With the emergence of internet presence attacks on our personal and professional account is also a threat, cyber security is one profession that can help big to small companies to keep all data safe from hacking and cyber-attacks.
To handle all this, you need a decent laptop for cyber security, the laptop requirement can vary depending on your work like students can get a cheap laptop but professionals might require a strong device.
As a professional, you might have to tackle everything from programming, pen testing, and sometimes cracking lost passwords for ethical hacking, additionally, there is a lot of analyzing, and researching work involved where you have to be proactive to safeguard against attacks.
However, this leads to choosing the right hardware in your system is critical, yet you do not necessarily need to spend a hefty amount unless you have to run large virtual machines.
We will discuss everything in detail, first take look at the system requirement and best laptops for cyber security with an in-depth discussion, also there is buying guide section so make sure to read it.
Laptop Requirement for cyber security in 2023
- Processor: 9th gen intel i7 and higher.
- Minimum 4 cores with 2.4 GHz speed.
- Ram Memory: 16GB DDR4 (For laptop upgradable slot)
- Storage capacity256GB SSD drive or higher (With an upgradable slot)
- SSD Drive is a must for a fast system.
- Operating system: Windows 10 or MacOS (Linux also acceptable)
- Graphics card: Integrated GPU is ok for students but a minimum Nvidia 4GB graphics card is added advantage.
- Display size:14” to 15.6” with FHD resolution for laptop.
- HDMI port if you have to connect with other sources.
- Good internet such as VPNs and Necessary USB ports.
Also Read: What specs do I need for cyber security
1. HP 15 lightweight laptop
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HP laptops are known for professional use but its also quite suitable for students for learning, which is why we have picked this as 1st place on our list, this HP laptop for cyber security, is a basic and entry-level budget laptop for students.
As you can use this machine for almost all the programming languages, this laptop is integrated with onboard 8GB ram that has 2666Mhz frequency, so you can run low level of the virtual machine still decent enough for Kali Linux OS.
This laptop is powered by 11th gen intel i5 1135G7 processor, this CPU delivers a base speed 2.4Ghz that can turbo boost up to 4.2Ghz and it has 4 cores and 8 threads which are decent enough for learning ethical hacking.
However, it does not have a dedicated GPU so if your work involves heavy tasks where you need to run multiple virtual machines and work on password cracking then this is not going to perform efficiently.
The display size is 15.6” with an FHD resolution having 250 nits brightness, even though you might find it difficult to read in bright areas yet is acceptable in a laptop under 500 dollars, additionally, on the storage front you get 256 GB of PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD.
The 256GB SSD storage space is enough to save Coding and programming applications, the highlight of the laptop is the battery life, it easily delivers about 5-6 hours depending on the intensity of your work and it has quick charge support.
This laptop charges up to 50% within 45 minutes, this is really helpful for users who are always on the go, it is also designed with a full-size keyboard and the design looks nice, the build quality is reputable considering the budget.
On the connectivity front, you get 2 USB type A, USB type C, HDMI, and most importantly SD card reader that ensures quick data transfer, also it comes with the latest Wi-Fi6 and Bluetooth 5.0 support.
Key Features:
- CPU 11th gen intel i5 1135G7, 4 cores.
- Integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics.
- Ram 8GB DDR4 and storage capacity 256GB SSD.
- Quick charge technology.
- Display size 15.6″ with FHD resolution.
- Affordable laptop.
- Thin and lightweight.
Cons:
- No dual channel ram.
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2. Alienware M15 gaming laptop
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This Alienware gaming laptop is probably what you need for handling cyber security projects, as it has all the features that can make your work easy from programming to cracking passwords and the fun fact is you can play any game on it in your free time.
However, the specifications are heavy, and the budget complexly justifies the pick, as it’s available at mid-budget, because it has a strong octa-core processor and dedicated graphics card, this device is apt for those who work on multiple IDEs and heavy virtual machines.
Simply due to its dedicated graphics card, it is built in with Nvidia RTX 3070, 8GB dedicated GPU, this video card is designed with multiple cores to handle heavy games and you can definitely utilize it for your professional needs.
Under this laptop, Alienware uses 11th gen intel core i8 11800H processor with 8 cores and 16 threads, delivers a max speed of up to 4.6Ghz and 24Mb cache, run the system efficiently, additionally it is also integrated with 32GB DDR4 ram allows you to do the heavy level of multi-tasking.
