This is a list of available software and hardware tools that are designed for or are particularly suited to various kinds of security assessment and security testing.
Operating systems and tool suites Several operating systems and tool suites provide bundles of tools useful for various types of security assessment.
Operating system distributions Kali Linux (formerly BackTrack), a penetration-test-focused Linux distribution based on Debian Pentoo, a penetration-test-focused Linux distribution based on Gentoo ParrotOS, a Linux distro focused on penetration testing, forensics, and online anonymity.
Tools
ToolVendorTypeLicenseTasksCommercial statusAircrack-ngGPLPacket sniffer and injector; WEP encryption key recoveryFreeMetasploitRapid7application, frameworkEULAVulnerability scanning, vulnerability developmentMultiple editions with various licensing terms, including one free-of-charge.NessusTenable Network SecurityProprietary; GPL (2.2.11 and earlier)Vulnerability scannerNmapterminal applicationGPL v2computer security, network managementFreeOpenVASGPLNikto Web ScannerGPLSQLmapWiresharkRiverbed Technology (sponsor)desktop applicationGPL2Network sniffing, traffic analysis Free. also offers limited vendor support, professional tools, and hardware for a feeGrypeAnchorecommand-line toolApache License 2.0Vulnerability scanningFree
External links SecTools.org: Top 125 Network Security Tools – a list of security tools suggested by a community