Security Tools & Resources
A curated collection of essential cybersecurity tools, frameworks, and learning platforms for security professionals, penetration testers, and enthusiasts.
Top Security Tools & Platforms
- Kali Linux — The leading Linux distribution for penetration testing and ethical hacking. Comes pre-installed with hundreds of security testing tools.
- Nmap — Network Mapper: Open-source tool for network discovery and security auditing. Essential for scanning networks and identifying open ports and services.
- ThousandEyes — Cloud-based network intelligence platform for monitoring network performance, outages, and security. Provides end-to-end visibility across hybrid networks.
- Metasploit Framework — Comprehensive penetration testing framework that helps security professionals develop and execute exploits. Industry-standard for vulnerability assessment and exploitation.
- MITRE ATT&CK — Globally-accessible knowledge base of adversary tactics and techniques based on real-world observations. Essential reference for threat modeling and defensive strategies.
- MITRE D3FEND — Defensive countermeasures framework complementing ATT&CK. Maps defensive techniques to adversary tactics, helping organizations build robust defense strategies.
- HackTheBox — Online platform for practicing hands-on cybersecurity skills. Features vulnerable machines and challenges designed for all skill levels.
- Bugcrowd — Leading crowdsourced security platform connecting organizations with ethical hackers. Offers bug bounty programs and vulnerability disclosure coordination.
- PicoCTF — Capture The Flag competition created by Carnegie Mellon University. Excellent for learning cybersecurity concepts through interactive challenges.
- SANS Institute — Leading provider of cybersecurity training and certifications. Offers specialized courses (GCIH, OSCP, etc.) and hosts the NetWars competitions.
- OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) — Non-profit dedicated to web application security. Provides frameworks, tools, and documentation including the famous Top 10 vulnerabilities list.
Additional Resources
- Shodan — Search engine for Internet-connected devices. Useful for asset discovery and vulnerability research.
- Exploit-DB — Repository of exploits and security research documents.
- CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) — Standardized list of publicly disclosed cybersecurity vulnerabilities with unique identifiers.
- CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) — Classification system for software and hardware weaknesses. Helps identify root causes of vulnerabilities.
- CAPEC (Common Attack Pattern Expression Language) — Comprehensive dictionary of attack patterns and methodologies used by adversaries.
- CCE (Common Configuration Enumeration) — Standardized identifiers for software configurations and security best practices.
- Dark Reading — News and analysis on cybersecurity threats and trends.
- Security Onion — Linux distribution for threat hunting, security monitoring, and log management.