1. Introduction

The dynamic world of cybersecurity is not only about specialized software, but also a range of clever gadgets that give both ethical hackers and network administrators an advantage. Today, we’ll introduce you to the most popular devices for pentesting and organize software tools into categories – so you can quickly find something useful, regardless of your skill level.

2. Top 7 Hacking Gadgets – the most interesting security testing devices

• Raspberry Pi – a mini-computer with huge capabilities. Linux-based, with GPIO outputs, it allows you to build your own tools for networking, automation, or security. Perfect for emulating servers, honeypots, or network sniffers.
• Rubber Ducky – inconspicuous, looking like an ordinary USB stick, but capable of automating attacks by injecting keystroke sequences, payloads, and stealing sensitive data.
• Flipper Zero – a multifunctional, “pocket hacker.” Supports RFID, NFC, infrared, Bluetooth LE – you can clone cards, control devices, or test IoT security.
• LAN Turtle – a clever USB tool for LAN pentesting. Plug it into a network to collect data remotely or conduct MITM attacks.
• Wi-Fi Pineapple – a powerful device for Wi-Fi reconnaissance, vulnerability testing, and man-in-the-middle attacks. It creates fake access points, intercepts, and analyzes traffic.
• Alfa Network Cards – powerful Wi-Fi cards capable of capturing and injecting packets; a staple for every Wi-Fi pentester.
• Ubertooth One – a small dongle for sniffing and monitoring Bluetooth traffic. Open-source, supports both BLE and classic Bluetooth.

3. Cybersecurity Tools – categories of IT security tools

Today’s pentester and security analyst use dozens of tools – that’s why it’s worth knowing the most important groups:

• Information Gathering – tools for collecting information about systems and networks (e.g., Nmap, Shodan, Recon-NG). These enable you to map out infrastructure and find vulnerable services.
• Wireless Hacking – for testing the security of wireless networks (Aircrack-NG, Kismet, Reaver), allowing you to crack Wi-Fi keys and analyze radio traffic.
• Software Engineering – support phishing, social engineering, and web application testing (GoPhish, HiddenEye, Evilginx).
• Exploitation – purely offensive, used to find and exploit vulnerabilities (Metasploit, Cobalt Strike, SQLMap).
• Password Cracking – for cracking passwords (John the Ripper, Hashcat, Hydra), both offline and online.
• Vulnerability Scanning – vulnerability scanners (OpenVAS, Nessus) that automatically detect known flaws in systems.
• Forensics – tools for post-incident analysis (SleuthKit, Wireshark, Autopsy), helping you reconstruct attacks and secure evidence.
• Web Application Assessment – for testing the security of web applications (OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite, WPScan).

What to choose as a beginner?

4. Key tools by category (selected)

• Information Gathering: Nmap, Shodan, Maltego, TheHarvester, Recon-NG, Amass, Censys, OSINT Framework, Gobuster
• Wireless Hacking: Aircrack-NG, Wifite, Kismet, TCPDump, Airsnort, Netstumbler, Reaver
• Software Engineering: GoPhish, HiddenEye, SocialFish, EvilURL, Evilginx
• Exploitation: Burp Suite, Metasploit, SQLMap, ZAP, ExploitDB, Core Impact, Cobalt Strike
• Password Cracking: John The Ripper, Hydra, Hashcat, OPHCrack, Medusa, THC-Hydra, Cain & Abel
• Vulnerability Scanning: OpenVAS, Nessus, AppScan, LYNIS, Retina, Nexpose
• Forensics: SleuthKit, Autopsy, Volatility, Guymager, Foremost, Binwalk, Wireshark
• Web Application Assessment: OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite, Nikto, WPScan, Gobuster, App Spider

5. FAQ for beginners

6. Conclusion

A modern pentester and IT security engineer should combine knowledge with practical skills – both in using professional tools and working with custom hardware. Get to know the tools above, experiment in legal test environments, because cybersecurity is all about ongoing learning and exploration.