50 Must-Have Ethical Hacking Tools for Cybersecurity Experts

What are Hacking Tools?

Hacking tools (also called hacking software) are programs that ethical hackers and cybersecurity professionals use to identify weaknesses, test system security, and simulate real-world cyberattacks. These tools help scan networks, crack passwords, test web applications, and analyze vulnerabilities to improve security measures.

While some hacking apps can be used maliciously, ethical hackers use them responsibly and legally to protect systems from threats. These tools can help organizations uncover hidden risks, patch vulnerabilities, and build stronger defense mechanisms against cyberattacks.

Best Ethical Hacking Tools to Use in 2025

Discover the most powerful and reliable ethical hacking tools trusted by cybersecurity professionals in 2025. These tools help uncover vulnerabilities, strengthen defenses, and stay ahead of threats.

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Network Scanning & Enumeration Tools

Network scanning and enumeration tools are essential for identifying active devices, open ports, services, and network topology in a given environment. These tools help ethical hackers map the network and understand the surface of the attack before conducting deeper penetration tests. By discovering hosts and their roles, they lay the foundation for vulnerability analysis and exploitation planning.

1. Nmap

Nmap (Network Mapper) is a powerful open-source network discovery and security auditing tool. It allows ethical hackers to identify live hosts, open ports, running services, and operating systems across large networks. Nmap supports advanced scanning techniques like TCP connect, SYN scan, OS detection, version detection, and scriptable interaction with targets via NSE (Nmap Scripting Engine). Its versatility and efficiency make it a must-have in any cybersecurity toolkit.

Key Features:

• Host Discovery: Identifies live devices on a network quickly
• Port Scanning: Detects open ports and the services running on them
• OS Detection: Determines the operating system and version of remote machines
• Nmap Scripting Engine (NSE): Enables custom scripts for automation and in-depth testing
• Network Mapping: Provides the topology of devices and their connectivity

2. Angry IP Scanner

Angry IP Scanner is a lightweight, cross-platform IP address and port scanner designed for fast network scanning. It pings each IP address to check if it's alive, resolves hostnames, determines MAC addresses, and scans for open ports. Due to its ease of use and simple interface, it is widely used for network administration and troubleshooting.

Key Features:

• Fast Scanning: Scans IP addresses and ports quickly using multithreading
• Export Options: Results can be exported in various formats
• Plugin Support: Extend functionality with custom plugins
• Cross-Platform: Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux
• No Installation Required: Works as a portable tool

3. Advanced IP Scanner

Advanced IP Scanner is a Windows-only tool that scans local networks to retrieve information about connected devices. It allows users to remotely access computers via RDP and FTP, detect MAC addresses, and even switch off computers remotely. Its integration with tools like Radmin makes it popular for network management and ethical hacking within enterprise environments.

Key Features:

• Remote Access: Supports remote shutdown and RDP connections
• Easy to Use: User-friendly interface for quick network overviews
• MAC Address Detection: Identifies hardware addresses on the network
• Real-Time Monitoring: Lists active devices instantly
• Fast Scanning Engine: Quickly discovers all devices on a subnet

4. Netdiscover

Netdiscover is a simple ARP-based tool for identifying active hosts on a network. It's beneficial on networks without DHCP servers. It's designed for wireless environments and works by sniffing live packets and discovering MAC/IP pairings. Lightweight and fast, Netdiscover is ideal for initial reconnaissance and mapping unknown networks.

Key Features:

• ARP Scanning: Uses ARP requests to discover hosts
• Passive Detection Mode: Monitors network traffic without sending packets
• MAC Vendor Detection: Identifies hardware vendors from MAC addresses
• Lightweight: Minimal dependencies and easy to run on live environments
• Ideal for Wireless: Optimized for Wi-Fi networks without DHCP

5. Unicornscan

Unicornscan is an asynchronous network reconnaissance tool designed to gather detailed information about remote systems. Unlike traditional scanners, it uses a unique asynchronous packet-driven engine for faster and stealthier scanning. It's suitable for large-scale scanning and provides extensive customization for deep analysis.

Key Features:

• Asynchronous Scanning: Fast scanning without waiting for responses
• Protocol-Specific Scans: Custom scanning for TCP, UDP, ICMP, etc
• Banner Grabbing: Gathers service version info from open ports
• Stealth Operations: Designed to avoid detection by IDS/IPS systems
• Extensive Logging: Provides in-depth logs for further analysis

6. Masscan

Masscan is considered the fastest port scanner, capable of scanning the entire Internet in minutes. It uses a custom TCP/IP stack, bypassing kernel-level networking limitations. It's ideal for scanning large address ranges and is often used with other tools for deeper analysis.

Key Features:

• Ultra-Fast Scanning: Scans millions of IPs per minute
• Custom TCP Stack: Operates independently of the OS’s network stack
• Scriptable Output: Results can be parsed and used by other tools
• CIDR Support: Efficient scanning of entire subnets
• Lightweight Binary: Minimal overhead for high-performance

7. ZMap

ZMap is an open-source network scanner built to conduct Internet-wide scans. It uses a modular architecture and sends probes asynchronously to minimize latency and maximize throughput. ZMap is commonly used in cybersecurity research, threat intelligence, and measuring global internet services.

