rainbow Crack

Here’s another entry in the password-cracking category. It uses rainbow tables to crack hashes, using a time-memory tradeoff algorithm to accomplish this.

Features

• Runs on Windows and Linux.
• Command-line and graphic user interfaces.
• Unified rainbow table file format.

31. IKECrack

IKECrack is an authentication cracking tool with the bonus of being open source. This tool is designed to conduct dictionary or brute-force attacks. IKECrack enjoys a solid reputation for successfully running cryptography tasks.

Features

• Strong emphasis on cryptography.
• Ideally suited for either commercial or personal use.

32. Sboxr

SBoxr is another open-source hacking tool that emphasizes vulnerability testing. It has a favorable reputation as a customizable tool that lets hackers create their custom security scanners.

Features

• Easy to use and GUI-based.
• Supports Ruby and Python.
• Uses an effective, powerful scanning engine.
• Generates reports in RTF and HTML formats.
• Checks for over two dozen types of web vulnerabilities.

33. Medusa

Medusa is one of the best online speedy, brute-force parallel password cracker tools for ethical hackers.

Features

• Includes flexible user input, which can be specified in many ways.
• Supports many services that allow remote authentication.
• One of the best tools for thread-based parallel testing and brute-force testing.

34. Cain and Abel

Cain and Abel is a tool for recovering passwords for the Microsoft Operating System. It uncovers password fields, sniffs networks, recovers MS Access passwords, and cracks encrypted passwords using brute force, dictionary, and cryptanalysis attacks.

35. Zenmap

This open-source application is the official Nmap Security Scanner software and is multi-platform. Zenmap is ideal for any level of experience, from newbies to experienced hackers.

Features

• Administrators can track new hosts or services on their networks and track existing downed services.
• Graphical and interactive results viewing.
• Can draw topology maps of discovered networks.

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How Do You Use A Hacking Software?

Here’s how to get started using any hacking software, either from the above list or wherever else on the Internet you find it:

1. Download and install the desired hacking software you like.
2. Launch the software once it’s installed.
3. Choose and set the startup options for your hacking tool.
4. Explore the tool’s interface and functionalities; get familiar with it.
5. Test the software with a preconfigured external browser.
6. Use the hacking software to scan a website or perform penetration testing.

Is Using Hacking Tools Legal?

You can use hacking tools if you fulfill both of the following conditions:

• You are using the tools for white hat hacking.
• You have secured written permission from the target site you plan to “attack.”

Conclusion

With the growing Internet security threats, employers now seek skilled and certified ethical hackers, such as those who have completed the CEH (v12) - Certified Ethical Hacker course, to prevent fraudulent crimes and identity thefts. End users have always been the weakest links using which cybercriminals crack even highly sophisticated defenses. In recent times, several large businesses have announced significant security breaches. Ethical hacking tools help companies identify shortcomings in internet security and prevent data breaches. Get started to upskill yourself now!