Automated technology has brought about a tremendous revolution in penetration testing and ethical hacking. Many ethical hacking tools are now being developed to accelerate the testing procedure. Ethical hacking improves their overall security by protecting organizations’ data and systems against possible attacks.
It is also among the best methods for enhancing the skills of security professionals in an organization. Including software and techniques for ethical hacking in an organization’s security efforts might have a significant impact.
Ethical hacking and testing have undergone a significant transformation with the introduction of automated technologies. With the help of ethical hacking certification it will be easy for you to understand how this term works along with tools.
Today we will explore the top 10 ethical hacking tools along with their features. This will help you to understand how these tools are used in cybersecurity practices and businesses. With this guide you will understand what hacking tools are and how they work.
Let’s Explore The Top Ethical Hacking Tools
Following are the most famous hacking tools in the market elaborated with their features. These tools are used tremendously by businesses due to their attributes and benefits:-
1. Invicti
Using Invicti, you can automatically scan websites, web applications, and web services for security vulnerabilities. It is an entirely configurable web application security scanner. Any online application may be scanned by Invicti, independent of the platform or programming language used to create it.
The first online web application security scanner that automatically exploits vulnerabilities found in a secure, read-only manner to validate problems encountered is called Invicti.
Additionally, it provides evidence of the vulnerability, so you won’t have to waste time manually confirming it. For instance, if a SQL injection vulnerability is found, the database name will be shown as evidence of the attack. Certified ethical hackers successfully use this tool for web application security.
Features of Invicti
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The use of unique proof-based scanning technology can identify vulnerabilities with dead accuracy.
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It has a scalable solution that requires less configuration.
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Both custom 404 error pages and URL rewriting rules are automatically detected.
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The SDLC and issue-tracking systems may be seamlessly integrated with the help of a REST API.
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In only one day, it can scan more than 1,000 online apps.
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With Invicti Security features, you will be charged between $4,500 and $26,600.
2. Fortify WebInspect
OpenText created WebInspect, a dynamic application security testing (DAST) tool. By mimicking actual external security assaults on active applications, it is intended to identify and rank exploitable vulnerabilities in web applications. Many web technologies, such as HTML5, JSON, AJAX, JavaScript, HTTP2, and more, are supported by WebInspect. Additionally, it provides pre-configured reports and rules for important online application security compliance laws, including OWASP, PCI DSS, DISA STIG, NIST 800-53, ISO 27K, and HIPAA.
Features of Fortify WebInspect:
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Security flaws are found by enabling it to examine the dynamic behaviour of active online applications.
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It may obtain essential data and statistics to control the scanning process.
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Inexperienced security testers can benefit from Centralized Program Management, vulnerability trending, compliance management, and risk supervision through simultaneous crawl professional-level testing.
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The HP firm will give Tran security and virus protection for about $29,494.00.
3. Cain & Abel
Cain & Abel is a Microsoft Windows password recovery application that can get passwords of different kinds using techniques including brute force, dictionary assaults, network packet sniffing, and cryptanalysis.
Many password hashes, such as those for LM and NTLM, NTLMv2, Microsoft Cache, Cisco IOS & PIX MD5 hashes, APOP & CRAM-MD5 MD5 hashes, and many more, may be cracked using it. It also contains functions like traceroute, hash calculation, VoIP conversation recording, decoding mixed passwords, and WEP cracking. Because Cain & Abel is a password recovery tool, specific virus scanners may identify it as malware despite its capabilities.
Features of Cain & Abel
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It is employed to retrieve Microsoft Access passwords.
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Uses for it include sniffing networks.
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It is possible to reveal the password box.
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It uses brute force, dictionary, and cryptanalysis methods to crack encrypted passwords.
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It is available for download from open source.
4. Nmap (Network Mapper)
Network mapping and security auditing may be done with the free and open-source program Nmap, sometimes known as “Network Mapper”. It is also helpful for many systems and network managers for activities like scheduling service upgrades, keeping track of host or service uptime, and inventorying the network.
This program has several capabilities aid in OS system detection, host finding, and computer network probing. It offers sophisticated vulnerability detection and can adjust to network circumstances like latency and congestion during scanning because it is script-expandable.
Features of Nmap (Network Mapper):
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Transmit packets over a network and examine the answers to determine the hosts.
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Listing all of the target hosts’ open ports.
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Contacting distant devices’ network services to find out the name and version of the program.
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Ping requests are used to verify the host.
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Using the TCP/IP stack to determine network device hardware and operating system.
5. Nessus
Nessus is the second ethical hacking tool on the list. Tenable Network Security created Nessus, the most well-known vulnerability scanner in the world. It is primarily advised for non-enterprise use and is free. With every given system, our network vulnerability scanner effectively identifies serious issues.
Because Nessus Agents are not on campus during standard network scan times, they can access vulnerability scan data from systems that may not be available with traditional network-based approaches.
Agents offer much higher security and more management simplicity than authorized scanning. Organizational units may better monitor, mitigate, and address their IT risks with the fast and accurate information about significant vulnerabilities that Nessus Agents give.
Features of Nessus:
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Provides a sizable plugin database that speeds up scans and cuts down on research time.
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Produces reports for customized reporting in various forms, including HTML, CSV, and Nessus Extensible Markup Language.