Key Features:

• Internet-Wide Scans: Designed for massive scanning projects
• High Throughput: Can scan the entire IPv4 space in under an hour
• Flexible Probing Modules: Supports TCP, ICMP, UDP, and custom protocols
• Customizable Output: JSON or CSV formats for easy analysis
• Academic Use: Popular among research institutions for network studies

Vulnerability Assessment Tools

Vulnerability assessment tools scan systems, applications, and networks for known security flaws, misconfigurations, and outdated software. They automatically detect potential vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit, allowing organizations to patch issues proactively. They also provide detailed reports and risk ratings, helping security teams prioritize remediation efforts effectively.

8. Nessus

Nessus, developed by Tenable, is one of the most widely used vulnerability assessment tools for identifying security vulnerabilities in networks, systems, and applications. It performs comprehensive scans using regularly updated plugins, enabling organizations to detect and fix misconfigurations, missing patches, and common exposures (CVEs). Nessus supports various platforms and integrates well into enterprise security workflows.

Key Features:

• Broad Vulnerability Coverage: Scans for 75,000+ vulnerabilities across multiple platforms
• Configurable Scan Templates: Pre-built and customizable scan policies for targeted assessments
• Compliance Auditing: Supports CIS, DISA STIGs, and custom compliance checks
• Live Results View: Real-time scanning insights and remediation suggestions
• Extensive Plugin Library: Daily updates ensure detection of the latest threats

9. OpenVAS (Open Vulnerability Assessment System)

OpenVAS is an open-source vulnerability scanner maintained by the Greenbone community. It provides a comprehensive scanning framework with a regularly updated Network Vulnerability Test (NVT) feed. OpenVAS is part of the Greenbone Vulnerability Management (GVM) suite and is a go-to option for organizations looking for a free yet powerful scanning solution.

Key Features:

• Open Source & Free: No licensing cost, suitable for community and SMB usage
• Frequent NVT Updates: Continuously updated with new test scripts
• Flexible Scan Configurations: Customize target IPs, ports, and scan types
• Integration with GVM: Works seamlessly with Greenbone tools for complete lifecycle management
• Comprehensive Reporting: Offers graphical reports, CVSS scores, and remediation steps

10. Nikto

Nikto is a command-line-based, open-source web server scanner designed to find potentially dangerous files, outdated server software, and other common security issues. While not stealthy, Nikto is favored for its fast scans and broad coverage of known web vulnerabilities. It is often used in early-stage reconnaissance during web application assessments.

Key Features:

• Extensive Web Checks: Scans for 6,700+ potentially dangerous files and scripts
• SSL Handshake: Scans HTTPS-enabled sites with certificate checks
• Plugin-Based Architecture: Supports custom scan plugins
• CVE and OSVDB Integration: Identifies known vulnerabilities using public databases
• Verbose Output: Detailed terminal-based scan reports for analysts

11. Nexpose (by Rapid7)

Nexpose is a commercial vulnerability scanner by Rapid7 that offers real-time risk assessment and management. It provides deep integrations with Rapid7’s Metasploit and InsightVM for vulnerability exploitation and analytics. Nexpose uses adaptive security models that adjust to environmental changes, ensuring ongoing protection.

Key Features:

• Real-Time Exposure Tracking: Dynamically adjusts risk scores as threats evolve
• Risk Scoring System: Uses CVSS and temporal metrics for prioritized remediation
• Live Dashboards: Interactive visualizations and compliance status
• Asset Discovery: Automatically discovers and categorizes network assets
• Tight Metasploit Integration: Enables security teams to simulate exploits for testing

12. QualysGuard

QualysGuard is a cloud-based vulnerability management and compliance platform offering scalable and automated security assessments. Its lightweight agents and passive scanning capabilities make it ideal for enterprises with distributed infrastructure. The tool provides continuous visibility into on-premise, cloud, and endpoint assets.

Key Features:

• Cloud-Based Deployment: No hardware required, easily scalable
• Asset Inventory Management: Centralizes asset tracking and vulnerability linkage
• Auto-Remediation Workflows: Integrates with ITSM tools for patch management
• Global Threat Intelligence: Leverages a constantly updated vulnerability knowledge base
• Regulatory Compliance Support: Templates for PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and more

13. Acunetix

Acunetix is a specialized web vulnerability scanner that excels at detecting flaws like SQL injection, XSS, and CSRF in websites and web apps. Designed with speed and accuracy in mind, it uses advanced crawling technologies and integrates with CI/CD pipelines for DevSecOps adoption.

Key Features:

• Advanced Crawler: Supports JavaScript-heavy apps and SPAs (Single Page Applications)
• Authenticated Scanning: Handles complex login sequences and session handling
• Automated Issue Tracker Integration: Works with Jira, GitHub, GitLab, etc
• Compliance Reporting: Covers OWASP Top 10, PCI-DSS, and ISO standards
• Blind XSS and SSRF Detection: Identifies complex, hard-to-find vulnerabilities

14. Burp Suite Scanner (Pro)

Burp Suite’s Scanner is part of its Pro edition and is a key component of web application security testing. It offers passive and active scanning to identify vulnerabilities and seamlessly integrates into Burp’s manual testing workflows. Due to its accuracy and customization, it is widely used by penetration testers.

