PortSwigger and PentesterLab are the two best cybersecurity-hands-on training courses online. The two companies have courses for developers who want to expand their penetration testing and web security knowledge, but both cater to different types of users. In this post, we will review their features, pricing, and users so that you can decide which platform is most suitable for your learning mission.
What is PortSwigger?
PortSwigger’s flagship product is Burp Suite, a popular penetration test web vulnerability scanner. Additionally, PortSwigger also provides the Web Security Academy, which is a free product that has labs, tutorials, and specific instructions on common vulnerabilities for web apps. You can exploit real-world security holes in the labs without harming anyone.
Important PortSwigger Features:
- Web Application Issues: Covers web security issues like SQL injection, XSS, and authentication problems.
- Interactive Labs: Labs that are integrated with Burp Suite.
- Step-by-Step Tutorials: Guides on web application security.
- Cost: Free Web Security Academy; Burp Suite Pro offers enhanced security scans.
What is PentesterLab?
PentesterLab is a learning center for penetration testing and application security training. It also hosts badge-based training modules for a wide range of weaknesses. It offers lab exercises for both students and experts, including web security, Linux vulnerabilities, file inclusion, cryptography and much more.
Features of PentesterLab:
- General Vulnerabilities: Covers web application, Linux vulnerabilities, cryptography, and more.
- Badged Learning: Users earn badges after completing courses.
- Exploratory Activities: Labs modeled on real-world scenarios.
- Cost: Free labs available; full access through a $19/month premium plan.
PortSwigger vs PentesterLab: Feature Comparison
1. Learning Focus:
- PortSwigger: Ideal for students focused on web application security and real-world vulnerabilities.
- PentesterLab: Covers a wider range of vulnerabilities, including web, Linux, and cryptography.
2. User Experience:
- PortSwigger: Dependent on Burp Suite and organized around in-depth web attacks.
- PentesterLab: Badge-based system with hands-on labs for both novice and expert users.
3. Target Audience:
- PortSwigger: Suitable for web developers, security analysts, and individuals interested in web application security.
- PentesterLab: Great for penetration testers of all levels, from beginners to advanced users.
4. Pricing:
- PortSwigger: Free Web Security Academy, with advanced features included in Burp Suite Pro for an additional cost.
- PentesterLab: Free labs available; full access costs $19/month with the premium plan.
Pros and Cons: PortSwigger vs PentesterLab
PortSwigger Pros:
- Specialized labs for web security.
- In-depth integration with Burp Suite.
- Free Web Security Academy for comprehensive web security training.
PortSwigger Cons:
- Primarily focused on web application security.
- Better suited for users with prior web security knowledge.
PentesterLab Pros:
- Covers a broad range of vulnerabilities beyond web applications.
- Hands-on, badge-driven learning to motivate progress.
- Suitable for both beginners and intermediate learners.
PentesterLab Cons:
- Less emphasis on web application security compared to PortSwigger.
- Full access requires a premium subscription.
Which Platform is Best for You?
PortSwigger is the perfect platform for users interested in web application security, offering dedicated chapters on vulnerabilities like SQL injection and cross-site scripting. However, it is aimed at users who already possess a basic understanding of web security.
On the other hand, PentesterLab provides a more general platform that covers various cybersecurity topics. It’s suitable for learners who want a broad overview of penetration testing without focusing on one specific area.
Conclusion: PortSwigger vs PentesterLab
Both platforms offer valuable hands-on learning experiences, but they serve different purposes. PortSwigger is ideal for professionals looking to master web application security, especially if they use Burp Suite. PentesterLab offers a broader penetration testing experience with multiple labs across different fields, making it the better choice for learners looking to gain a comprehensive overview of the cybersecurity landscape.
Ultimately, your decision will depend on your learning objectives. If you want to strengthen your web security skills, PortSwigger is your go-to. If you’re looking for a more well-rounded penetration testing skillset, PentesterLab is the better option.