Overall, this system helps you to work on programming, and simulation of different networks becomes easier, also 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD is more than sufficient to store all the data under this hard drive.
Moreover, the battery life is pretty average in a gaming laptop this is where you have to compromise, these laptops consume power, as CPU and GPU consume battery, overall, it’s the best laptop for cyber security professionals.
The build quality is quite sturdy, and the keyboard is very responsive and built with the latest technology, it has a 4-zone RGB N-Key rollover and anti-ghosting technology, the keys are highly tactical and respond quickly.
There are plenty of connectivity options, you get 3 USB Type A 3.2, USB type C that supports DisplayPort and thunderbolt, HDMI 2.1 port, also included latest wifi and Bluetooth support.
Key Features
- Excellent for professionals.
- CPU 11th gen Intel i7 11800H, 8 cores.
- GPU Nvidia RTX 3070, 8GB.
- Ram 32GB and storage capacity 1TB SSD.
- Good keyboard.
- Display 15.6″ with FHD resolution.
- Excellent cooling technology.
- Good connectivity and ports.
Cons
- Weight is bulky.
- Average battery life.
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Also Read: Best gaming laptop under 1200
3. Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop
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Alienware is not affordable but wants to get a gaming laptop for cyber security with no lagging issue, then the Acer Nitro gaming laptop is the best in the mid-budget segment, it’s much cheaper and still good for running virtual machines.
As it has been designed with an “H” series CPU and dedicated RTX 30 series GPU, which is used for gaming but it gives excellent performance while working on multiple virtual machines, IDEs and it is also suitable for password cracking.
Under this laptop you get 11th gen intel i7 11800H processor, this is amazing in the budget as you get 8 cores and 16 threads, this CPU efficiently works on pen testing and is also suitable for writing programming languages.
The pricing is declining due to its 8GB DDR4 ram but it’s still enough and most importantly you also get 2 dual channel memory that enhances the performance of this device, moreover, you can also extend the memory support up to 32GB by using an empty slot.
It highlights with Nvidia RTX 3050 GPU that comes with 4GB video card memory, this GPU fulfills your Cuda core requirements for encrypted data, additionally, Acer added 512GB NVMe SSD making it the best laptop for ethical hacking professionals.
This device is equipped with a 15.6” full HD IPS display that delivers 250 nits brightness and 45% NTSC color gamut is something acceptable on a budget in cyber security, you do not need color accurate visuals yet it has good color viewing angles, and certainly better than some of the other laptops in similar pricing.
The build quality is decent there is flex at the top lid which you see in most of the Acer Nitro models, and the design wise it gives a gaming feel, whereas battery life is average on normal working hours you get about 3 hours, it’s not at all bad considering gaming machine.
There are enough connectivity ports, you also get Displayport 1.4 through a USB type C port, other options such as USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and HDMI 2.0 are available under this laptop.
Key Features
- CPU 11th gen Intel i7 11800H, 8 cores.
- GPU Nvidia RTX 3050, 4GB.
- Ram 8GB DDR4 is upgradeable up to 32GB.
- Storage capacity 512GB SSD.
- Display size 15.6″ FHD resolution.
- Best in mid-budget.
- Good keyboard.
Cons
- Average speakers
- The weight of laptop is heavy.
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Also Read: Best gaming laptop under 800
4. Lenovo Ideapad 3i Laptop
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This Lenovo Ideapad 3i is a cheap laptop for cyber security students, it can handle your daily normal task but it might not be the best option for professionals simply because it does not have a dedicated GPU.
However, for students, it’s an excellent device that offers you the latest processor from intel which is 12th gen intel i5, and in case you are not aware Lenovo is best for those who are worried about Linux Distros.
It is integrated with 8GB DDR4 ram, and as per Lenovo you can maximize the memory support up to 16 GB, additionally, the 12th gen intel i5 1235U offers you 10 cores and 12 threads which is excellent in very low-range machines.
As these latest processors from Intel are known for their unique performance between efficient and performance cores, there is a lot of space to store all your assignments and programming-related data, as a 512GB SSD makes sure enough space to save everything under the system.
Overall this CPU lets you run more than 1 virtual machine at a time yet you can not expect to get a fast experience as you get in high-range processors.
The Intel Iris XE integrated GPU is a little more powerful than previous versions as 12th generation CPUs have improved in terms of i-GPU as well, it is not the most powerful for laptops for data encrypting and password cracking yet for the learning stage it’s pretty much acceptable.