Key Features:

• Active & Passive Scanning: Identifies security flaws without breaking the application
• CI/CD Integration: Automate scans in your build pipelines
• Scan Optimization: Customizable scan configurations for speed or depth
• Advanced Vulnerability Detection: Includes logic flaw detection and SSRF, SSTI, etc
• Rich Reporting Capabilities: Exportable results in HTML, XML, and more

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Penetration Testing Frameworks

Penetration testing frameworks provide a structured platform for simulating real-world cyberattacks on IT systems. These frameworks include tools for exploiting vulnerabilities, maintaining access, and reporting findings. They are crucial for assessing an organization’s defense capabilities and resilience by mimicking attacker behavior in a controlled and ethical manner.

15. Metasploit Framework

Metasploit Framework is the most widely used open-source penetration testing platform. It enables security professionals to identify, validate, and exploit system vulnerabilities. Rapid7 maintains it, offering a modular architecture with various exploits, payloads, and auxiliary tools. Metasploit allows red teamers and ethical hackers to simulate real-world attacks and assess the security posture of networks and applications.

Key Features:

• Extensive Exploit Library: Contains hundreds of exploits for known vulnerabilities across different platforms
• Meterpreter Shell: An advanced payload offering stealthy post-exploitation capabilities
• Integration with Nmap and Nessus: Seamless use of external tools for vulnerability scanning and exploitation
• Automated Exploits with AutoExploit: Speeds up testing by matching exploits with discovered vulnerabilities
• Community and Commercial Support: Offers open-source and Pro versions for advanced use cases

16. Cobalt Strike

Cobalt Strike is a commercial adversary simulation and red teaming software designed to emulate advanced threat actors. Built for post-exploitation, it provides a powerful command-and-control (C2) server and tools to deploy payloads, perform lateral movement, and exfiltrate data, mirroring tactics used in real-world attacks. Red teams widely use it for stealth operations and security testing.

Key Features:

• Beacon Payload: Enables covert communication and command execution on compromised systems
• Team Collaboration: Allows multiple operators to coordinate attacks simultaneously
• Malleable C2 Profiles: Customizes network indicators to mimic specific APT behaviors
• Built-in Post-Exploitation Tools: Includes privilege escalation, keylogging, and pivoting functionalities
• Aggressor Script Support: Allows automation and customization of attack workflows

17. Armitage

Armitage is a graphical cyber attack management tool for the Metasploit Framework, designed to visualize targets and manage attacks. It benefits teams and beginners who prefer a GUI-based approach to penetration testing. Armitage automates many tasks and enables efficient collaboration between red team members.

Key Features:

• GUI for Metasploit: Offers a visual interface to manage exploits and sessions
• Real-Time Collaboration: Allows multiple users to work on the same instance with shared visibility
• Exploit Recommendations: Suggests exploits based on system vulnerabilities
• Pivoting Support: Enables attacks through compromised systems to reach internal networks
• Session Management: Easy handling of multiple compromised hosts and sessions

18. Core Impact

Core Impact is a commercial penetration testing solution developed by Core Security. It automates many stages of penetration testing—from reconnaissance to reporting—and supports testing across networks, endpoints, and web applications. Known for its thorough approach and compliance-focused reports, Core Impact is favored by enterprises and government agencies.

Key Features:

• Automated Pen Testing Modules: Streamlines testing for Windows, Linux, macOS, and more
• Integration with Vulnerability Scanners: Leverages data from tools like Nessus and Qualys for exploit targeting
• Credential and Session Replay Attacks: Allows testing of identity-related attack vectors
• Agent-Based and Agentless Testing: Flexible deployment based on environment needs
• Detailed Compliance Reports: Generates audit-ready documentation for PCI, HIPAA, etc

19. Immunity Canvas

Immunity Canvas is a commercial exploitation framework for experienced penetration testers and vulnerability researchers. It offers various real-world exploits and modules that reflect the latest vulnerabilities. Canvas supports custom script development using Python, making it highly extensible and favored for complex security assessments.

Key Features:

• Over 800 Exploits: Continuously updated repository for modern vulnerabilities
• Python-Based Framework: Supports custom scripting for tailored exploit development
• Automated Exploitation Routines: Streamlines everyday tasks and attack chains
• Multi-Platform Support: Runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS environments
• Complementary Tools: Comes bundled with tools like Debugger and VulnServer for exploit development

Web Application Testing Tools

Web application testing tools evaluate web-based applications' security by identifying flaws like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and insecure authentication. These tools help ethical hackers simulate attacks on web apps to uncover vulnerabilities in both frontend and backend systems, ensuring secure coding and deployment practices.

20. Burp Suite

Burp Suite is a powerful integrated platform for performing security testing of web applications. Developed by PortSwigger, it provides a wide range of tools to support the entire testing process, from initial mapping and analysis to detecting and exploiting vulnerabilities. Security professionals highly favor Burp Suite for manual and automated testing, and it is widely recognized for its extensibility and robust plugin ecosystem.

