What is Hak5?
Hak5 is a cybersecurity company that builds purpose-built offensive security hardware used by penetration testers, red teams, and security researchers worldwide. Their devices don’t simulate attack scenarios — they execute them. WiFi man-in-the-middle attacks, keystroke injection, network reconnaissance, covert implants — Hak5 makes a dedicated piece of hardware for each. Their tools are used in enterprise security assessments, red team engagements, corporate security awareness training, and cybersecurity education labs worldwide.
Is This Right for You?
This is for you if...
- You’re a penetration tester or red teamer who needs reliable, repeatable hardware attack tools
- You run security awareness training and need physical demonstration hardware
- You’re studying for OSCP, CEH, or building a hands-on home security lab
- You want to learn offensive hardware techniques in a legal, controlled environment
- You’re a security researcher testing physical access controls and network perimeters
This is NOT for you if...
- You’re brand new to security with no networking or scripting foundation — build that first
- You want purely passive, non-intrusive security tools — Hak5 hardware is built for active attacks
- You’re not working in authorized environments — these tools are illegal to use without explicit permission
- Budget is tight and you’re just getting started — TryHackMe and HTB cost a fraction of the price
Tool Breakdown
Hak5 makes five primary security research devices. Here’s what each one does and who it’s for:
| Device | Primary Attack Vector | Key Use Case | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|
|
WiFi Pineapple Mark VII |
Wireless — Evil Twin, MITM, credential harvesting |
Wireless penetration testing, rogue AP simulation |
Intermediate |
|
USB Rubber Ducky |
Keystroke injection via USB |
Automated payload delivery, credential theft, persistence |
Beginner–Intermediate |
|
Shark Jack |
Network — recon and attack via Ethernet |
Rapid network scanning, MITM, LAN-based attacks |
Intermediate |
|
LAN Turtle |
Covert network implant via USB-Ethernet |
Persistent network access, remote exfiltration, pivoting |
Intermediate–Advanced |
|
O.MG Cable |
Malicious USB-C/Lightning cable |
Physical implant, keystroke injection disguised as charging cable |
Intermediate–Advanced |
How Security Professionals Use Hak5 Tools
Wireless Security Testing — WiFi Pineapple
The WiFi Pineapple is the industry-standard tool for wireless penetration testing. It runs OpenWRT Linux and supports automated PineAP campaigns, deauthentication attacks, and captive portal credential harvesting. Security professionals use it to simulate evil twin attacks — creating a rogue access point that mimics a legitimate network to capture credentials and intercept traffic.
- Test whether employees connect to rogue corporate WiFi networks
- Demonstrate man-in-the-middle vulnerabilities in hotel, café, and airport environments
- Assess wireless client behavior and probe request leakage
Keystroke Injection — USB Rubber Ducky
The USB Rubber Ducky looks exactly like a standard USB flash drive. The moment it’s plugged in it acts as a keyboard — executing a pre-written DuckyScript payload at speeds no human can match. A full credential-harvesting payload executes in under 10 seconds.
- Simulate insider threat attacks in physical security assessments
- Demonstrate the danger of unattended workstations in security awareness training
- Automate post-exploitation tasks during red team engagements
Network Reconnaissance — Shark Jack
The Shark Jack plugs into any open Ethernet port and instantly begins executing payloads — network scanning, ARP poisoning, credential capture. Battery-powered and LED-indicated, it’s designed for rapid deployment during physical penetration tests.
- Drop into network closets or conference room ports during physical assessments
- Execute automated Nmap scans and exfiltrate results to cloud storage
Test network access control enforcement on open ports
- Simulate insider threat attacks in physical security assessments
- Demonstrate the danger of unattended workstations in security awareness training
- Automate post-exploitation tasks during red team engagements
Covert Implants — LAN Turtle & O.MG Cable
The LAN Turtle sits between a target’s USB port and Ethernet connection — invisible to the user but providing persistent remote access, DNS spoofing, and network capture capabilities. The O.MG Cable looks and works exactly like a legitimate USB charging cable while hosting a full WiFi-enabled exploit framework inside the connector housing.
- Test detection capabilities against covert, persistent network implants
- Demonstrate physical supply chain attack vectors
- Assess whether physical security controls catch malicious hardware
Accessories & Setup
| Accessory | Compatible Devices | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
|
External Wi-Fi / RF antennas |
WiFi Pineapple |
Extended wireless range for rogue AP attacks |
|
MicroSD cards (32–256GB) |
All devices |
Payload storage and log capture |
|
USB-A / USB-C / OTG adapters |
Rubber Ducky, LAN Turtle |
Cross-platform compatibility |
|
Battery packs (10,000+ mAh) |
Shark Jack, WiFi Pineapple |
Extended field deployment without mains power |
|
Ethernet patch cables (short) |
Shark Jack, LAN Turtle |
Physical connection for covert drops |
|
Protective hard cases |
Full kit |
Field transport without device damage |
Where to Get Hak5 Tools
── SecVerse Marketplace — Hak5 Hardware ──
Recommended Resources
- Hak5 — official store, firmware downloads, and payload library
- Payload Hub — community payload repository for all Hak5 devices
- Hak5 (YouTube) channel — tutorials, use-case demonstrations, and new product labs
- Hak5 Forum — active community for troubleshooting and payload sharing
How to Get Started
- Start with the USB Rubber Ducky. It’s the most affordable Hak5 device and teaches DuckyScript — a simple, powerful payload language. Write your first payload: open Notepad, type a message, save it. That’s the foundation for everything else.
- Build a controlled lab before going to the field. Set up a dedicated test machine on an isolated network. Practice every payload against your own systems first. Understand exactly what the tool does before using it in a real assessment.
- Join the payload community. Visit payloadhub.hak5.org and reverse-engineer payloads written by practitioners. Understand every line, then modify them for your use case. The community is how Hak5 tools get exponentially more powerful.
📌 Note: The information on this page — including certification details, exam codes, pricing, and salary ranges — is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the latest data from official sources. Always verify current details directly with the relevant certification body or platform before making any decisions.
Community & Support
── Hak5 Communities ──
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**In our first guide**, we covered how to start learning cybersecurity without feeling overwhelmed. If you haven’t read it yet, start there.
Now, let’s talk about which path to take once you’re ready. When I decided to get into cybersecurity 20 years ago after I graduated from school of engineering as computer engineer, I had no idea which path to take.
I bought a CEH course first. Then I bought a Security+ book. Then I tried to learn networking. I was all over the place. Don’t be me.
How to Start Learning Cybersecurity Without Feeling Overwhelmed
Let’s be honest with ourselves to avoid the shock and be realistic. Cyber security is huge, branching, and massive field.
When I decided to get and start in this field 20 years ago. I made every mistake imaginable:
Bought expensive courses I never finished.
Tried to learn everything at once – pentesting, malware analysis, cloud security, forensics. All in short time.
Got trapped in “tutorial”- watching videos for hours but never actually doing anything because of not practicing them and being confused.
Got lots and different opinions from people who are in advanced levels.
Here’s the truth I wish someone told me earlier:
