Hacking tools

Hacking tools are abundantly found free of charge over the Internet. Hackers frequently use these tools to assist them in their attacks. Hacking tools can be script, programs, or even one word commands run from the command prompt. The ease of use involved in these tools let inexperienced computer users, otherwise known as "Script Kiddies," penetrate systems.

Network scanners are also developed to help network and security administrators audit their networks for open ports and vulnerabilities. Some scanners search for specific open ports. The tool "Satan" scans for open shares.

Password crackers can be used to break open encrypted files containing usernames and passwords. Once access to the file has been achieved, a hacker can use a program such as "L0phtCrack" or "Jack the Ripper" to reveal the passwords. Most often the dictionary attack will be used. Every word in the dictionary is used as a key for decrypting the file.

Buffer overflows can let a hacker enter a system with the least effort of all. Hackers submit malicious code into a program already running on the system. This code can then instruct the system to send a command prompt to the attacker or even copy over more files to be executed.