Key Features:

• Intercepting Proxy: Captures and modifies requests and responses between the browser and the target application
• Scanner (Pro version): Automated vulnerability scanner that detects issues like SQLi, XSS, and CSRF
• Intruder: Performs automated customized attacks to test for common vulnerabilities
• Repeater: Allows manual resending of requests for deeper analysis and testing
• Extensibility: Supports extensions via the BApp Store and custom Java, Python, and Ruby scripts

21. OWASP ZAP (Zed Attack Proxy)

OWASP ZAP is an open-source web application security scanner maintained by the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP). It is designed to be easy for beginners and provides advanced features for professional penetration testers. ZAP is particularly effective for discovering security vulnerabilities during web application development and testing.

Key Features:

• Automated Scanner: Quickly scans for common security flaws like XSS and SQL Injection
• Passive and Active Scanning: Detects vulnerabilities without altering the target (passive) or by sending crafted requests (active)
• Spidering and AJAX Spider: Maps web applications by crawling both static and dynamic content
• Intercepting Proxy: Intercepts and manipulates web traffic in real-time
• Extensible: Supports community plugins for enhanced functionality

22. SQLMap

SQLMap is an open-source penetration testing tool that automates detecting and exploiting SQL injection flaws. It supports a wide range of database management systems and can be used to gain complete control over a vulnerable database server. SQLMap is known for its speed, accuracy, and comprehensive feature set.

Key Features:

• Database Fingerprinting: Identifies the target DBMS and version
• Data Extraction: Retrieves database tables, columns, and content automatically
• OS and File System Access: Executes commands on the database server if exploitable
• Authentication Bypass: Attempts to bypass login pages using SQLi techniques
• Detection Engine: Supports five different detection methods

23. Wapiti

Wapiti is a web application vulnerability scanner that allows you to audit the security of your web applications. It performs "black-box" scans, meaning it does not study the source code but scans the web pages and injects payloads to detect vulnerabilities. It's lightweight, command-line-based, and ideal for developers and security teams.

Key Features:

• Vulnerability Detection: Identifies XSS, SQLi, XXE, and Command Execution
• Crawl and Attack Separation: Separates the crawl phase from the attack phase for efficiency
• Session Handling: Supports cookie-based and form-based session handling
• Reports: Generates reports in HTML, XML, JSON, and text formats
• Authentication Support: Handles multiple authentication methods, including GET/POST

24. Arachni

Arachni is a high-performance, modular web application scanner that identifies security vulnerabilities. It supports command-line and web interfaces, making it suitable for integration into CI/CD pipelines. Arachni excels at identifying complex issues in modern web applications using advanced heuristics.

Key Features:

• Smart Crawler: Understands client-side technologies like JavaScript-heavy applications
• Plugin Architecture: Allows custom modules for tailored testing needs
• Multi-Platform Support: Available on Windows, Linux, and macOS
• Session Management: Supports login sequences, CSRF tokens, and custom cookies
• Report Generation: Provides detailed output in various formats, including HTML and JSON

25. Vega

Vega is an open-source GUI-based web vulnerability scanner and proxy tool developed by Subgraph. It is designed to find and help fix XSS, SQL Injection, and other vulnerabilities. Vega is ideal for developers and security analysts who prefer a user-friendly interface and want to analyze web traffic visually.

Key Features:

• Automated Scanning: Detects common vulnerabilities such as XSS, SQLi, and more
• Proxy Scanner: Intercepts HTTP/HTTPS requests and responses for manual testing
• Custom Modules: Allows creation of custom scanning modules in JavaScript
• GUI Interface: Offers an intuitive interface for visualization and navigation
• Cross-platform: Runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS

26. WebScarab

WebScarab is a discontinued but historically significant tool developed by OWASP for analyzing web application traffic. It acts as a proxy to intercept requests and responses, allowing manual inspection and modification. Though not maintained actively, it laid the foundation for many modern web testing tools.

Key Features:

• HTTP Traffic Analysis: Captures and manipulates HTTP/HTTPS data
• Manual Testing: Facilitates manual modification of request parameters
• Session ID Analysis: Identifies weaknesses in session management
• Plugin Support: Various plugins for automated tasks and vulnerability discovery
• Conversation View: Visualizes request-response pairs for easier analysis

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Wireless Hacking Tools

Wireless ethical hacking tools target vulnerabilities in Wi-Fi networks, enabling ethical hackers to assess the security of wireless communication. These tools capture handshakes, crack WEP/WPA keys, deauthenticate users, and sniff traffic. They are instrumental in ensuring that wireless infrastructures are protected against unauthorized access and eavesdropping.

27. Aircrack-ng

Aircrack-ng is a comprehensive suite of tools for auditing wireless networks. It specializes in cracking WEP and WPA/WPA2-PSK keys using brute-force and dictionary attacks. This tool captures packets and uses them to recover passwords by analyzing cryptographic weaknesses in wireless protocols. Penetration testers widely use Aircrack-ng to assess Wi-Fi security and identify potential vulnerabilities.

