x64dbg is an open-source, free debugger for Windows that is widely used for reverse engineering and malware analysis. It has the functionality of stepping through code execution, so it’s useful for debugging faults and analyzing malicious code. x64dbg was designed for 64-bit architecture but also has a 32-bit counterpart, x32dbg. Malware analysts do not typically begin with a debugger but first conduct static and behavioral analysis to understand a malware sample's behavior. Once you have a preliminary understanding, x64dbg can be used to unpack malware and examine its functionality at the assembly code level. Analysts reverse compile Windows executables (.exe, .dll) to uncover their internal operations.
Malware analysis typically begins with static analysis, where analysts inspect the malware file without executing it, searching for metadata, strings, and file structure for clues. This is then followed by behavioral analysis, where the malware is executed in a virtual setup to observe what it does, including file modifications, registry modifications, or network traffic. Finally, code analysis (reverse engineering) is performed with the assistance of tools like x64dbg to step through the assembly code of malware, unpack it, and analyze its behavior.
This one is a pretty cool website. It isn’t a software tool, or any network analyzer and debugger, but in fact a sort of checklist for your computer safety. Digital Defense is a personal security checklist to help users strengthen and be aware of their digital safety and privacy. Users can also track their progress and mark actions as complete, making them one step closer to enhancing their security. Although it does bring up the question of whether you can be completely secure online. The platform provides advice for many different categories.
BunkerWebis a Web Application Firewall (WAF). It protects your websites and applications right out of the box. Built on NGINX, it's security by design, with HTTPS on by default, strong security rules, and bot protection. It works great with Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, and more, and you can manage it through an easy-to-use web interface—no involved setup necessary. You can customize security settings, block bad traffic, limit requests, and add extra features with plugins. Best of all, it’s free and open-source (AGPLv3), with professional support available if needed. Just a nice little firewall tool you can mess around with to better understand how blocking network traffic works, and firewalls in general. Read this entry about network security mechanisms like firewalls, IDS, and IPS.
While not a tool itself, this GitHub repository contains a thoroughly curated collection of 130+ red team tools and resources. The collection contains dedicated and general security tools that can be used for red teaming. It contains recon software like Shodan and gobuster, execution tools like Mimikatz and PowerSploit, defense evasion methods like Invoke-Obfuscation, command and control (C2) tools like Metasploit and Covenant, and data exfiltration methods through DNS tunneling and Google Drive exploits. It also provides 17 red team tips on how to evade security controls, avoid detection, and improve operational security. This repository is a one-stop-shop for security professionals conducting offensive security audits and penetration testing. This collection of security and red team tools are heavily encouraged not to be used maliciously, but purely for educational purposes.
PhoneSploit is a powerful and simple to use Python program that automates Android penetration testing using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Metasploit-Framework. It allows remote exploitation of devices with an available ADB port (TCP 5555) and complete control through a Meterpreter session at the click of a button. Besides hacking, it also functions as an independent ADB tool, enabling the user to connect Android devices both through Wi-Fi and USB, send/receive files, install/uninstall apps, take a screenshot, or record audio or video, and mirror the screen. More sophisticated tools are extracting SMS and call logs, device unlocking, network analysis, and remote control. PhoneSploit is intended for ethical hacking, penetration testing, and security research, helping users understand and defend against ADB vulnerabilities. Again, use only with permission.
This is just a little bonus that I thought might be helpful, to me and you. This repo is created by Sanjeev Jaiswal, who based on his bio is a “A seasoned security professional with 15+ years of experience.” This Cybersecurity Study Plan is a structured roadmap to prepare future security engineers to specialize in domains like Pentesting, AppSec, Cloud Security, DevSecOps, and more by acquiring important skills, tools, and free/paid materials. It covers overall security skills, AWS/GCP security, web and API security, threat modeling, GRC, and newer domains like Azure security, Kubernetes security, cryptography, and secure software development. Designed for those who have a technical inclination, this course involves 3-4 hours of daily study for six months, with emphasis on hands-on experimentation, many drafts, and hacker mindset. It eliminates guesswork by using well-established learning paths, eschewing time wasted on piecewise material.
