With advanced technology, life has become more comfortable but also dangerous at the same time. Today anyone who knows hacking can have access to your data without your consent. This is called unethical hacking. However, some agencies and companies are known for ethical hacking. This term means getting access to data, which is actually meant to be taken with legal authorities’ consent.
For those who are familiar with ethical hacking and cybersecurity, welcome! In this article, we have explained the basic necessities required by hackers, IT professionals, or network and security administrators. Hacking is certainly not a piece of cake if you are planning to pursue your career in this field. It also requires high-end devices to get the work done smoothly.
The best laptops for hacking and cybersecurity are those that can boot to Kali from a USB drive. Other than that, the laptop must have an exceptionally well CPU and GPU to get you going. If you work for a company to protect its data, you must be in need of a high-performance laptop. Don’t worry, we have got you covered in this article.
How to Pick the best laptop for Cyber Security?
When you go online to shop for a laptop for hacking and cybersecurity, you must have in mind the fundamental factors essential in any hacking and cybersecurity laptop. In this buying guide, we have enlisted the six significant factors that must be considered before making a purchase!
Network Adapter
For hacking and cybersecurity, the network adapter is a crucial factor to consider in a laptop. Go for laptops that have a remarkable Wi-Fi card that uses the AC wireless system. The AC wireless system is quite amazing as it is compatible with a number of devices making hacking and cybersecurity simple.
Memory
When it comes to hacking and cybersecurity, a minimum of 4GB RAM or memory is a must to perform straightforward tasks smoothly. However, if you plan to hack on a bigger scale, go for laptops that offer up to 16GB of memory. This will ensure that you perform your tasks smoothly without any glitch. Most hackers and IT professionals prefer 8GB RAM for hacking and cybersecurity. Therefore, give this factor considerable attention.
Storage
Storage is not the biggest concern for hackers as you do not need much space to store data. However, if you are hacking a big project, you may require a considerable amount of storage. Always go for laptops that offer storage in the form of a solid-state drive. SSD is very convenient because they offer a short transfer rate making transferring data easy and straightforward.
Performance
If you work for a company to protect its data, you must be in need of a high-performance laptop. For hacking and cybersecurity, performance matters a lot. Your laptop must be capable of handling intensive applications with ease and affluence. We recommend going for a laptop that is powered by the Core i7 processors. These processors are powerful enough due to their quad-core processing. A processor is something that must not be compromised when buying a laptop specifically for hacking and cybersecurity.
Portability
Portability is a very important factor that many people ignore while shopping for laptops. Your laptop must be compact and lightweight so that you can carry it around easily. Go for laptops that weigh between 1.5 to 3.0 pounds. Portability is also very essential if you work as a freelancer.
GPU
When cracking passcodes, a higher GPU is very important to get your task done quickly. We recommend going for laptops that come with NVIDIA GPU. This is the most famous and appreciated GPU worldwide as it withstands intensive tasks such as gaming and video-editing excellently as well.
Top 10 Best Laptops For Hacking & Cyber Security
This article has compiled a list of the ten best laptops for hacking and cybersecurity. These laptops are fully equipped and well skilled in performing the tasks of hacking and cybersecurity. Each laptop is comprehensively reviewed, and the pros and cons of each laptop are published with utmost authenticity.
A buyer’s guide and some frequently asked questions at the end will definitely help you to make a sane decision. So, without any further ado, let’s get right into it!
Here are our top picks for the best laptops for Hacking & Cyber Security hat you can buy:
1. MSI GL62M 7REX-1896US 15.6
The MSI GL62M 7REX-1896US 15.6″ Full HD Gaming Laptop is our top pick when it comes to hacking and cybersecurity laptops. MSI is known for its crazy designed laptops, which bring a thrilling and roaring vibe whenever you see them. Other than style, these laptops have a strong and durable built and are made to last a long time. This laptop is no exception.
It is powered by the Core i7-7700HQ processor, which is pretty reliable when it comes to hacking. For hacking, an adequate amount of RAM is a must, and this laptop has it. It features 8GB of DDR4 RAM, which along with the IQ quad-core processor, does wonder when it comes to performance. In terms of storage, this laptop features both a hard drive of 128GB and a solid-state drive of 1TB.
