- by x32x01 ||
Cybersecurity is all about having the right tools for the right job. From monitoring and forensics to penetration testing and vulnerability scanning, here are 35 essential tools used by ethical hackers, SOC analysts, and researchers (always in authorized environments).
Categories & Examples:
Network Scanning & Mapping - Nmap, Angry IP Scanner 
Vulnerability Assessment - Nessus, OpenVAS, Nexpose 
Web App Testing - Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, Nikto 
Exploitation Frameworks - Metasploit, Immunity Canvas 
Password & Credential Testing (Lab Use Only) - Hydra, John the Ripper, Hashcat 
Wireless Security - Aircrack-ng, Kismet, Wireshark 
Forensics & IR - Autopsy, Volatility, Sleuth Kit 
SIEM & Monitoring - Splunk, ELK Stack, Security Onion 
Threat Intelligence - MISP, Maltego, AlienVault OTX Container & Cloud Security - Falco, Clair, Scout Suite 
Why It Matters:Each tool plays a different role in protecting systems, detecting threats, and improving defenses. Learning them gives you a well-rounded cybersecurity toolkit.