Best Platforms to Practice Ethical Hacking [2024 Updated]

• 05 February, 2024
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Introduction:

Ethical hacking, also known as white-hat hacking, is a crucial aspect of cybersecurity. Ethical hackers play a pivotal role in identifying and fixing vulnerabilities in computer systems, applications, and networks, helping organizations protect their sensitive data from malicious actors. If you aspire to become an ethical hacker or improve your hacking skills, practicing on safe and legal platforms is essential. In this blog, we will explore some of the best platforms where you can practice ethical hacking and answer some common questions about hacking websites.

The best platforms to practice ethical hacking are:

1. HackThis:
   • Website: https://www.hackthis.co.uk/
   • HackThis offers a variety of challenges that cover different aspects of hacking, ranging from basic to advanced levels.
   • Challenges may include web application security, cryptography, and various puzzles to test your skills.
   • Users can earn points and badges as they progress through challenges, making it a rewarding learning experience.
2. OverTheWire:
   • Website: https://overthewire.org/
   • OverTheWire provides war games and challenges primarily focused on Linux and security.
   • The platform offers a series of levels with increasing difficulty, allowing you to learn and practice Linux command-line skills, scripting, and security concepts.
3. Root Me:
   • Website: https://www.root-me.org/
   • Root Me offers a wide range of hacking challenges, including web application security, network penetration testing, and more.
   • Challenges are categorized by difficulty, and you can track your progress and earn points.
   • It also provides solutions and explanations to help you learn from your mistakes.
4. HackTheBox:
   • Website: https://www.hackthebox.eu/
   • HackTheBox is a popular platform for hands-on penetration testing exercises.
   • It features a diverse set of virtual machines (VMs) with various vulnerabilities that users can exploit and learn from.
   • To access active machines, you need to solve a series of challenges, making it a more realistic experience.
5. VulnHub:
   • Website: https://www.vulnhub.com/
   • VulnHub specializes in vulnerable virtual machines (VMs) that you can download and run in a virtualized environment.
   • Users can practice their penetration testing skills by exploiting these intentionally vulnerable systems.
6. Hellbound Hackers:
   • Website: https://www.hellboundhackers.org/
   • Hellbound Hackers offers a combination of challenges and tutorials covering a wide range of hacking topics.
   • It provides a supportive community where users can share their knowledge and experiences.
7. TryHackMe:
   • Website: https://tryhackme.com/
   • TryHackMe offers a platform with various labs, capture-the-flag (CTF) challenges, and rooms designed for users of all skill levels.
   • It focuses on providing a user-friendly environment for learning and practicing cybersecurity skills.
8. Damn Vulnerable Web App (DVWA):
   • Website: http://www.dvwa.co.uk/
   • DVWA is a deliberately vulnerable web application that allows you to practice web application security testing.
   • Users can learn how to identify and exploit common web application vulnerabilities, such as SQL injection and XSS (Cross-Site Scripting).
9. PentesterLab:
   • Website: https://pentesterlab.com/
   • PentesterLab offers hands-on exercises and labs primarily focused on web application security and penetration testing.
   • It provides interactive scenarios to help users learn and apply security concepts.
10. WebGoat:
    • Website: https://owasp.org/www-project-webgoat/
    • WebGoat is an OWASP project that provides a deliberately insecure web application for learning and practicing web security.
    • It covers various web application vulnerabilities and is designed for educational purposes.

