Tools & Setup
Essential tools for ethical hacking and how to get started.
Kali Linux
The standard OS for penetration testing. Run in VirtualBox/VMware or WSL2 on Windows.
Nmap
Network discovery and scanning. nmap -sV target for version scan.
Burp Suite
Web app security testing. Community edition is free. Intercept and modify HTTP traffic.
Metasploit
Exploitation framework. Start with msfconsole. Use only on authorized targets.
Hashcat
Password cracking. Use our Password Checker to see why strong passwords matter.
Wireshark
Network protocol analyzer. Capture and inspect packets in real-time.
Tools Alone Don't Make a Hacker
Knowing why an exploit works, what vulnerability it targets, and how to fix it — that's the real skill. Tools are just automation.