Altogether, the MSI GL62M 7REX-1896US Gaming Laptop is an exceptional choice for hacking and cybersecurity. It is known for its adequate amount of storage. If we talk about its display and keyboard, this laptop features a 15.6″ Full HD screen with a resolution of 1920 x1080 and a well-built, backlit keyboard which is suitable for hackers and cybersecurity professionals.
- Display: 15.6" Full HD eDP 1920x1080 | Operating System: Windows 10 . Gb LAN
- Processor: Core i7-7700HQ (2.8 - 3.8 GHz). Visualize key system information so that its clear at a glance.Mini mode display system information on a small size window
- RAM: 8GB (8G*1) DDR4 2400MHz | Hard Drive: 128GB M.2 SATA + 1TB (5400RPM)
- Special features: Thin and Light Chassis | Steel Series Red Backlight with Anti-Ghost key + silver lining | Nahimic 2 Surround Sound System
2. Apple MacBook Pro MPXQ2LL/A
A MacBook is one of the best laptops you can purchase for hacking purposes. It is because a MacBook provides the perfect balance of speed, performance, storage, and memory altogether. The Apple MacBook Pro MPXQ2LL/A is no exception. This elegantly stylish laptop is powered by the 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, which is one of the best processing units for heavy-duty tasks such as hacking and cybersecurity.
If we talk about the memory and storage, this MacBook features 8GB of LPDDR3 RAM and 128GB of Solid State Drive. SSD is very convenient because they offer a short transfer rate making transferring data easy and straightforward. The RAM of this laptop is coupled with the Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 GPU. This makes the performance of the laptop smooth and seamless.
All in all, the Apple MacBook Pro MPXQ2LL/A is hands down an amazing choice for hacking and cybersecurity. It features a 13.3 inches full HD with a retina HD display and a resolution of 2560*1600 pixels, which brings out the most vibrant and vivid colors. In terms of connectivity, this laptop features Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 4.0, a thunderbolt port, and a display port. It has an exceptionally great battery life of up to 10 hours.
- 2.3GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 13.3" Space Gray
- 16GB Memory RAM, 256GB Solid State Drive
- Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640
- Connectivity includes 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, two "Thunderbolt 3" ports (USB-C connector), and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
3. Acer Predator Helios 300
The Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop is hands down a top-notch laptop for pursuing hacking and cybersecurity heavy-duty tasks. However, it is expensive but does justice to every penny spent on it. The design of this laptop screams robustness and power. It features a backlit keyboard, which brings next-level chicness and style to this PC.
This laptop is powered by the 9th Generation Intel Core i7-9750H 6-Core Processor. It comes with the Windows 10 operating system that is undoubtedly the best when it comes to high-end performance. In terms of memory and storage, this laptop features 8GB of DDR4 RAM and 512GB of PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive. SSD is very convenient because they offer a short transfer rate.
All in all, the Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop is one of our favorite. It features 81 % of the SRGB color gamut, which makes the display unrealistic and breathtaking. This laptop weighs 5.9 pounds making it slightly heavyweight. If we talk about its battery life, this laptop offers a pretty average performance of only 3 to 4 hours. However, it may last even shorter than this if you perform intensive tasks.
- Display: 15.6" Full HD eDP 1920x1080 | Operating System: Windows 10 . Gb LAN
- Processor: Core i7-7700HQ (2.8 - 3.8 GHz). Visualize key system information so that its clear at a glance.Mini mode display system information on a small size window
- RAM: 8GB (8G*1) DDR4 2400MHz | Hard Drive: 128GB M.2 SATA + 1TB (5400RPM)
- Special features: Thin and Light Chassis | Steel Series Red Backlight with Anti-Ghost key + silver lining | Nahimic 2 Surround Sound System
4. Lenovo IdeaPad Y700 17.3
A hacking and cybersecurity laptop must have an exceptionally well CPU and GPU to get you going. The Lenovo IdeaPad Y700 17.3″ Full HD Gaming Notebook Computer is known for its high-end performance. It is because it is powered by the Intel Core i7-6700HQ processor, which offers a smooth and glitch-free performance. This laptop comes with Windows 10 operating system, which another advantage.
This laptop has a remarkable cooling system that prevents the machine from heating up during intense tasks of hacking and cybersecurity. For hacking, an adequate amount of RAM is a must, and this laptop has it. It features 16GB RAM, which along with the IQ quad-core processor, does wonder when it comes to performance. In terms of storage, this laptop features both a hard drive of 1TB and a solid-state drive of 128GB.