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It gives real-time vulnerability evaluation without requiring that scans be repeated.
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Combines related vulnerabilities into a group for more straightforward assessment and ranking.
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Keeps the false-positive rate low to avoid warning fatigue and guarantee precise threat identification.
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Provides more than 185,000 plugins to enhance the functionality of the platform.
6. Nikto
An open-source Perl program called Nikto checks web servers for vulnerabilities that might be exploited and lead to server penetration and this is one of the most famous hacking tools. Additionally, it can detect issues with particular version details of over 200 servers and check for outdated version details of 1200 servers.
Additionally, it may use the host’s favicon.ico files to fingerprint the server. It is quick and effective so that the work may be completed quickly, not so much as a stealth tool. As a result, by examining the log files, a site administrator may quickly determine if its server is being inspected. Additionally, it may display certain informational elements and not pose a security risk but demonstrate how to utilize it to improve web server security fully.
Features of Nikto:
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An open-source tool
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Finds over 6400 potentially harmful CGIs or files while scanning web servers.
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Looks for version-specific issues and out-of-date versions on servers.
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Examines misconfigured files and plug-ins
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Detects files and applications that are unsafe.
Also, to understand ethical hacking, its types and working make sure to visit CyberSavvy: Gain Mastery with Ethical Hacking Certification.
7. Intruder
The application indicated above is a completely automated scanning system intended to find cybersecurity flaws. It efficiently detects possible threats and gives thorough justifications for the vulnerabilities found, along with recommendations for mitigating them.
The Intruder platform plays a vital role in the field of vulnerability management, carrying out a large number of the difficult duties that are required. Its broad repertory of over 9000 security tests increases its effectiveness in preventing possible vulnerabilities.
Features of Intruder
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This analysis includes finding missing patches, incorrect setups, and common web application vulnerabilities like SQL injection and cross-site scripting.
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Prominent cloud service providers and well-known collaboration platforms like Jira and Slack are both easily integrated with the program.
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The current context is taken into consideration while ranking the findings, and systems are proactively scanned to uncover and fix the most recent vulnerabilities.
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8. Netsparker
Across the world, development teams, security operations, and information technology departments utilize Netsparker, a top web vulnerability management application. A completely customizable Enterprise Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) tool is called Netsparker. Through the use of the web front-end, a DAST tool may interact with a web application to find any potential security flaws. DAST tools imitate external assaults on an application by doing automated scans. Security operations teams can find security vulnerabilities by using DAST to scan websites, online applications, and web services.
Features of Netsparker:
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The service may be accessed via an internet portal or installed as a Windows operating system-compatible app.
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This method offers a unique way to validate vulnerabilities that are found, proving their legitimacy and separating them from false positives.
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Time is saved since the manual verification process is no longer required.
9. Metasploit
While Metasploit Pro is a for-profit solution with extra features and functions, the Metasploit Framework is an open-source software platform. It offers a free 14-day trial period for consumers to test out its features. Because Metasploit is originally meant to be used for penetration testing, ethical hackers can use it to write and execute attack programs that target distant systems.
Features of Metasploit:
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The aforementioned tool is extremely ideal for discovering and fixing potential security concerns.
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Its technology is particularly effective in the development of anti-forensic and evasion tools.
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Exporting data to text files is made easier by the program.
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It is possible to decode WEP keys and WPA2-PSK using this program, and it can also diagnose Wi-Fi devices.
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Numerous systems can be used with this program.
These are the different top ethical hacking tools explained above with features. Each one has its own attribute due to which it is being used in different businesses.Importance of Ethical Hacking Tools
Security experts specifically utilize ethical hacking methods to gain access to computer systems and identify flaws so that the security of those systems may be strengthened. Hacking tools, including packet sniffers, password crackers, port scanners, and others, are used by security experts to intercept network traffic, find passwords, and detect open ports on computers. Even though many different ethical hacking tools are on the market, consider their intended use.
However, network administration has experienced remarkable growth within the past few years. Its original purpose was network monitoring, but these days, it may also be used to control VPNs, intrusion detection systems (IDS), firewalls, antivirus programs, and anti-spam filters. Below mentioned are the crucial points.
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It offers defence against external and internal threats to end users.
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It is used to test network security by identifying and closing any vulnerabilities.
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One can also acquire ethical hacking software from the open-source community to protect their home network from dangers.
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A vulnerability assessment is another option for defending a system or network against outside threats.
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It is also used to audit the company’s security by ensuring the computer system operates without hiccups.
Conclusion:
Certified ethical hackers understand the importance of ethical hacking tools. The above information will help you to understand working tools, why they are used and what are their features. There are different security businesses and industries that make use of these tools. Make sure to read and understand the details carefully.
Its interoperability across numerous operating systems.
10. Aircrack-Ng
There is a growing trend in the use of wireless networks, which means that there is a greater need to make sure that Wi-Fi connections are secure. With the help of a full set of command-line tools from Aircrack-Ng, ethical hackers may evaluate and examine the security of wireless networks.
Attacking, monitoring, testing, and cracking are the main activities that Aircrack-Ng is intended for. Numerous operating systems, including Windows, OS X, Linux, eComStation, 2Free BSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, and Solaris, are compatible with the software utility.
Features of Aircrack-Ng -
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