Key Features:

• Packet Sniffing: Captures raw packets to analyze and extract valuable data like initialization vectors
• Key Cracking: Supports WEP, WPA, and WPA2 cracking using optimized dictionary or brute-force attacks
• Deauthentication Attacks: Forces users to disconnect, making it easier to capture handshakes
• Cross-platform Support: Available on Linux, Windows, and macOS
• GPU Acceleration: Leverages GPUs to speed up WPA key cracking

28. Kismet

Kismet is a robust wireless network detector, sniffer, and intrusion detection system. It passively collects packets, detects hidden networks, and logs traffic for later analysis. Unlike tools that actively probe networks, Kismet silently listens to identify all wireless activity in the area, making it ideal for stealth reconnaissance.

Key Features:

• Passive Detection: Identifies access points and clients without sending packets
• Real-Time Monitoring: Displays live data on wireless traffic, signal strength, and clients
• Hidden SSID Detection: Can detect networks with cloaked SSIDs
• Multi-device Capture: Supports multiple wireless interfaces and drones
• Logging & Reporting: Stores data for post-capture analysis

29. Reaver

Reaver is a specialized wireless attack tool that targets routers' WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) feature. It performs brute-force attacks to recover the WPA/WPA2 passphrase by exploiting the WPS PIN vulnerability. Reaver is effective against routers with WPS enabled by default, which makes it a go-to tool for WPS-based attacks.

Key Features:

• WPS Exploitation: Brute-forces the WPS PIN to retrieve WPA/WPA2 keys
• Offline and Online Modes: Can pause and resume attacks to avoid detection
• Custom PIN Support: Allows the user to test known or guessed PINs manually
• Logging Capabilities: Stores session progress and attack results
• Compatibility: Works with most Linux-based wireless cards

30. Wifite2

Wifite2 is an automated wireless attack tool that wraps around other tools like Aircrack-ng, Reaver, and Bully to streamline Wi-Fi hacking. It scans for nearby networks, ranks them based on vulnerability, and executes appropriate attacks. Designed for ease of use, Wifite2 automates everything from handshake capture to password cracking.

Key Features:

• Auto-targeting: Selects networks with known vulnerabilities
• Tool Integration: Seamlessly works with Aircrack-ng, Reaver, Bully, and others
• Handshake Capture: Captures WPA handshakes for offline cracking
• WPS Attacks: Identifies and exploits WPS-enabled networks
• User-Friendly Interface: CLI with intuitive prompts and real-time updates

31. Fern WiFi Cracker

Fern WiFi Cracker is a GUI-based tool designed to find and exploit vulnerabilities in wireless networks. It supports WEP, WPA, and WPA2 cracking, network scanning, and session hijacking. Ideal for beginners, it provides a visual interface to perform common wireless attacks with minimal manual input.

Key Features:

• Graphical Interface: Simplifies wireless auditing with easy navigation
• Multi-attack Support: Cracks WEP, WPA, and WPS-enabled networks
• Network Discovery: Scans for live hosts and open ports
• Session Hijacking: Captures and controls active network sessions
• Real-time Monitoring: Displays signal strength and client activity

Password Cracking Tools

Password cracking tools are designed to recover or crack passwords using brute force, dictionary attacks, and rainbow tables. Ethical hackers use these tools to test the strength of user passwords and authentication mechanisms, helping organizations implement stronger access control and password policies.

32. John the Ripper

John the Ripper (JtR) is a fast and flexible password-cracking tool used by penetration testers and security analysts. Originally designed to detect weak UNIX passwords, it has evolved into a cross-platform tool supporting various hash types, including MD5, SHA-256, NTLM, and more. It combines dictionary attacks with brute force and incremental cracking modes, effectively uncovering weak or reused passwords.

Key Features:

• Multi-Platform Support: Runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS, as well as various UNIX flavors
• Customizable Wordlists: Supports rule-based attack customization to enhance dictionary attacks
• Multiple Hash Support: Cracks hundreds of hash types, including LM, NTLM, DES, Blowfish, and more
• GPU Acceleration (via Jumbo Patch): Allows use of GPU-based acceleration for faster performance
• Format Auto-Detection: Automatically detects the type of hash used for more seamless cracking

33. Hashcat

Hashcat is the world’s fastest and most advanced password recovery tool. It leverages GPU acceleration to deliver high-speed cracking of complex hashes, supporting over 300 algorithms, including bcrypt, SHA-3, and WPA/WPA2. Hashcat is often the go-to tool for brute-force attacks on password hashes extracted from breach dumps.

Key Features:

• GPU & CPU Acceleration: Optimized for AMD and NVIDIA GPUs for maximum speed
• Support for 300+ Hash Algorithms: Includes modern and legacy hashes used across platforms
• Multiple Attack Modes: Supports dictionary, brute-force, combinatorial, hybrid, and rule-based attacks
• Session Management: Can pause/resume sessions and even recover from interruptions
• Open-Source with Community Plugins: Actively maintained and extensible

34. Hydra (THC-Hydra)

Hydra, or THC-Hydra, is a powerful parallelized login cracker that supports numerous protocols for remote authentication. It is widely used in network penetration testing to perform dictionary attacks on login credentials over protocols like FTP, HTTP, RDP, SSH, SMB, and more.

