Wifite vs KnowBe4 vs Nessus vs Nishang: Which Network Mapper tool is Best in 2025?

Wifite is a powerful open-source wireless network auditing tool for ethical hacking, seamlessly integrated into Kali Linux (version 2024.06.R1). As an automated Wi-Fi penetration testing software, it targets WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3, and WPS-encrypted networks, making it a leading wireless security assessment tool for cybersecurity. With a compact 2.35 MB size, Wifite leverages Aircrack-ng, Reaver, Pyrit, and Hashcat to automate handshake captures and password cracking, ideal for wireless network vulnerability scanning.

KnowBe4 is a leading cybersecurity platform designed to empower organizations by training employees to outsmart threats like phishing and social engineering. Trusted by nearly 70,000 businesses worldwide, it combines AI-driven tools with engaging training to strengthen human defenses. From phishing simulations to real-time coaching, KnowBe4 helps build a security-first mindset, keeping companies safe in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape.

Nessus is a leading vulnerability assessment tool developed by Tenable, Inc., widely recognized as the industry’s most trusted scanner for identifying security weaknesses across networks, devices, applications, and cloud environments. Launched in 1998 as an open-source project by Renaud Deraison, it transitioned to a proprietary model in 2005 and now offers two enterprise versions: Nessus Professional and Nessus Expert. With over 252,000 plugins and 100,000 plus CVEs, Nessus delivers high-accuracy scans to detect vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and compliance issues. It supports unlimited IT assessments, customizable templates (450+), and vulnerability prioritization using CVSS v4, EPSS, and Tenable’s VPR. Nessus Expert extends capabilities to web application scanning, external attack surface monitoring, and cloud infrastructure audits.

Nishang is an open-source PowerShell framework tailored for offensive security, penetration testing, and red teaming, pre-installed on Kali Linux at /usr/share/nishang. It offers a collection of scripts and payloads designed to facilitate reconnaissance, privilege escalation, backdooring, and data exfiltration in Windows environments. Developed by Samrat Ashok, Nishang leverages PowerShell’s native integration with Windows to execute attacks in memory, evading traditional antivirus detection. Its modular structure, organized into categories like Powerpreter, Backdoors, and Gather, makes it a versatile tool for ethical hackers and security researchers.