In cybersecurity, it’s not just about defending against attacks — it’s about being one step ahead. That’s where pentesting (short for penetration testing) comes in. It’s all about simulating real-world threats to uncover weak spots before someone else does. Whether securing a small business or locking down a major enterprise, having the right tools makes all the difference.
This post breaks down 65+ go-to tools professionals rely on — from long-trusted open-source utilities to cutting-edge systems powered by artificial intelligence. Whether diving into cybersecurity or being in the game for years, you’ll find something here to sharpen your toolkit.
60 Penetration Testing Tools
Beyond AI-driven solutions, many traditional tools are vital in penetration testing. These tools, from network analyzers to password crackers, form the backbone of any security professional’s toolkit.
Network Scanning and Enumeration
- Nmap
A versatile network scanner is used for host discovery and service enumeration. It supports various scanning techniques to identify open ports and services.
Download Nmap
- Masscan
Known for its speed, Masscan can scan the entire Internet in under six minutes, making it ideal for large-scale network reconnaissance.
Access Masscan
- Netcat
Often dubbed the “Swiss Army knife” of networking, Netcat is used for reading and writing data across networks, aiding debugging and investigation.
Download Netcat
- Angry IP Scanner
A lightweight, cross-platform network scanner is designed to be fast and straightforward, ideal for small network assessments.
Access Angry IP Scanner
- Fping
A ping-like program to send ICMP echo requests to multiple hosts is helpful for network discovery and monitoring.
Download Fping
- Hping3
A network tool can send custom TCP/IP packets and display target replies like ping does with ICMP replies.
Access Hping3
- ZMap
An open-source network scanner that enables researchers to scan the entire Internet in minutes, supporting various protocols.
Download ZMap
- Unicornscan
A tool designed to provide a user with a superior interface for introducing a stimulus into and measuring a response from a TCP/IP enabled device or network.
Access Unicornscan - OpenVAS
A highly powerful and free penetration testing tool used to scan systems and networks for known vulnerabilities. It’s a staple among the best penetration testing tools for enterprise environments.
OpenVAS
- Nessus
Known for its accuracy, Nessus is a top-tier vulnerability scanner that offers deep scans and detailed reports. While it’s commercial, a free version exists for individual use.
Nessus
- Nikto
A solid go-to for checking web servers, this scanner digs into risky files, outdated software, and other common red flags. It’s easily one of the most trusted website penetration testing tools in the security world.
Get Nikto - Wapiti
A dynamic vulnerability scanner that allows you to audit the security of web applications by performing “black-box” scans.
Wapiti - Arachni
A high-performance, modular, open-source website vulnerability scanner ideal for developers and security professionals.
Get Arachni
- Vega
An open-source GUI-based scanner that finds SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other vulnerabilities.
Download Vega
Exploitation Frameworks
15. Metasploit Framework
One of the best penetration testing tools, Metasploit is a complete exploitation platform used to test security vulnerabilities, enumerate networks, and execute exploits.
16. BeEF (Browser Exploitation Framework)
An advanced browser exploitation tool that focuses on client-side attack vectors via web browsers. It’s a unique website penetration testing tool.
17. Exploit Pack
A Java-based automated pentesting tool for managing exploits and performing red team operations.
18. Immunity CANVAS
A commercial exploitation tool with over 800 exploits for penetration testing. It supports custom module creation and automation. Visit Immunity
19. Core Impact
A commercial pentesting tool with automation capabilities that supports multiple platforms and systems.
Wireless Network Tools
20. Aircrack-ng
It is one of the best penetration testing tools for WiFi auditing, offering capabilities to crack WEP and WPA-PSK keys.
21. Kismet
A wireless network detector, sniffer, and intrusion detection system.
22. Wifite
A free penetration testing tool that automates cracking WiFi passwords on WEP, WPA, and WPA2 networks.
23. Reaver
A tool for brute-force attacks against WPS-enabled WiFi routers. Often used as part of automated pentesting tools in wireless security assessments.
Password Cracking
24. John the Ripper
A fast and powerful password cracker that supports hundreds of hash types. It’s a classic among the best pentesting tools.
25. Hashcat
The world’s fastest password recovery tool. It supports GPU acceleration for cracking hashes like NTLM, MD5, and SHA.
26. Hydra
A parallelized login cracker supporting numerous protocols. It’s a staple in free pen testing tools.
Web Application Testing
27. Burp Suite
A powerful suite of tools used for web vulnerability scanning and manual testing. Available in free and pro versions.
28. OWASP ZAP
A free, open-source web application scanner that helps find security vulnerabilities automatically and manually.
29. SQLMap
An automated penetration testing tool that detects and exploits SQL injection flaws.
30. XSSer
Automates the process of detecting and exploiting XSS vulnerabilities in web applications.