The screen size is 15.6” with FHD resolution having a bright screen and 45% NTSC color standard delivers good visuals, whereas this display has IPS technology so viewing from the side is crisp.
The look and design are professional and despite having a large screen it is a thin and lightweight machine that you can carry for your classes, side bezels are sleek yet you get webcam support, quality is not very high standards, still usable for online meetups.
Key Features:
- CPU 12th gen intel i5 1235U, 10 cores.
- Ram 8GB DDR4 and storage up to 512GB SSD.
- Integrated graphics card.
- Display size 15.6″ with FHD resolution.
- Thin and light laptop.
Cons:
- No dedicated graphics card.
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Also Read: Best gaming laptop with good battery life
5. Lenovo Thinkpad T14 Gen 3
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The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 can be a good choice for cybersecurity, as it offers a combination of hardware and software features that make it suitable for security-sensitive tasks
In terms of hardware, the ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 is equipped with powerful 12th gen Intel core i7 1260P processor, this CPU comes with 12 cores that are capable of running demanding security applications.
It also has massive 24GB dual channel DDR4 RAM, you can run heavy programming applications and it supports virtualization in your system, this memory is more than sufficient for running complex pen testing.
It has a 1TB PCIe SSD storage capacity, allowing you to run multiple applications at once, and store sensitive data securely, Additionally, the ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 has a number of security features, such as a built-in fingerprint reader.
In terms of software, the ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 comes with Windows 11 Pro, which includes various security features, It also supports virtualization, which allows you to run multiple operating systems on the same machine, especially, you can run all Linux Distros on this machine.
This laptop is integrated with an Intel Iris Xe Graphics card, now again even though professional cyber security can work on it, working on complex password cracking tasks take a lot of time, as even though this is a much improved i-GPU yet does not perform as fast as d-GPU.
The display of the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 is generally considered to be good and the 14” screen comes with a 1920 x 1200 resolution, which also delivers excellent brightness of up to 300 nits that makes it usable outdoors.
The highlight of the laptop is the excellent built-in webcam, it has 1080p resolution, which is rare in laptops this really helps you to attend meetings with a lot of clarity.
The battery has a 52.5 Wh that delivers about 5 hours of battery support which is enough for students and professionals as well, additionally, it is equipped with ports such as a Side docking connector, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI 2.0, Thunderbolt 4 and RJ45 Lan with wifi-6E and Bluetooth 5.2 version.
Key Features
- CPU 12th gen Intel core i7 1260P, 12 cores.
- Ram 24GB and storage capacity 512GB SSD.
- Display 14″ with 1920 x 1200 resolution.
- Good brightness.
- Fingerprint reader.
- Lightweight only 1.31 kg.
Cons
- Pricey.
- No dedicated graphics card.
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6. Dell XPS 13 9310 Laptop
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The Dell XPS 13 9310 Touchscreen Laptop is one of the best options for cybersecurity professionals who need a powerful and secure device for their work.
It stands out with its sleek design, powerful hardware, and comprehensive security features, the XPS 13 9310 is a laptop that is well suited for the cybersecurity domain.
One of the key hardware features of the XPS 13 9310 is its powerful Intel Evo processor, which provides fast and efficient performance for running demanding security applications.
It is powered by 11th gen Intel Core i7 1185G7, this Intel variant has a quad-core processor that delivers turbo speeds up to 4.80Ghz, besides its hardware specification, this is an Intel Evo CPU that goes through serious testing before using it in a laptop.
Apart from fast and efficient performance, Intel EVO-certified CPU delivers longer battery life making it a better alternative than MacBooks, these laptops typically charge quickly and last long for more than 8 hours.
It also comes with ample RAM up to 16GB DDR4 that has a max frequency of 4267MHz and 512GB SSD storage capacity, allowing you to run multiple applications at once and also you can save all your confidential data safely.
Overall 16GB memory is good for working on heavy applications for cybersecurity including pen testing and is also suitable for virtualization.
Finally, the XPS 13 9310 also features a beautiful 13.3-inch Full HD (1920 x 1200) touchscreen display, making it easy to navigate and use on the go, as this panel has a maximum 500 nits peak brightness making it excellent for reading in outdoor conditions.
