top of page
Search

Inside a Hacker’s Toolkit: What Tools Do Hackers Actually Use?


what tools do hackers use
Inside a Hacker’s Toolkit: What Tools Do Hackers Actually Use?

Introduction

The idea of hacking is often surrounded by myths. Movies and television portray hackers as geniuses using secret software unavailable to the public. In reality, modern hacking relies on structured processes, publicly documented tools, and repeatable techniques. The same tools used by cybercriminals are often used by ethical hackers, security consultants, and enterprise defenders.


Understanding what tools hackers actually use is one of the most effective ways to reduce cyber risk. Attacks succeed not because tools are unknown, but because systems remain misconfigured, software goes unpatched, and users are unaware of how attacks work.


This guide explores the real tools used across every stage of a cyberattack. It explains how attackers think, why they choose specific tools, and how defenders use the same software to stay ahead of threats in 2026.


Understanding the Hacker Mindset

Hackers rarely rely on a single tool. Instead, they follow a structured workflow known as the cyber kill chain. Each phase has a specific goal and corresponding tools.

The typical phases include:

  • Reconnaissance

  • Scanning and enumeration

  • Vulnerability discovery

  • Exploitation

  • Privilege escalation

  • Persistence

  • Data exfiltration and cleanup

A hacker’s toolkit evolves constantly, but the core categories remain consistent across nearly all attacks.


Phase One: Reconnaissance and Intelligence Gathering

Reconnaissance is the most important stage of hacking. Information reduces uncertainty, and uncertainty increases the risk of detection.


Nmap Network Mapper

Nmap is the industry standard for network discovery and mapping.

Official website https://nmap.org/

Hackers use Nmap to identify which devices are online, what ports are open, and what services are running. From this data, they can determine potential vulnerabilities such as exposed remote access services or outdated applications.

Defenders use Nmap for asset inventory, firewall testing, and exposure reduction. Regular scanning helps eliminate unnecessary services before attackers find them.


Maltego

Maltego is an advanced open source intelligence platform used for digital relationship mapping.

Official website https://www.maltego.com/

Using Maltego, hackers can link domains, IP addresses, email accounts, usernames, and social media profiles into visual graphs. This allows attackers to identify employees, partners, and potential phishing targets.

Security teams use Maltego to understand how much information is publicly accessible and to reduce digital footprint exposure.


theHarvester

theHarvester collects email addresses, subdomains, and hostnames from public sources.

This tool is commonly used before phishing campaigns or brute force attacks. Defenders use it to identify exposed email addresses and remove unnecessary public data.


Phase Two: Enumeration and Vulnerability Discovery

Once a target is mapped, hackers begin identifying weaknesses.


Nikto Web Server Scanner

Nikto scans web servers for known vulnerabilities, outdated software, and insecure configurations.

Official website https://cirt.net/Nikto2

Nikto remains effective because many web servers are poorly maintained. Even basic misconfigurations can lead to full compromise.

Security teams integrate Nikto into routine web security audits.


OpenVAS

OpenVAS is a full scale vulnerability scanning framework used worldwide.

Official website https://www.openvas.org/

OpenVAS checks systems against tens of thousands of known vulnerabilities and misconfigurations. Hackers use it to rank targets by exploitability, while defenders use it for continuous vulnerability management and compliance.

Regular scanning dramatically reduces real world breach risk.


Phase Three: Exploitation Frameworks

Exploitation is where attackers transition from discovery to access.


Metasploit Framework

Metasploit is one of the most powerful exploitation platforms ever developed.

Metasploit allows attackers and ethical hackers to deploy exploits, run payloads, escalate privileges, and pivot across networks. It is commonly used in professional penetration testing and red team operations.

Defenders use Metasploit to validate security controls and test intrusion detection systems.


SQLMap

SQLMap automates exploitation of SQL injection vulnerabilities.

Official website https://sqlmap.org/

Despite being a decades old vulnerability, SQL injection remains common due to poor development practices. SQLMap can extract databases, user credentials, and sensitive records if input validation is weak.

Developers and security teams use SQLMap during testing to prevent catastrophic data breaches.


Phase Four: Credential and Authentication Attacks

Credentials are often the easiest path to access.


Hashcat

Hashcat is a high performance password cracking engine.