All in all, the Lenovo IdeaPad Y700 17.3″ Full HD Gaming Notebook Computer is an outstanding laptop to own mainly because of its ultra-smooth performance. This laptop comes with high-quality, Dolby JBL speakers. In terms of connectivity, this laptop features a multimedia card reader, an HDMI port, one USB 2.0 port, and two USB 3.0 ports, a Bluetooth port, and a Wi-Fi connectivity port.
- Intel Core i7-6700HQ processor, 2.6GHz
- 17.3" LED-Lit, FHD, anti-glare, IPS display, 1920x1080 resolution
- 16GB RAM, 1TB 5400RPM HDD + 128GB SSD
- Discrete Graphics, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M 4GB
- Windows 10
5. Alienware AW17R3-1675SLV 17.3-Inch FHD Laptop
If you are looking for a laptop that features an extraordinary exterior that is eye-catchy and fascinating, consider getting the Alienware AW17R3-1675SLV 17.3-Inch FHD Laptop. Anybody looking at this laptop can have an idea that it belongs to a hacker or professional gamer due to its breathtakingly exceptional looks. Other than looks, this laptop offers a pretty strong performance.
It is powered by the Intel Quad Core i7-6700HQ 2.6 GHz Processor, which ensures smooth and robust performance without any lag. If we talk about its storage, this laptop features more than enough storage of 1TB HDD. In the case of memory, it features 8GB of DDR4 RAM. This laptop is very comfortable to use due to its well-built and gripping features.
All in all, the Alienware AW17R3-1675SLV 17.3-Inch FHD Laptop is one of its kind due to its exceptional looks and performance. It features a 17.3 inches widescreen, which makes this laptop a bit bigger and difficult to carry. However, it is quite lightweight. In terms of connectivity, this laptop features a USB port of type-C and Gigabit Ethernet port of RJ-45, HDMI port.
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com
- Intel Quad Core i7-6700HQ 2.6 GHz Processor
- 8 GB DDR4. GTX 970M
- 1 TB HDD Storage; Optical Drive Not included
- 17.3 Inch FHD (1920 x 1080 pixels) LED-lit Truelife Screen
6. Dell G5587-7866BLK-PUS G5 15 5587 Gaming Laptop
Dell is known for its durable and reliable laptops worldwide. The Dell G5587-7866BLK-PUS G5 15 5587 Gaming Laptop lands down to the same trademark. This laptop mirrors an excellent-looking laptop. The good news is that it offers a pretty strong performance too. This laptop is powered by the 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8750H Processor, which is an amazing processor for hacking and cybersecurity.
This elegant laptop features a 15.6 inches screen with 1920 x 1080 pixels and LED lighting. This screen gives the most bright display experience. In terms of memory, this laptop features 16GB of DDR4 RAM, which allows you to multitask smoothly without any lag. If we talk about the storage, this laptop features 128 GB of Solid-state drive. SSD is very suitable because they offer a short transfer rate, making transferring data easy and upfront.
All in all, the Dell G5587-7866BLK-PUS G5 15 5587 Gaming Laptop can be a perfect choice for hacking and cybersecurity. It features the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti GPU, which brings the most incredible graphics quality. In terms of connectivity, this laptop features a Wi-Fi connectivity port, Type-As USB 3.1 port, Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port, Noble lock security slot, a USB 3.1 Gen 1 port, micro media card port, and a headphone/mic slot.
- 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8750H Processor (6-Core, 9MB Cache, up to 3.9GHz w/Turbo Boost)
- 16GB 2666MHz DDR4 up to [32GB], (additional memory sold separately)
- 128 GB (SSD) Boot + 1 TB 5400 RPM [SATA] HDD Storage
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti with 4GB GDDR5 graphics memory
7. Lenovo Yoga C930 2-in-1 13.9
Lenovo is known for its sleek and high-end performance laptops. The Lenovo Yoga C930 2-in-1 13.9″ Touch-Screen Laptop is a remarkable 2-in-1 convertible that can serve to be an amazing choice for hackers and IT professionals. This convertible features a 13.9 inches full HD screen with 1080 pixels. Other than that, it covers 100% sRGB light, which ensures to deliver fascinating colors on screen.
This laptop is powered by the 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8550U processor, which enables us to perform heavy-duty tasks of hacking and cybersecurity seamlessly. This processor is coupled with a RAM of 12GB DDR4, which helps the hacking process run without any glitch. If we talk about its storage, this laptop features 512GB of a solid-state drive, which might be insufficient if you a hoarder of storing data.
