When people think of hacking, they often imagine hooded figures in dark rooms using mysterious tools. In reality, modern hacking is a mix of strategy, psychology, and software—some of which is freely available to anyone. Understanding what software hackers use doesn’t just satisfy curiosity—it’s a vital step in learning how to protect your devices, data, and network.
This article will explore the most commonly used hacker tools, how they work, and what you can do to stay one step ahead.
Why hackers use software tools
Hackers rely on specialized programs to:
- Scan for vulnerabilities in systems or networks
- Crack passwords or authentication barriers
- Eavesdrop on network traffic
- Hide their presence and evade detection
- Exploit misconfigured systems or outdated software
- Control infected devices (botnets) remotely
Some of these tools were originally created for ethical hacking or penetration testing—but they’ve also been adopted by cybercriminals.
Common categories of hacker tools
Reconnaissance tools
These are used to gather information about a target—often silently.
Popular examples:
- Nmap – scans for open ports and services on a network
- Shodan – search engine for exposed internet-connected devices
- theHarvester – collects emails, subdomains, and open source intelligence (OSINT)
- Maltego – graphical mapping of online identities, domains, and infrastructure
Defense tip:
Keep unnecessary services and ports closed, use firewalls, and monitor public exposure of your domains.
Exploitation frameworks
These tools automate the process of finding and using known software vulnerabilities.
Popular examples:
- Metasploit – one of the most widely used penetration testing frameworks
- SQLmap – automatically tests websites for SQL injection vulnerabilities
- BeEF – exploits web browser weaknesses
- ExploitDB – a database of known software vulnerabilities
Defense tip:
Keep all systems updated with the latest patches. Use vulnerability scanners and apply security best practices in software development.
Password cracking tools
These tools try to guess or decrypt passwords using brute force or dictionary attacks.
Popular examples:
- John the Ripper – cracks hashed passwords
- Hashcat – GPU-accelerated password recovery tool
- Hydra – attacks login forms on networks, web services, or FTP
- RockYou wordlist – a famous file with millions of real-world passwords
Defense tip:
Use long, unique passwords with a password manager. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.
Network sniffing and spoofing tools
Used to intercept, analyze, or manipulate network traffic.
Popular examples:
- Wireshark – captures and analyzes network packets
- Ettercap – conducts man-in-the-middle attacks
- Aircrack-ng – cracks Wi-Fi passwords using packet capture
- Responder – exploits Windows authentication weaknesses on local networks
Defense tip:
Use encrypted protocols (HTTPS, SSH), secure Wi-Fi with WPA3, and isolate sensitive traffic with VLANs or VPNs.
Remote access and control tools
These let attackers take control of compromised devices.
Popular examples:
- Cobalt Strike – a post-exploitation tool often abused in ransomware attacks
- Quasar RAT – a remote access Trojan for Windows
- Remcos – a commercial RAT often repurposed by cybercriminals
- TeamViewer misuse – some attackers abuse legitimate remote desktop tools
Defense tip:
Limit remote access to authorized tools, use endpoint detection software, and monitor outbound traffic for unusual behavior.
Obfuscation and evasion tools
These tools help hide malware and evade antivirus or endpoint security.
Popular examples:
- Veil-Evasion – creates payloads designed to bypass antivirus
- Packers and crypters – encrypt or modify malware to make it harder to detect
- Custom loaders – used to launch malicious code without direct detection
Defense tip:
Invest in behavior-based antivirus or EDR tools, not just signature-based ones. Regularly audit system behavior and logs.
What you can do to protect yourself
Even though many hacker tools are available to anyone, your system doesn’t have to be vulnerable. Here are essential strategies to stay secure:
- Keep your OS, apps, and firmware updated at all times
- Use strong passwords with MFA wherever possible
- Segment your network and don’t expose internal services to the public
- Install a next-gen antivirus or endpoint detection solution
- Monitor logs and network activity for anomalies
- Train employees on phishing and social engineering attacks
- Regularly back up data and test restore procedures
- Perform vulnerability assessments and penetration testing periodically
Hackers use a wide range of tools—many of which are publicly accessible and even legal to use in testing environments. The real danger lies not in the tools themselves, but in their misuse. By understanding how attackers operate, you can build stronger defenses and avoid becoming an easy target.
