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Top Tools Covered in CEH v12
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, staying ahead of malicious actors requires a deep understanding of both offensive and defensive techniques. For ethical hackers and cybersecurity professionals, mastery of hacking tools is essential for identifying vulnerabilities, assessing risks, and fortifying defenses. In the latest iteration of the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) program, version 12 (v12), participants are introduced to a comprehensive arsenal of tools spanning various phases of ethical hacking. In this guide, we’ll delve into the top tools covered in CEH v12, organized by their respective categories.
Understanding Hacking Tools
What are Hacking Tools?
Hacking tools, also known as penetration testing tools, are software applications designed to assist cybersecurity professionals in assessing the security posture of systems, networks, and applications. These tools encompass a wide range of functionalities, including reconnaissance, scanning, exploitation, privilege escalation, and data exfiltration. While some hacking tools are open-source and freely available, others are proprietary and may require licensing or subscription fees. Regardless of their origin, hacking tools serve as indispensable assets for ethical hackers seeking to identify and remediate vulnerabilities in digital environments.
Top CEH v12 Tools
Reconnaissance/Footprinting Tools
Reconnaissance, also known as footprinting, is the first phase of ethical hacking, involving gathering information about a target system or organization. In CEH v12, participants are introduced to several reconnaissance tools, including:
- Nmap: A versatile network scanning tool used for port scanning, service enumeration, and OS fingerprinting.
- Recon-NG: A powerful reconnaissance framework that automates the gathering of information from open-source intelligence (OSINT) sources, social media platforms, and public databases.
- Shodan: A search engine for internet-connected devices, Shodan enables users to discover vulnerable systems, industrial control systems (ICS), and Internet of Things (IoT) devices exposed to the internet.