All in all, the Lenovo Yoga C930 2-in-1 13.9″ Touch-Screen Laptop is an extremely compact and lightweight convertible at a reasonable price. It features an incredible rotating soundbar and a Dolby Atmos speaker system, which brings the most thrilling audio to us. In terms of connectivity, this laptop features USB 3.1 Gen 1 port, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, a headphone jack, and USB A port. This laptop has an outstanding battery life of up to 14 hours.
- Premium craftsmanship and style - Crafted from premium aluminum with high-precision drills and polished twice for luxurious tactility. 360° flip-and-fold design; Rotating sound bar with Dolby Atmos speaker system
- 13.9" Full HD touch screen - 1920 x 1080 resolution, IPS technology, LED backlight, Built for Windows Ink; Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8550U processor - Ultra-low-voltage, Quad-core, eight-way processing, Intel Turbo Boost technology; 12GB DDR4 2400 MHz memory; 512GB PCIe solid-state drive (SSD)
- Two Thunderbolt 3 ports for connecting advanced monitors and external drives; Built-in HD webcam with stereo microphone; Microphone-in/headphone-out combo jack
- Weighs 3 lbs. and is 0.6" thin overall; Four-cell lithium-polymer battery. Windows 10 operating system; One-month trial of Microsoft Office 365
8. Razer Blade Stealth 13 Ultrabook Laptop
If you are looking for a laptop that features an extraordinary exterior that is eye-catchy and fascinating, consider getting the Razer Blade Stealth 13 Ultrabook Laptop. Anybody looking at this laptop can have an idea that it belongs to a hacker or professional gamer due to its breathtakingly exceptional looks. Other than looks, this laptop offers a pretty strong performance.
This laptop is powered by the Intel Core i7-8565U Quad-Core processor, which is hands down the best processor for hacking and cybersecurity due to its extraordinary robust performance. In terms of memory and storage, this laptop features 16GB RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. The RAM of this laptop is coupled with NVIDIA GeForce MX150 (25W) 4GB VRAM graphics card, which brings the ultimate graphics on the screen.
All in all, the Razer Blade Stealth 13 Ultrabook Laptop features some out-of-the-box options making it worthy of buying. This laptop has a startling battery life of up to 13 hours, which makes it convenient for long plane trips. It recharges pretty quick as well. This laptop has a backlit keyboard, which adds another exquisite touch to this powerhouse.
- Aspect Ratio:16:9
- Designed for mobility: Ultra-thin, light and incredibly durable with a cnc unibody aluminum frame and long battery life.
- 120hz full HD thin bezel display: Super-fast 120hz full HD display that enables smooth visuals in games, with 100% sRGB color space.
- Razer chroma keyboard and precision touchpad: keyboard featuring single-zone rgb lighting with 16.8 million color options, and a precision glass touchpad.
- Complete connectivity — Includes thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, wireless AX, HD webcam utilizing windows hello, and 4-array mics.
9. Dell i7577-7425BLK-PUS Inspiron UHD Display Gaming Laptop
Again on our list, we have a Dell laptop. The Dell i7577-7425BLK-PUS Inspiron UHD Display Gaming Laptop is a perfect laptop for heavy-duty tasks such as hacking, cybersecurity, or gaming. This laptop has a very sturdy and robust outlook. It also delivers exceptional performance. This laptop, although expensive, is worth the money due to its strong processor.
This laptop is powered by the 7th Generation Intel Core i7-7700HQ Quad-Core processor, which again is the heart of this laptop. In terms of memory and storage, this laptop features 16GB of memory and 128GB of SSD along with 1TB HDD. This laptop has an incredible GPU as well, which brings the best quality graphics on the screen. The RAM of this laptop is upgradeable, which means you don’t have to deal with a lagging laptop anymore.
All in all, the Dell i7577-7425BLK-PUS Inspiron UHD Display Gaming Laptop is a great laptop for multi-tasking and hacking. It features a wide 15.6-inch display with great resolution. If we talk about the battery, this laptop offers a pretty average battery life of 4 to 5 hours only. This laptop weighs around 6.3 pounds making it weighty and difficult to move around.