Moreover, it is also having Intel Iris Xe Graphics with shared graphics memory that delivers smooth visuals on a screen monitor, still, your data encrypting work might get delayed since it is not a dedicated GPU.
The laptop is completely thin and light only weighing 2.8 lbs, on the connectivity front, it is equipped with 2 thunderbolts 3 that also support DisplayPort and power delivery, and an SD card reader also allows you to transfer data quickly.
Key Features
- CPU 11th gen Intel Core i7 1185G7, 4 cores.
- Intel EVO-certified processor.
- Ram 16GB DDR4 4267MHz.
- Storage capacity 512GB SSD.
- Display size 13.3″ with 1920 x 1200 resolution.
- Excellent brightness 500 nits.
- Good battery life.
- Lightweight laptop.
- Long warranty.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- No dedicated graphics card.
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Also Read: Best laptop for taking notes
7. Apple MacBook Pro
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This is the last laptop for cyber security that we recommend, the specifications are pretty amazing under this system, and most importantly it’s one of the rare Apple Macbooks that offers you a larger screen.
A large number of cyber security professionals prefer MacBooks as they are highly protective towards sensitive data and nowadays there are many sources where you can use windows and Linux on Mac as well.
However, many users face many issues with the MacBook Air, largely due to 8GB onboard ram which is not upgradeable, this is where this MacBook Pro is better than the Mac air, as it offers you 16GB ram which is sufficient to run up to 5-6 virtual machines.
However, you can also easily write codes and programming languages, also it is suitable for pretesting, as it is developed with M1 pro chip that has 10 cores excellent for cyber security work, moreover, if you are a student, you can consider MacBook air as you do not have to run heavy applications.
This laptop is also integrated with 16 core GPU which is decent for basic video editing tasks, but it’s still not enough to work on password cracking, as it uses many cores this is where it lags but overall it’s a pretty powerful laptop for ethical hackers and security professionals.
Under the laptop, Apple added a 512GB NVMe SSD, so you can store all related software such as anti-virus, and programming, the display is just awesome you can experience true colors on this panel with bright visuals usable at your college campus and outdoors.
The 16.2” screen allows you to read properly, which is important while using it for coding but this is not the most portable option from Mac and understandably so, as it has a larger screen yet the device is sleek and side bezels are thin ensuring wide viewing angles.
The MacBook is known for its battery support, this laptop easily runs a little over 9 hours, which is more than enough for students, the highlight is its webcam, Mac has added a 1080p resolution camera, which delivers outstanding visual quality usable for zoom meetings and online classes.
Key Features
- CPU M1 pro with 10 cores.
- Ram 16GB and storage capacity 512GB SSD.
- Operating system Mac.
- Display size 16.2″ with excellent brightness.
- High-quality webcam.
- Long battery life.
Cons:
- Bulkier MacBook model.
- Expensive laptop.
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Also Read: Is Macbook air good for programming
Best laptop for cyber security- Buying guide
The below section is all about how to choose a laptop for cyber security, we have discussed with Industry professionals before compiling the specs required for ethical hacking, additionally, we have also run a few applications and then comes to conclusion.
So read through this entire segment to get in-depth information on hardware requirements, as there is a big difference in desktop and laptop configurations so now let’s get into buying guide.
Operating system
Linux is the most flexible and ideal operating system for cyber security, most widely used OS is Linux Distro, simply because of its easy workflow, especially on pen testing tasks.
However you can install Linux on both windows and Mac, so it’s not big concern, many prefer Mac over Windows, but I prefer windows as it is a versatile platform where you get almost all applications access.
Windows laptop for cyber security is best, as some of the devices comes with dedicated graphics card where you get many cores, whereas Macbook air and pro models only have 8 to 10 cores which are very minimal for cracking password.
Processor
There are dual-core laptops available from Intel and honestly, the latest 10th gen intel i3 processors are strong and perform efficiently while working on it, however, as a student, you might think about this CPU, but I would suggest a minimum of 4 cores of CPU.
As even though you do not have to handle heavy applications, writing programming codes utilizes a lot of cores so in that scenario your laptop starts to lag.
Additionally, anti-virus applications and encrypting data are CPU-extensive tasks, where you must have more cores, overall, 4 cores are enough for students.
If you are doing this full time then a higher processor system is always better, 8 cores provide much better performance on different IDE and especially it can run pen testing and multiple virtual machines smoothly.