Key Features:

• Wide Protocol Support: Works with over 50 protocols, including HTTP, SSH, FTP, and SMB
• Parallel Attack Engine: Performs multiple login attempts in parallel for speed
• Customizable Module Integration: Easily extendable with additional plugins and modules
• Supports Brute Force and Dictionary Attacks: Can be tailored to different use cases
• Command-Line Based: Easily scriptable and automatable for complex testing workflows

35. Medusa

Medusa is a speedy, parallel, and modular login brute-forcer designed for testing large-scale remote authentication systems. Known for its performance and flexibility, Medusa allows for quick enumeration of weak credentials across networks.

Key Features:

• Modular Architecture: Supports various authentication protocols via modules (e.g., MySQL, SMB, VNC)
• Parallel Processing: Executes simultaneous threads to speed up cracking
• Credential Pairing Flexibility: Supports user and password pairing through a list or a single input
• Error Handling & Debug Options: Provides detailed output and retry logic for failed attempts
• Cross-Platform: Compatible with most Linux distributions

36. CrackStation

CrackStation is a web-based password hash cracker that uses a massive pre-computed lookup table (rainbow table) to crack hashed passwords quickly. It’s widely used for educational purposes or quick recovery of common password hashes like MD5 or SHA1.

Key Features:

• Online Tool: No installation required—easy to use from any browser
• Large Hash Database: Uses a 15 GB+ wordlist covering billions of entries
• Supports Common Hashes: MD5, SHA1, and some salted formats
• Free to Use: Publicly accessible for quick checks
• Useful for Education & Awareness: Demonstrates the risks of weak passwords

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Exploitation & Payload Generation Tools

These tools focus on creating and delivering custom payloads that exploit system vulnerabilities to gain control over target machines. Once access is obtained, they can execute commands, escalate privileges, or establish persistent backdoors. Used ethically, they help test how well systems can withstand actual exploitation attempts and how quickly such intrusions can be detected and mitigated.

37. Mimikatz

Mimikatz is a powerful post-exploitation tool enabling security professionals and attackers to extract plaintext passwords, hash credentials, Kerberos tickets, and PIN codes from memory in Windows systems. Originally developed to demonstrate a vulnerability in Windows authentication mechanisms, it has become a tool for penetration testers to illustrate the risk of credential theft and lateral movement in enterprise networks.

Key Features:

• Credential Dumping: Extracts plaintext passwords, NTLM hashes, and Kerberos tickets from memory
• Pass-the-Hash & Pass-the-Ticket: Enables reuse of stolen hashes and tickets for lateral movement
• Over-Pass-the-Hash: Combines NTLM hash and domain information to request Kerberos tickets
• WDigest & SSP Attacks: Reveals credentials from authentication protocols
• Credential Injection: Injects malicious credentials into processes for privilege escalation

38. Empire

Empire is a post-exploitation framework that provides a command-and-control (C2) infrastructure for executing PowerShell agents on compromised Windows systems without dropping files on disk. It supports various communication channels and is extensively used in red teaming and adversary simulation to maintain persistent access and gather intelligence stealthily.

Key Features:

• Fileless Post-Exploitation: Uses PowerShell and Python agents to evade detection
• Modular Architecture: Offers hundreds of modules for privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and persistence
• Flexible Listeners: Supports multiple communication channels like HTTP, HTTPS, and SMB
• Credential Harvesting: Integrates tools to extract credentials and tokens
• Cross-Platform: Includes support for Windows, macOS, and Linux systems (via Starkiller GUI or CLI)

39. BeEF (Browser Exploitation Framework)

BeEF is a penetration testing tool that exploits vulnerabilities in web browsers and leverages them as a pivot point for further attacks within the internal network. It allows security researchers to assess the real-world effectiveness of client-side attacks through hooked browsers.

Key Features:

• Hooked Browser Control: Gains persistent control over victims’ browsers using JavaScript payloads
• Command Modules: Execute hundreds of client-side attack vectors, including social engineering and phishing
• Real-Time Browser Interaction: Offers live interaction and command execution within hooked sessions
• Network Pivoting: Explores internal network resources through the compromised browser
• Extensible Architecture: Supports writing custom modules for specific use cases

40. Social-Engineer Toolkit (SET)

Developed by TrustedSec, the Social-Engineer Toolkit (SET) is explicitly designed for social engineering attacks. It automates phishing, credential harvesting, and payload delivery through tailored email, web, or USB-based vectors. SET is widely used to demonstrate human-factor vulnerabilities in security assessments.

Key Features:

• Spear Phishing Automation: Automates email crafting and payload delivery for phishing campaigns
• Website Cloning: Creates clones of legitimate sites for harvesting credentials
• Infectious Media Generator: Creates USB and CD payloads to exploit autorun vulnerabilities
• Credential Harvester: Captures login credentials via fake login pages or network sniffing
• Integration with Metasploit: Seamlessly integrates for payload generation and exploit delivery

41. Veil Framework

Veil is a toolset developed to bypass standard antivirus solutions and generate undetectable payloads. Penetration testers primarily use it to test endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems by simulating real-world attacker techniques using obfuscated or encrypted shellcode loaders.

