VulnHub has long been a go-to resource for aspiring and seasoned cybersecurity professionals looking to hone their penetration testing skills in a safe and legal environment. However, it’s always beneficial to have access to a diverse range of platforms and challenges. This article explores 14 alternative sites that offer similar opportunities to learn and practice ethical hacking, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessment in 2024. Whether you’re looking for beginner-friendly labs or advanced challenges, this list has something for everyone.

Why Explore VulnHub Alternatives?

While VulnHub is excellent, exploring alternatives offers several advantages. It allows you to encounter different types of vulnerabilities, learn various exploitation techniques, and gain exposure to diverse operating systems and configurations.

Benefits of Using Multiple Platforms

• Wider Range of Vulnerabilities: Experience different attack vectors.
• Exposure to New Tools and Techniques: Learn and practice with a broader set of tools.
• Varied Difficulty Levels: Find challenges suitable for all skill levels.
• Community Support: Access diverse community knowledge and perspectives.

Top 14 Sites Like VulnHub In 2024

Here is a curated list of platforms similar to VulnHub, each offering unique features and challenges to enhance your cybersecurity skills.

1. Hack The Box: Offers a constantly updated selection of vulnerable machines and penetration testing labs. It’s known for its realistic and challenging environments.
2. TryHackMe: Provides a more guided and beginner-friendly approach to learning cybersecurity, with interactive tutorials and virtual machines.
3. OverTheWire: Presents a series of wargames designed to teach fundamental security concepts through practical challenges.
4. Root Me: Offers a comprehensive platform with a vast collection of challenges across various security domains, from web application security to cryptography.
5. CyberSecLabs: Provides realistic corporate network simulations for practicing penetration testing and incident response.
6. PentesterLab: Focuses on web application security with a hands-on approach, offering labs with specific vulnerabilities to exploit.
7. Virtual Hacking Labs (VHL): Offers a well-structured course with a virtual lab environment for practicing penetration testing techniques.
8. Security Shepherd: A OWASP project designed to teach web application security principles through interactive challenges.
9. Damn Vulnerable Web Application (DVWA): A deliberately vulnerable web application intended to be used for security training and testing.
10. WebGoat: Another OWASP project that provides a realistic and educational environment for learning web application security vulnerabilities.
11. CTFtime.org: A platform that aggregates information about Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions worldwide. Participating in CTFs is a great way to learn and test your skills.
12. Hacker101: Created by HackerOne, this platform offers free cybersecurity training and challenges, including capture the flag (CTF) events.
13. PortSwigger Web Security Academy: Offers comprehensive training on web application security vulnerabilities, along with interactive labs to practice your skills.
14. Vulnmachines: A repository of vulnerable virtual machines similar to VulnHub, but with a smaller and more curated selection.

Comparing Key Features

A quick comparison of some of the key aspects of these platforms helps in making an informed decision based on your individual needs.

Platform	Difficulty	Focus	Cost
Hack The Box	Intermediate to Advanced	Penetration Testing	Subscription-based
TryHackMe	Beginner to Intermediate	Guided Learning	Free and Subscription options
Root Me	Beginner to Advanced	Wide Range of Security Topics	Free and Premium options
OverTheWire	Beginner to Intermediate	Fundamental Security Concepts	Free

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about using these platforms for cybersecurity training.

Is VulnHub still relevant in 2024?

Yes, VulnHub remains a valuable resource for practicing penetration testing. It offers a wide variety of vulnerable virtual machines that are excellent for learning and improving your skills. However, exploring the alternatives listed above will broaden your knowledge and experience.

Are these platforms legal to use?

Yes, all the platforms listed are designed for ethical hacking and penetration testing practice. They provide a safe and legal environment to learn and test your skills without violating any laws or regulations. Ensure you always comply with the terms of service of each platform.

Do I need to have prior experience to use these platforms?

Some platforms like TryHackMe and OverTheWire are designed for beginners, while others like Hack The Box are more suitable for intermediate to advanced users. It’s recommended to start with beginner-friendly platforms and gradually progress to more challenging ones as you gain experience.