Hashcat supports GPU acceleration and advanced attack modes. Hackers use it to crack stolen hashes from data breaches. Security teams use it to enforce strong password policies and identify risky credentials.

Strong passwords and multi factor authentication significantly reduce Hashcat effectiveness.


John the Ripper

John the Ripper is a widely used password auditing tool.

Organizations use John the Ripper to test password strength and compliance. Weak passwords remain one of the most exploited attack vectors.


Phase Five: Wireless and Network Attacks

Wireless networks expand attack surfaces beyond physical walls.


Aircrack ng

Aircrack ng is a wireless security auditing suite.

Hackers use it to capture wireless traffic and crack weak encryption keys. Security professionals use it to ensure modern encryption standards and proper configuration are enforced.

Using WPA3, strong passphrases, and disabling legacy protocols significantly improves wireless security.


Phase Six: Social Engineering and Human Exploitation

Many successful attacks do not require technical exploits.


Social Engineering Toolkit

The Social Engineering Toolkit automates phishing attacks and credential harvesting simulations.

Attackers use SET to trick users into revealing credentials or installing malware. Organizations use it to train employees and test security awareness.

Human focused defenses are just as important as technical controls.


Phase Seven: Network Monitoring and Traffic Inspection

Visibility into network traffic reveals valuable data.


Wireshark

Wireshark is a network protocol analyzer used for packet inspection.

Hackers use Wireshark to locate unencrypted credentials and sensitive traffic. Defenders rely on it for troubleshooting, intrusion detection, and forensic investigations.

Encrypting traffic and segmenting networks limits attacker visibility.


Phase Eight: Malware and Persistence Mechanisms

Advanced attackers seek long term access.


Remote Access Trojans

Remote Access Trojans provide persistent control over compromised systems.

MITRE ATT and CK framework https://attack.mitre.org/

Security teams analyze these tools to understand attacker behavior and develop detection strategies. Endpoint detection and response platforms are critical defenses against persistent threats.


Legal and Ethical Considerations

Hacking tools are legal to study and download. Unauthorized use against systems without permission is illegal and punishable by law. Ethical hackers operate under contracts, follow disclosure guidelines, and work to improve security rather than exploit it. Understanding these tools ethically builds valuable cybersecurity skills and career opportunities.


How Defenders Use Hacker Tools Strategically

Security teams actively use offensive tools to strengthen defenses through:

  • Penetration testing

  • Red team exercises

  • Password audits

  • Wireless security assessments

  • Phishing simulations

  • Threat modeling

This proactive approach identifies weaknesses before attackers exploit them.


Why Hacker Tool Knowledge Matters in 2026

Cyberattacks continue to increase, but the underlying techniques remain consistent. Organizations that understand attacker tools respond faster, patch sooner, and train users more effectively. Security awareness is no longer optional. It is a competitive advantage.


Safe Environments for Learning

Beginners should practice only in authorized environments such as:

These platforms provide legal, hands on experience.


Final Thoughts

A hacker’s toolkit is not mysterious or hidden. It is a structured and well documented set of tools that are widely available and commonly understood within the cybersecurity community. Attacks succeed not because these tools are secret, but because basic security practices are often ignored.


The difference between compromise and resilience comes down to preparation. Knowing how attacker tools work allows defenders to identify weaknesses early, fix misconfigurations, and reduce risk before damage occurs. Those who understand attacker tools do not fear them. They use that knowledge to stay proactive, strengthen defenses, and neutralize threats before they escalate.


Have more questions or need help getting secured? Contact us today!

Your personal information, devices, and online accounts are more vulnerable than ever. Cybrvault Cybersecurity provides tailored protection designed to secure every part of your daily digital world. Our team specializes in:

• Comprehensive personal security audits

• Home network and WiFi hardening

• Identity theft and privacy protection

• Secure remote work setup

• Rapid incident response and digital forensics

Your online safety should never be an afterthought. Whether you want full privacy protection or immediate support, our experts are here to safeguard what matters most!

Visit https://www.cybrvault.com/book-online to schedule your free consultation and start securing your digital life today!

☎️ 305-988-9012 📧 info@cybrvault.com 🖥 www.cybrvault.com


PERSONAL SECURITY AUDIT
30min
Book Now

what tools do hackers use

what tools do hackers use


 
 
 
bottom of page