Download XSSer
31. Commix
One of the best penetration testing tools for command injection vulnerabilities in web applications.
Top 9 AI Pentesting Tools
Let’s face it – AI isn’t just hype anymore, especially regarding cybersecurity. It’s making life easier for pentesters by cutting down on the repetitive stuff and helping spot issues faster than ever. Whether you’re mapping out a network, scanning for vulnerabilities, or diving into complex systems, these AI tools are stepping in as powerful sidekicks, helping you work smarter, not harder.
- PentestGPT
An AI-powered penetration testing toolkit that leverages large language models to automate the testing process. It guides users through reconnaissance, exploitation, and post-exploitation phases, making it suitable for novices and experts.
2. Mindgard
Mindgard offers an AI-driven platform for offensive security, focusing on identifying and mitigating AI-specific vulnerabilities. It employs structured testing methodologies to simulate real-world attacks on AI systems.
3. Pentest-AI
A Python utility that assists in building and executing pentesting commands using AI. It supports tools like Nmap, sqlmap, and Hashcat, providing interactive guidance throughout testing.
4. HackingBuddyGPT
Designed to evaluate the efficiency of large language models in penetration testing, this framework focuses on Linux privilege escalation and web API testing. It’s an open-source initiative to level the playing field for security teams.
5. PentestGPT
An automation script that utilizes advanced language models to optimize tool selection, generate commands, and analyze results, streamlining the pentesting workflow.
6. SecReport
A collaborative platform for penetration testing report writing powered by ChatGPT. It standardizes testing processes, allows multiple users to edit reports, and generates vulnerability summaries with fix suggestions.
- Agentic Security
An open-source vulnerability scanner offering customizable rule sets and agent-based attacks. It provides comprehensive fuzzing for large language models and stress testing with various attack techniques.
- SploitCraft
A curated collection of security exploits and penetration testing techniques intended to help professionals understand and demonstrate the latest cybersecurity threats.
- Awesome GPT Security
A curated list of security tools and experimental cases involving large language models aiming to explore the intersection of AI and cybersecurity.
Master Pentesting Tools and AI tools Application in Real World Worlds Job with EC-Councils CEH AI and CPENT AI certifications:
Certified Ethical Hacker CEH AI: World’s No.1 Ethical Hacking Certification with AI skills
Why CEH AI is the in-demand certification by employers across the globe:
- Master the blueprint of ethical hacking phases, which is also immersed with AI ethical hacking skills.
- CEH AI covers the core domains of cybersecurity
- Learn ethical hacking in a unique 4 phases learning framework: Learn, Certify, Engage, and Compete.
- Learn: Get access to 20 modules, 221 labs, 4000 tools, AI tools and techniques, 551 attack techniques, and labs to practice AI skills.
- Certify: 4-hour knowledge-based exam and 6-hour practical exam.
- Engage: Get access to real-world simulations for practical ethical hacking.
- Compete: Get yearlong access to 12 CTF challenges, one each month, and compete with peers worldwide as a continuous learning platform.
- CEH AI is mapped to 48 cybersecurity job roles
Certified Penetration Testing Professional CPENT AI: World comprehensive, advanced penetration program with AI skills mapped to all pentesting phases
Why CPENT AI is the best and in-demand penetration testing course of today:
- Master end-to-end mastery, learning complete pen testing methodology
- World-first AI pen testing skills mapped to all pentesting phases
- Master advanced pen-testing skills
- Get hands-on learning in live cyber ranges, CTF challenges, and 110+ labs
- Get your skills tested in 5 Multi-disciplinary ranges
- Learning scoping, rules of engagement, and more skills enable you to plan, strategy, and execute pen testing jobs.
- Mapped to 20+ job roles across the industries.
Conclusion:
With all the tools out there today, it can be overwhelming to know where to start — but this collection of 70 pentesting tools gives you a solid snapshot of what’s out there. From the old-school classics that security pros have used for years to the newer AI pentesting tools that are shaking things up, there’s something here for every kind of tester and every type of job.
If you’re looking for free pen testing tools, tools that are fully automated, or open-source penetration testing tools you can tweak and build on, you’ve got options. The addition of AI into the mix doesn’t just make things faster — it helps spot problems more accurately and even guides your next move. Whether you’re digging into web app vulnerabilities, scanning networks, or testing APIs, the tools available today are more powerful and flexible than ever.
Disclaimer: The external tools and links mentioned in this blog are provided solely for informational purposes. Visitors are advised to click and access them at their own discretion. These tools are not officially endorsed by EC-Council, and the organization is not liable for any issues, security risks, or damages that may arise from accessing third-party websites. We strongly encourage users to verify the credibility and safety of any external resources before use.
Cybersecurity CEH V12
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Cybersecurity CEH V12
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