Penetration Testing Tools

TrustRadius Top Rated for 2023

Top Rated Products

(1-2 of 2)

1
Wireshark

Wireshark is a free and open source network troubleshooting tool.

2
Veracode

Veracode is an application security platform that performs five types of analysis; static analysis, dynamic analysis, software composition analysis, interactive application security testing, and penetration testing. Veracode offers on-demand expertise and aims to help companies fix…

All Products

(1-25 of 79)

1
Veracode

Veracode is an application security platform that performs five types of analysis; static analysis, dynamic analysis, software composition analysis, interactive application security testing, and penetration testing. Veracode offers on-demand expertise and aims to help companies fix…

2
Wireshark

Wireshark is a free and open source network troubleshooting tool.

3
PortSwigger Burp Suite

The Burp Suite, from UK-based alcohol-themed software company PortSwigger Web Security, is an application security and testing solution.

Explore recently added products

4
Metasploit

Metasploit is open source network security software described by Rapid7 as the world’s most used penetration testing framework, designed to help security teams do more than just verify vulnerabilities, manage security assessments, and improve security awareness.

5
Kali Linux

Kali Linux is an open source, advanced penetration testing platform supported by Offensive Security headquartered in New York.

6
Acunetix by Invicti

AcuSensor from Maltese company Acunetix is application security and testing software.

7
Mandiant Advantage Security Validation

Since 2004, Mandiant has been a partner to security-conscious organizations. Mandiant’s approach helps organizations develop more effective and efficient cyber security programs and instills confidence in their readiness to defend against and respond to cyber threats.

8
Secureworks Security Consulting Services

Secureworks offers Security Consulting Services covering architecture guidance and analysis, continual assessments and testing, and compliance audits.

9
HackerOne

HackerOne is a hacker-powered security platform, helping organizations find and fix critical vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, from the company of the same name in San Francisco. The service is used for vulnerability location, pen testing, bug bounty, and vulnerability…

10
Invicti

Invicti enables organizations in every industry to continuously scan and secure all of their web applications and APIs. Invicti provides a comprehensive view of an organization’s entire web application portfolio, and automation and integrations enable customers to achieve broad coverage…

11
Framework Security Risk Assessments, Penetration Testing, and vCISO

Framework Security offers Cybersecurity Management from crisis control to proactive planning, by providing expert guidance for the toughest cybersecurity challenges.

12
Nikto

Nikto is an open source fast (not stealthy) vulnerability testing tool that can be used in penetration testing or purple team exercises.

13
Mobile Security Framework (MobSF)

Mobile Security Framework (MobSF) is an automated, all-in-one mobile application (Android/iOS/Windows) pen-testing, malware analysis and security assessment framework capable of performing static and dynamic analysis. MobSF support mobile app binaries (APK, IPA & APPX) along with…

14
Pentest-Tools.com

Pentest-Tools.com allows users to discover and report vulnerabilities in websites and network infrastructures. They provide a set of integrated pentesting tools designed to enable users to perform easier, faster, and more effective pentest engagements. Quickly discover the attack…

15
John the Ripper

John the Ripper is a penetration testing tool used to find and crack weak passwords.

16
Hydra

Hydra is a password cracking tool used for penetration testing.

17
Hashcat

Hashcat is a password recovery tool that can also be used in security testing (e.g. password cracking, exposing flaws).

18
Intruder

Intruder, from Intruder Systems in London, is a cloud-based vulnerability scanner that finds cyber security weaknesses in digital infrastructure, to avoid costly data breaches.

19
Sn1per Professional

Sn1per Professional is an offensive security platform that provides a comprehensive view of internal and external attack surface and offers an asset risk scoring system to prioritize, reduce, and manage risk. Sn1per Professional is used to discover the attack surface and continuously…

20
Strike Graph
0 reviews

Strike Graph is a Compliance SAAS solution simplifying certifications such as SOC 2 Type I/II, PCI or ISO 27001. The platform helps companies to rapidly deploy a risk-driven Security & Compliance program as Strike Graph automatically collects evidence for auditor review via api driven…

21
Carbide
0 reviews

Carbide (formerly Securicy) is an information security and privacy management platform based on universal best practices to enable customers to create, promote, and prove their commitment to security no matter which security framework or privacy regulation they wish to comply with.…

