Top 10 Hacking Simulators for Learning Cybersecurity

When cybercriminals strike, cybersecurity professionals become an organization's first line of defense. These are the moments they've trained for—when their expertise and preparation are put to the ultimate test. In today's landscape, as attacks continue to grow more sophisticated, security professionals must continuously evolve their skills and understand the latest attack methods. One of the most effective ways to build this expertise is through hacking simulators. Both free hacking simulators and premium platforms offer valuable training opportunities. Unlike a basic fake hacking simulator that only mimics the appearance of cyberattacks, professional training platforms provide genuine technical challenges.

These simulators provide a safe, controlled environment where cybersecurity professionals can gain hands-on experience without risking real systems or data. With a new cyberattack now occurring on an average of every 39 seconds, the need for practical, hands-on training has never been more critical.¹

This article will explore the best hacking simulators available for cybersecurity professionals and students, including how to match tools with career paths, progress from beginner to advanced levels and build effective training routines that translate to real-world protection capabilities.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, organizations face unprecedented security challenges. According to recent data, global cybercrime costs are projected to reach $20 trillion annually by 2026.² Studies show that sophisticated attacks can breach even well-protected networks.³

The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has reached historic highs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics now projects a 33% job growth for information security analysts between 2023 and 2033, with the most recently reported median annual salary reaching just over $120,000.⁴ This growth rate is significantly faster than average, reflecting the critical need for qualified professionals who can defend against modern cyber threats.

Also known as a cybersecurity training platform, a hacking simulator is a software tool that cyber and IT teams use to mimic real-life situations and cyberattacks. While there are many fun hacker games available for entertainment, professional-grade hacking simulators focus on realistic scenarios and practical skills development. In today's cloud-first environment, where 95% of organizations agree that multi-cloud architectures are critical to business success, these simulators have evolved to include cloud security scenarios and zero-trust architecture challenges.⁵ Anticipating the actions of malicious individuals goes far beyond theoretical knowledge—organizations need to understand how their systems will react in real time, particularly with a November 2024 Gallup report showing 55% of the workforce now operating in hybrid environments.⁶

With a hacking simulator, security teams can identify potential attack vectors, design response plans and test security measures before real threats emerge. These platforms have become essential for developing and maintaining robust security practices in an era when ransomware attacks occur every two seconds and supply chain vulnerabilities present unprecedented risks.^7,8

Modern hacking simulators offer platforms and challenges that help advance penetration testing and other cybersecurity skills, with realistic scenarios developed from real-world situations. Whether you're looking for cool hacking games that teach basic concepts or professional-grade training platforms, these tools offer various approaches to security education. They have evolved to address contemporary threats, including cloud misconfigurations, API vulnerabilities and container security issues. Using a hacking simulator helps security professionals understand attacker mindsets, test networks for vulnerabilities, prevent advanced threats and ensure compliance with current security standards.

Depending upon your level of expertise and the type of challenge you're looking for, there are many hacking simulation platforms to choose from. Here are the top hacking simulators listed alphabetically:

Designed for beginners, the Bandit wargame is a free educational tool with 34 levels, which you will ascend when you accomplish various hacking challenges. This hacking simulator teaches the basics and technical skills to those just starting, with increasing levels of difficulty as it progresses. Updates include Docker container security challenges and cloud configuration scenarios.⁹

Discover what happens when your computer network or server is under attack—without the consequences. Sometimes described as “World of Warcraft for hackers,” this real-life cybersecurity game is specially designed for web developers, system administrators and security experts. As a player, you build your own server and defend it while attacking other users' servers.^10,11

Grey Hack has evolved significantly since its initial release, with regular updates introducing new features and scenarios. This single-player or multiplayer game maintains its realistic design with a Linux-style desktop and command line interface, while adding new missions and tools. The command line is used to scan for flaws, which players then try to exploit.¹²

Text-based for the PC, the Hackmud multiplayer hacker simulator game has evolved beyond its cyberpunk roots. With a core gameplay of database management and Javascript focus, the game invites users to, “Crack protected systems and solve puzzles as you explore the abandoned internet of the future. Write scripts to protect your winnings and trick other players. Lose everything. Get it back.”¹³

Hack The Box has significantly expanded its offerings to become a comprehensive training platform. Beyond its original challenges, it now includes cloud security labs, advanced threat detection scenarios and regular updates reflecting current cyber threats. The platform offers environments and scenarios involving machine learning security and IoT penetration testing. Users can participate in both individual and team-based challenges, with content updated frequently to reflect emerging security concerns.^14,15

Related to the Hack The Box platform, the Academy offers a distinct, structured learning experience with clear progression paths and certification opportunities. It focuses on practical skills through module-based learning, covering everything from fundamentals to advanced techniques in penetration testing, web security and cloud security. Each module includes theory, practical exercises and real-world scenarios, with hands-on labs that reinforce learning objectives.¹⁶