Key Features:

• Payload Generation: Creates obfuscated, custom shellcode payloads that evade antivirus
• Multiple Language Support: Generates payloads in Python, C, C++, PowerShell, and more
• Antivirus Evasion: Regularly updated to stay ahead of signature-based AV detection
• Modular Design: Allows easy addition of new payloads or custom evasion techniques
• Metasploit Compatibility: Supports integration with Metasploit-generated payloads

Reverse Engineering Tools

Reverse engineering tools are essential for dissecting compiled programs, analyzing malware, debugging binaries, and understanding legacy systems. These tools help security researchers, software engineers, and analysts examine software without access to source code. They support debugging, disassembly, decompilation, and binary analysis across various platforms and architectures.

42. Ghidra

Developed by the NSA and released as open source, Ghidra is a powerful software reverse engineering (SRE) framework. It supports disassembly, decompilation, and scripting, allowing users to analyze binary code across various platforms. Ghidra’s collaborative environment enables multiple users to work on the same project, making it ideal for team-based analysis.

Key Features:

• Cross-platform support: Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux with extensive architecture compatibility
• Decompiler integration: Built-in decompiler transforms binaries into human-readable pseudo code
• Collaboration-friendly: Allows team-based reverse engineering through shared projects
• Extensible via scripting: Supports Java and Python for automation and custom plugin creation
• User-friendly GUI: Offers interactive navigation, project management, and visualization tools

43. IDA Pro

IDA Pro (Interactive Disassembler) by Hex-Rays is one of the most advanced and widely used reverse engineering tools. It is known for its interactive, programmable, and scriptable capabilities, enabling in-depth analysis of binary files. IDA Pro supports automatic and manual analysis, favoring it in professional malware analysis and vulnerability research.

Key Features:

• Powerful disassembler: Converts binary code to assembly language for detailed analysis
• Graphical navigation: Features intuitive control flow graphs and cross-reference views
• Hex-Rays Decompiler plugin: Converts binaries into C-like code for better readability
• Debugger support: Includes remote and local debugging across multiple architectures
• Customizable via scripts: Supports IDC, Python, and other scripting languages

44. Radare2

Radare2 is an open-source reverse engineering framework that offers a command-line interface and a modular design. It is known for its flexibility and extensive features for analyzing binaries, performing forensics, and patching executables. Though it has a steeper learning curve, it’s a favorite among experienced analysts and hackers.

Key Features:

• Command-line and scripting support: Ideal for automated and headless analysis tasks
• Binary patching and editing: Allows modification and rewriting of binary files
• Multi-architecture support: Compatible with numerous CPU architectures and file formats
• Graph and visual mode: Offers visual analysis via built-in UI and web interface
• Plugin-friendly architecture: Extendable with custom scripts and modules

45. x64dbg

x64dbg is an open-source Windows debugger for x64 and x32 applications, popular among malware analysts and reverse engineers. It provides a clean, modern UI and supports user- and kernel-mode debugging. Its wide range of plugins and scripting features makes it a robust tool for examining and modifying application behavior.

Key Features:

• Live debugging: Step through code and set breakpoints in real-time
• User-friendly GUI: Offers intuitive layout with tabs, graph view, and memory inspector
• Plugin ecosystem: Extend functionality with community-developed plugins
• Scriptable interface: Supports scripting through Python and other languages
• Snapshot and logging: Capture program states and export logs for deeper analysis

46. Binary Ninja

Binary Ninja is a modern reverse engineering platform known for its clean interface and robust analysis engine. It offers a commercial GUI and a headless API-driven environment for advanced users. With support for intermediate language (IL) representations and a growing plugin library, Binary Ninja balances usability and technical depth.

Key Features:

• Interactive and headless modes: Use via GUI or integrate into automated workflows
• Intermediate Language (IL): Simplifies analysis across architectures with standardized IL views
• API access: Supports Python and C++ for automation and plugin development
• Decompilation and symbol recovery: Improves readability and speeds up analysis
• Cross-platform support: Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux with native binaries

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OSINT & Reconnaissance Tools

Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) and reconnaissance tools gather publicly available information about individuals, domains, networks, and systems. They help ethical hackers build detailed profiles of targets using data from search engines, social media, and DNS records. This information is often used to identify potential entry points or human vulnerabilities before launching technical attacks.

47. Maltego

Maltego is a powerful open-source intelligence (OSINT) and graphical link analysis tool designed for gathering and connecting information across various domains. It's widely used by cybersecurity professionals, investigators, and threat intelligence teams to map relationships between people, domains, IP addresses, companies, and other online entities. By visually displaying connections and dependencies, Maltego helps users uncover hidden relationships and patterns in large datasets, aiding in deeper reconnaissance and investigations.