11. bWAPP (Buggy Web Application):
    • Website: http://www.itsecgames.com/
    • bWAPP is an intentionally insecure web application designed for security enthusiasts to test their skills.
    • It provides a wide range of web application vulnerabilities to practice, including SQL injection, XSS, and CSRF.
12. Ctflearn:
    • Website: https://ctflearn.com/
    • Ctflearn is an online platform that offers a variety of Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges and tutorials for hackers at all skill levels.
    • Users can solve challenges and earn points while learning about various cybersecurity concepts and techniques.
13. Google Gruyere:
    • Website: https://google-gruyere.appspot.com/
    • Gruyere is a Google project that provides a deliberately vulnerable web application for you to practice web security concepts.
    • It offers hands-on experience in identifying and exploiting web vulnerabilities.
14. BodgeIt Store:
    • Website: https://github.com/psiinon/bodgeit
    • BodgeIt Store is another intentionally insecure web application that allows you to test your web security skills.
    • It features various security flaws, making it an excellent platform for learning how to secure web applications.
15. Get Your Free Hacking Lab VM:
    • Website: Varies, depending on the provider
    • Many platforms offer downloadable virtual machines (VMs) specifically designed for ethical hacking practice.
    • These VMs often contain various vulnerable applications and challenges for users to exploit and learn from.
16. Vicnum:
    • Website: https://github.com/OWASP/vicnum
    • Vicnum is an OWASP project offering a vulnerable web application designed for security testing and practice.
    • It provides a controlled environment to explore and understand web application vulnerabilities.
17. Security Shepherd:
    • Website: https://github.com/OWASP/SecurityShepherd
    • Security Shepherd is an OWASP project that provides a wide range of security challenges and labs.
    • Users can work on real-world scenarios to improve their skills in areas like web security, cryptography, and more.
18. Try2Hack:
    • Website: http://www.try2hack.nl/
    • Try2Hack offers a series of challenges and puzzles to hone your hacking skills.
    • It focuses on teaching users how to think critically and creatively when solving security-related problems.
19. Web Security Dojo:
    • Website: https://github.com/OWASP/SecurityKnowledgeFramework
    • Web Security Dojo is a virtual machine containing various web application security tools and training materials.
    • It’s designed to help users practice web application security testing and learn about different tools and techniques.
20. Hacker 101:
    • Website: https://www.hacker101.com/
    • Hacker 101 is an educational platform that provides hacking challenges and courses to enhance your knowledge.
    • It covers a wide range of topics, including web security, cryptography, and mobile application security.
21. Juice Shop:
    • Website: https://juice-shop.herokuapp.com/
    • Juice Shop is a deliberately insecure web application designed by OWASP to improve your web security skills.
    • It includes a wide variety of vulnerabilities commonly found in real-world web applications.
22. McAfee HacMe Sites:
    • Website: https://www.mcafee.com/enterprise/en-us/security-awareness/foundstone/hacme-bank.html
    • McAfee offers HacMe sites, which are intentionally vulnerable applications for security testing.
    • Users can practice their hacking skills on these applications while following ethical guidelines.
23. PortSwigger Web Security Academy:
    • Website: https://portswigger.net/web-security
    • The Web Security Academy by PortSwigger offers various web security challenges and labs.
    • It’s a great resource for those looking to improve their web security testing skills.

These platforms collectively offer a comprehensive range of challenges, labs, and vulnerable applications for ethical hackers and security enthusiasts to develop their skills in a safe and controlled environment. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hacker, these platforms can help you sharpen your abilities and stay updated on the latest security trends and techniques.

Why are hacking websites important?

Hacking websites plays a crucial role in the development of ethical hacking skills. They provide a safe and legal environment for individuals to learn and practice hacking techniques. By using these platforms, you can gain hands-on experience in identifying vulnerabilities, exploiting weaknesses, and securing systems against potential threats.

FAQs:

1. Which website should I practice hacking?

You can practice hacking on websites like HackThis, OverTheWire, Root Me, HackTheBox, VulnHub, and many others mentioned in this blog.

2. Which website do hackers use?

Ethical hackers and security enthusiasts often use platforms like HackTheBox, VulnHub, and TryHackMe to practice and improve their hacking skills.

3. Where do hackers learn to hack?

Hackers learn to hack through various means, including online courses, forums, blogs, and by practicing hacking websites.

5. What do hackers practice?

Hackers practice a wide range of skills, including network penetration testing, web application security, reverse engineering, cryptography, and more.

6. Are hackers self-taught?

Many hackers are self-taught, but formal education and training in cybersecurity and ethical hacking can also be beneficial.

7. What do hackers learn first?

Hackers often start by learning basic programming languages like Python, Linux command-line usage, and networking fundamentals before delving into more advanced hacking techniques.

8. Do hackers use Python?

Yes, Python is a popular programming language among hackers due to its versatility and extensive libraries for cybersecurity tasks.

9. Do hackers use coding?

Yes, coding is an essential skill for hackers, as they often need to write scripts and exploit code to perform various hacking tasks.

10. What is hacker code?

“Hacker code” refers to a set of ethical principles and guidelines followed by ethical hackers to ensure responsible and legal hacking practices. These principles include obtaining proper authorization before testing systems, not causing harm, and reporting vulnerabilities responsibly.