This military-themed hacking simulation game maintains its realistic command-line interface while incorporating modern security scenarios. Recent updates include ransomware incident response, supply chain attack simulations and critical infrastructure protection challenges. The game combines technical accuracy with engaging gameplay, offering valuable experience in common cybersecurity tools and terminology. Its tutorial system has been enhanced to cover contemporary security concepts and threat responses.¹⁷

Built by security professionals and Carnegie Mellon University, PicoCTF continues to evolve with current security challenges. While still accessible to students, the platform now includes advanced scenarios involving cloud security, containerization and modern web application vulnerabilities.¹⁸ The platform hosts regular competitions with prizes, drawing participants from around the globe. These competitions typically focus on topics such as:¹⁹

• Web exploitation
• Binary exploitation
• Cryptography
• Reverse engineering 
• Forensics

Created by the team behind Burp Suite, PortSwigger Web Security Academy provides comprehensive web security training through interactive labs and detailed learning materials.²⁰ The platform offers hands-on experience with modern web vulnerabilities and attack techniques. Users can practice identifying and exploiting security flaws in controlled environments that mirror real-world scenarios. The academy regularly updates its content to address emerging threats and security challenges, making it particularly valuable for those focusing on web application security.²¹

TryHackMe offers an accessible approach to cybersecurity training through browser-based learning environments.²² The platform features guided and challenge-based learning paths suitable for beginners to advanced practitioners. Users can access pre-configured virtual machines directly through their browser, removing traditional setup barriers. The platform offers free and premium content, with learning paths covering fundamental cybersecurity concepts, penetration testing and specialized topics like cloud security and IoT vulnerabilities.²³

Different hacking simulators align with specific cybersecurity career trajectories and certification paths. The platforms noted below will likely contribute to certification preparation but, because they’re updated frequently, it’s wise to verify current content and alignment with specific certification requirements.

• For aspiring penetration testers, platforms like Hack The Box and PortSwigger Web Security Academy, which specifically focus on web app vulnerabilities, can support preparation for the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification, where hands-on skills are crucial
• TryHackMe's learning paths align with CompTIA Security+ and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification requirements
• For those pursuing roles in application security, PortSwigger's Web Security Academy can provide targeted preparation for the Certified Application Security Engineer (CASE) certification
• Hack The Box Academy's modules align with both OSCP and SANS GIAC certifications, particularly GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester); cloud labs provide practical experience aligned with AWS Security Specialty and Azure Security Engineer certification requirements
• Security analysts can benefit from PicoCTF and Bandit, the latter of which focuses on Linux commands; they can build foundational skills relevant to CompTIA Security+ and CySA+ certifications

Successful cybersecurity professionals typically integrate simulator training into their routines. A structured approach might include daily 30-minute sessions with tools like TryHackMe for fundamentals, combined with longer weekend sessions using Hack The Box for advanced scenarios. Here's how professionals can structure their training:

Daily practice

• Practice with basic hacker games and simulators to reinforce fundamental skills
• Complete one TryHackMe room or PicoCTF challenge
• Review common CVEs and attack patterns
• Practice command-line skills in Bandit

Weekly deep dives

• Tackle one advanced HTB machine
• Complete a PortSwigger lab series
• Participate in team-based CTF challenges

Monthly assessments

• Attempt time-limited penetration tests
• Practice writing professional reports
• Simulate incident response scenarios

Real-world challenges addressed through simulator training include:

• Supply chain compromise detection (as seen in the SolarWinds attack)
• Cloud misconfiguration identification and remediation
• Zero-day vulnerability response
• Ransomware attack prevention and recovery

A systematic approach to hacking simulators helps build skills progressively while preventing frustration and knowledge gaps.

Beginner level

• Start with free hacking simulator platforms like Bandit to master Linux basics and command line skills
• Progress to TryHackMe's beginner paths for structured learning
• Use PicoCTF's guided challenges to understand fundamental concepts

Intermediate level

• Move to PortSwigger Academy for web security fundamentals
• Begin with easier Hack The Box machines
• Incorporate CTF365 for team-based learning
• Start exploring Hack The Box Academy's structured courses

Advanced level

• Take on harder Hack The Box challenges
• Engage with Grey Hack's complex scenarios
• Participate in advanced CTF competitions
• Focus on specialized areas using platform-specific labs

For each level, success metrics help determine readiness to advance.

• Beginner: Comfortable with basic commands, tools and concepts
• Intermediate: Ability to complete medium difficulty challenges independently
• Advanced: Capable of solving complex problems and teaching others

Prepare to tackle real-world cyber threats with confidence. The Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity program in the Katz School combines rigorous technical training with hands-on simulation experience. You’ll learn from industry-leading faculty who bring decades of experience from sectors including finance, healthcare and government. The flexible online format allows you to balance your education with work and life commitments, while the cutting-edge curriculum ensures that you're ready for tomorrow's security challenges.

Join the next generation of cybersecurity leaders. To discuss the program and your future in cybersecurity, schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor today.