Key Features:

• Graph-Based Analysis: Interactive graphs allow users to explore entity relationships visually, simplifying complex investigations
• Transforms Marketplace: Access hundreds of transforms from Maltego and third parties to extract data from diverse sources like DNS records, WHOIS, social media, and breach data
• Collaboration Support: Enables real-time collaboration with other analysts on the same graph for team-based investigations
• Integration-Ready: Seamlessly integrates with external threat intelligence feeds, APIs, and SIEM tools
• Custom Entities & Transforms: Users can create their own entities and transforms to tailor Maltego to specific investigative needs

48. theHarvester

theHarvester is a reconnaissance tool for gathering emails, subdomains, IPs, and hostnames using public sources (search engines, PGP key servers, and more). It is used mainly in the early stages of penetration testing to identify external threats and map out an organization’s digital footprint. This lightweight tool provides valuable information with a minimal footprint, avoiding detection during passive reconnaissance.

Key Features:

• Multi-Source Data Collection: Extracts data from sources like Google, Bing, Yahoo, Baidu, and LinkedIn
• Email & Subdomain Discovery: Finds associated emails and subdomains to identify potential entry points
• Fast and Simple CLI Interface: Offers a straightforward command-line interface for quick execution
• XML & HTML Reports: Supports various output formats for easy reporting and documentation
• Stealth Recon: Conducts passive reconnaissance, reducing the chances of detection

49. Recon-ng

Recon-ng is a full-featured reconnaissance framework in Python designed to streamline web-based reconnaissance. Like Metasploit, it provides a modular interface, allowing users to run independent modules for tasks such as DNS lookups, WHOIS queries, and data harvesting. Ideal for automation and extensibility, Recon-ng supports scripting and API integration for advanced OSINT workflows.

Key Features:

• Modular Framework: Dozens of plug-and-play modules for domain, host, contact, and credential reconnaissance
• Database Integration: Automatically stores results in a local database, making data retrieval and reporting efficient
• API Key Management: Handles and stores API keys for popular OSINT sources like Shodan, VirusTotal, and Bing
• Command Shell Interface: Offers a Metasploit-style CLI with autocomplete and command history
• Export Options: Easily export data in CSV, JSON, or HTML formats for further analysis

50. SpiderFoot

SpiderFoot is an automated OSINT tool for threat intelligence gathering, attack surface mapping, and digital footprinting. It scans the internet for publicly available information about IP addresses, domain names, and email addresses. SpiderFoot is highly configurable and can run as a command-line tool or a web-based interface, supporting passive and active reconnaissance methods.

Key Features:

• 150+ Data Sources: Gathers intelligence from a wide range of services, including Shodan, Whois, VirusTotal, and others
• Web UI & CLI Support: Offers flexibility through both graphical and command-line interfaces
• Customizable Scans: Configure scan types and scope based on specific reconnaissance goals
• Automation-Friendly: Supports scheduling and webhook-based alerts for continuous monitoring
• Detailed Reports & Visualization: Generates reports with graphs and charts for visual threat modeling

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Conclusion

Ethical hackers must stay ahead with the right tools—and the expertise to use them effectively. The 50 ethical hacking tools listed in this article are essential for professionals looking to safeguard systems, identify vulnerabilities, and strengthen organizational defenses. But tools alone aren't enough. To master the art and science of ethical hacking, you need the right training.

If you're serious about advancing your career in cybersecurity, consider enrolling in the CEH Certification - Certified Ethical Hacking Course to gain hands-on experience with the tools professionals use today.

Want to go even deeper? The Cybersecurity Expert Master's Program offers a comprehensive learning path—from foundational skills to advanced strategies—equipping you to take on critical roles in this high-demand field.

FAQs

1. Which tool is used in ethical hacking?

Popular tools used in ethical hacking include Nmap, Metasploit, Wireshark, Burp Suite, and John the Ripper. These tools help ethical hackers scan networks, exploit vulnerabilities, monitor traffic, and test password strength to identify and fix security flaws.

2. Which device is best for ethical hacking?

A laptop with at least 8GB of RAM, a multi-core processor, and virtualization support is ideal for ethical hacking. Devices compatible with Kali Linux or penetration testing tools like Parrot OS offer the best performance for these tasks.

3. What is a hacker's salary?

The average salary of an ethical hacker in the U.S. ranges from $80,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on experience, certifications, and job role. Senior professionals and penetration testers can earn over $150,000 annually.

4. Is C++ used for ethical hacking?

Yes, C++ is used in ethical hacking, especially for writing exploits, malware analysis, and developing performance-critical security tools. Its low-level access to system resources makes it useful in reverse engineering and vulnerability research.

5. Is Kali Linux used for hacking?

Yes, Kali Linux is widely used in ethical hacking. It comes preloaded with hundreds of penetration testing tools, making it a preferred operating system for security professionals conducting vulnerability assessments and cyber forensics.

References:

https://www.blackhatethicalhacking.com/tools/

https://www.eccouncil.org/cybersecurity-exchange/ethical-hacking/best-ethical-hacking-tools/

https://www.hackerone.com/blog/100-hacking-tools-and-resources

https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/ethical-hacker-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm