essential gear for hackers -

tools:

In an effort to provide the LATEST tools, other sites do a better job than we could ever hope for.  Here are a few:

AstalaVista: The place to start!

k-Otik - French Security site - usually gets exploit code posted first. (Now called frsirt to sound legit, still posts exploits)

knoppixSTD Knoppix Security Tool Distribution - Bootable Linux CD with security tools

livecdlist: A huge list of bootable unix ISOs for most tasks. Knoppix, Whoppix, and a host of others.

nessus unix based vulnerability tester (leaves huge footprint!)

Packet Storm  More mainstream IP/Sec consulting.  Really nice look to it, plus well laid out.

sam spade Very comprehensive windows tool

Securiteam: Lots of code and exploits

superscan a simple, easy to use windoze port scanner (no stealth options).

tor the onion router sponsored by the eff. You should support the eff.

UNICODE Use UNICODE to slip past low end IDSs.