- 7th Generation Intel Core i7-7700HQ Quad Core (6MB Cache, up to 3.8 GHz)
- 16GB 2400MHz DDR4 up to [32GB], (additional memory sold separately)
- 128 GB (SSD) Boot + 1 TB 5400RPM SATA HDD -Storage, No ODD
- 15.6" UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS Anti-Glare LED-Backlit Display
- Be more productive. Windows 10 is the best for bringing ideas forward and getting things done
10. Asus ROG Strix Scar Edition GL703GE Gaming Laptop
Finally, we have the Asus ROG Strix Scar Edition GL703GE Gaming Laptop on our list. This laptop does not compromise on performance whatsoever. It offers some incredible internal specifications along with some super eye-catchy exterior. This laptop features a backlit keyboard, which brings a next-level chicness and style to this laptop.
This laptop is powered by the 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8750H Processor, which provides an ultimate level of performance required for hacking and cybersecurity tasks. If we look at its GPU, this laptop features GTX 1050 Ti 4GB graphics card which ensures to deliver the best graphics possible. In terms of memory, this laptop features 16GB of DDR4 RAM, which makes the performance glitch-free. If we talk about the storage, this laptop features 256GB of SSD and 1TB of HDD storage.
All in all, the Asus ROG Strix Scar Edition GL703GE Gaming Laptop offers more than enough storage for hackers and IT professionals. This laptop features a 17.3 inches full HD screen, which brings the most realistic colors to us. This laptop features a USB type C port, mini display port, an HDMI 1.4 port, and four USB 3.0 ports in terms of connectivity. It has a long battery life of up to 10 hours, which is another win for hackers.
- 8Th-gen Intel Core i7-8750H Processor. 6 Cores, Turbo up to 3.9GHz
- Powerful gaming performance with GTX 1050 Ti 4GB graphics
- 120Hz 17.3” Full HD Wide view display. Ultra-fast 3ms response time
- 16GB DDR4 2666MHz RAM | 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD | Windows 10 Home
- ASUS Aura Sync customizable 4-zone RGB Gaming Keyboard scar Edition design with Kevlar pattern on palm rest
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a powerful processor for hacking?
If you work for a company to protect its data, you must be in need of a high-performance laptop. For hacking and cybersecurity, performance matters a lot. Your laptop must be capable of handling intensive applications with ease and affluence. We recommend going for a laptop that is powered by the Core i7 processors. These processors are powerful enough due to their quad-core processing. A processor is something that must not be compromised when buying a laptop specifically for hacking and cybersecurity.
Is it hard to be a hacker?
Yes, hacking is not an easy task and neither can be mastered by everyone. You need a certain kind of skill and mind to understand the basic tips and tricks of hacking. Today, there are multiple courses offering hacking and cybersecurity skills. However, I think this is something you can crack on your own as compared to school.
How much RAM do I need for cybersecurity?
When it comes to hacking and cybersecurity, a minimum of 4GB RAM or memory is a must to perform straightforward tasks smoothly. However, if you plan to hack on a bigger scale, go for laptops that offer up to 16GB of memory. This will ensure that you perform your tasks smoothly without any glitch. Most hackers and IT professionals prefer 8GB RAM for hacking and cybersecurity. Therefore, give this factor considerable attention.
Is MacBook good for cybersecurity?
Yes, a MacBook is one of the best laptops you can purchase for hacking purposes. It is because a MacBook provides the perfect balance of speed, performance, storage, and memory altogether. Many of these laptops come with fingerprint sensors and compatible encryption settings to make hacking and cybersecurity easy.
Is i5 good for hacking?
Your laptop must be capable of handling intensive applications with ease and affluence. We recommend going for a laptop that is powered by the Core i7 processors than Core i5 processors. These processors are powerful enough due to their quad-core processing. A processor is something that must not be compromised when buying a laptop specifically for hacking and cybersecurity.
Conclusion
These were the ten best laptops for hacking and cybersecurity. Each of these laptops can go hand in hand for both beginner and professional hackers and IT security professionals. These laptops are also pretty amazing for performing any kind of heavy-duty activity due to their incredible memory. They have exceptionally well CPU and GPU to get you going. If you work for a company to protect its data, you will most definitely find a high-performance laptop from this list.
Laptops for hacking and cybersecurity certainly shouldn’t lag or hang whatsoever, and the above-mentioned laptops do justice to this requirement remarkably. We recommend reading the buying guide with an open mind to have a basic knowledge about the factors essential for any hacking and cybersecurity laptop. We hope this article will help you find a laptop best suited for your needs!