22
UnderDefense
0 reviews

UnderDefense is a Cloud Managed Threat Detection & Response platform, focusing on no-code Incident Response Prevention and Security Automation, boasting an approach that emphasizes Offensive Security and Incident Response in the global fight against ransomware by the cyber insurance…

23
InterSec, Inc.

Founded in 2013, InterSec Inc. offers cybersecurity services to small and medium-sized businesses. Their team of experts boasts experience in a variety of cybersecurity disciplines, and InterSec offers a range of services that includes CMMC Compliance, Program Management, Governance,…

24
Redbot Security

Redbot Security, headquartered in Denver, identifies, evaluates, exploits, reports (proof of concept) and provides best practice remediation steps for Real-World vulnerabilities found-within applications, systems and networks. They offer Manual Controlled Penetration Testing (MCPT-…

25
NCC Group
0 reviews

NCC Group assesses, develops and manages cyber threats, and advise global technology, manufacturers, financial institutions, critical national infrastructure providers, retailers and governments on the best way to keep businesses, software and personal data safe.

Learn More About Penetration Testing Tools

What are Penetration Testing Tools?

Penetration Testing (Pen Testing) Tools provide means to conduct authorized, ethical (white-hat) hacking of applications in production. These simulated attacks by testers help organizations locate vulnerabilities that may be exploited by hackers and determine the possible risk associated with said vulnerabilities. The tools then report the exploited vulnerabilities to the organization for remediation. They are usually used either as part of a comprehensive security assessment, or part of the QA process in application or system development.


Penetration testing tools are closely related to the Application Security Testing space. Application Security Testing is a key element of ensuring that web applications remain secure. Various tools and managed services exist to provide continuous testing, besides application security platforms that include app testing as part of their functionality. Penetration testing can extend beyond applications by testing networks, services, or social engineering vulnerabilities.


Penetration testing is a broad field, with a wide range of tool types and penetration methods. Some of the most common testing types supported by these tools include:


  • White box tests

  • Blind tests

  • Double-blind tests

  • External tests

  • Internal tests


There are several key benefits of penetration testing tools. Primarily, they automate much of the testing process, allowing for more efficient and comprehensive security testing. This reduces the risk of malicious breaches on the organization’s networks, services, or applications. Penetration testing tools also provide testers the assurances and data to remain compliant with various regulatory requirements.


Penetration Testing vs. Vulnerability Management Tools

Penetration testing is often confused with vulnerability scanning or management. They are closely related, but with important distinctions. Vulnerability management focuses on identifying and reporting on vulnerabilities within various systems. They can continuously scan networks and systems. However, they only focus on identifying vulnerabilities, rather than following through on triggering the identified exploit.


Penetration testing complements these vulnerability management tools. Penetration testing fully exploits the found vulnerabilities to better understand the extent and impact of a given vulnerability. Penetration testing is usually not a continuous function, but can provide more thorough intelligence to security administrators. Penetration testing tools are usually used together with other vulnerability management tools.

Penetration Testing Tools Comparison

When comparing different penetration testing tools, consider these factors:

  • Testing Flexibility: What range of features and capabilities can each tool be configured to use? For instance, does each tools specialize in network testing, application security, or even people hacking? Many leading tools will offer some capabilities to serve each use case, but will vary in their comprehensiveness.

  • Standalone Penetration Testing vs. Application Security Solution: Does the organization need a specific tool just for penetration testing, or is a broader application security solution more appropriate? Solutions will also come with code analysis tools and integrate with development cycles, but will also require more management and higher up front costs.


Start a penetration testing tool comparison here

Related Categories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is penetration testing?

Penetration testing is ethically hacking an organization’s systems and networks to expose vulnerabilities for remediation.

Who performs penetration testing?

The most common penetration testing tool users are dedicated testers and testing services, network specialists, and security admins.

What’s the difference between penetration testing and vulnerability testing?

Vulnerability testing can be continuous and just identifies vulnerabilities, while penetration testing is used at specific points and fully explores identified exploits to better understand the scope of vulnerabilities.

When should you do penetration testing?

Penetration testing is most commonly conducted as part of a larger security assessment, or as part of late-stage development cycles.