Lastly for cyber security, choosing the right brand is essential, Intel processors are compatible and flexible to work on Linux, so I do not suggest AMD CPU for cyber security.
The Apple Mac processors are also quite popular in cyber security, no doubt they are quite safe to use yet Mac is quite expensive their base variant MacBook air cost more than 900 dollars.
Whereas specifications are decent for students but not for professionals who have to run multiple virtual machines, however, MacBook Pro is a good choice for you, yet it costs you more than 1000 dollars and Mac models do not have a dedicated GPU that delays password cracking, as it requires a lot of cores.
Ram memory
After the processor, the ram in a laptop is a must, as data encryption, virtual machine, and pen testing use laptop of memory resources, and if the system doesn’t have sufficient ram, it delays the process as ram transfers information to the CPU late.
Overall 8GB DDR4 ram is standard for working on programming applications and running 1-2 virtual machines, and for working on pen testing, and multiple virtual machines 16GB is efficient.
The 16GB DDR4 ram is more than sufficient to run up to 5-6 virtual machines, but once you start running above 6 you might need plenty of ram, in this case even 32GB is not out of the equation.
However, ram is not a big concern unless and until it has an upgradability feature, just make sure to read the detail, especially cheap laptops mostly designed with a soldered onboard ram that does not allow you to extend memory.
Therefore, gaming laptops are quite handy as almost all of them offer upgradability for a ram, you get 16-64GB upgradability depending on the laptop’s features.
Additionally, workstations also offer plenty of memory, which can benefit you but again most of the workstations are above 1000 dollars which is not a budget-friendly category.
Graphics card
This is the most debatable whether to choose a laptop with a dedicated or integrated graphics card for cyber security, see for students you might get away with an i-GPU where you do not have to work on password cracking and where you need to get fast access to your lost password.
Now, this process is intense and uses a laptop of cores, there is no doubt your processor has cores but a maximum of you get 16 cores depending on the laptop configuration, in this process CPU cores, are not enough.
As to get fast results it uses hundreds of cores this is why GPU is important, as dedicated GPU has many more cores than CPU, now choosing graphics cards depends on your budget as well.
However, Nvidia GTX1650 GPU is decent, yet RTX 30 series GPUs such as RTX 3060, 3070, and 3080 provide thousands of Cuda cores that can make your work efficient and you can achieve the task quickly.
Storage capacity
In cyber security and ethical hacking you don’t have major files and software to store, I mean yes you have a few programming and anti-virus applications to store, but it does not take up huge space in your system.
So 256GB NVMe SSD is enough especially for a low-budget laptop for cyber security, however, once you are ready to spend above 600 dollars you must consider a 500GB SSD drive.
Whereas with gaming laptops under 700 dollars, you get most of the machines with 256GB SSD drive which is decent, and once you are spending above 700-800 dollars then again higher storage space is needed.
Fast connectivity to the internet
Whether you are a student or professional, you need to use the internet on a regular basis and you definitely do not want any lag, especially during data encryption and virtualization.
However, wired connection for the internet is always efficient, yet nowadays hardly anyone uses RJ45 Lan in your computer or laptop, so wireless connectivity has to be fast latest being is wifi-6 still if you are considering older models due to budget then a minimum wifi-5 is needed.
Laptop vs Desktop
Ethical hackers prefer both ideally, as a Desktop is any day more powerful than a laptop but a laptop offers you portability and flexibility, additionally, modern laptops do come with powerful hardware.
For instance, a desktop with Intel i5 and GTX 1650 GPU delivers faster performance than a laptop’s configuration, that is because the laptop is a small device where you can not use higher power consumption tools to maintain its battery life, cooling, and durability.
Overall, both are good, as students and professionals you also need a laptop, as you can carry them anywhere you go.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best laptop for cyber security?
Alienware M15 gaming laptop is the best laptop for cyber security professionals as it offers you a strong processor with the latest GPU that has multiple CUDA cores and it has also 16GB memory apt for cyber security, whereas Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop is a good alternative to Alienware as it is mid-budget laptop.
However, if you are not having a budget Lenovo Ideapad gaming 3i is best for students and most Lenovo laptops are compatible with Linux making it the best alternative, whereas HP 15 laptop is another best for cyber security students.
Are gaming laptops good for cyber security?
Yes, gaming laptops are excellent for cyber security, as they are meant for heavy tasks and you get GPU that helps immensely during data encryption and password cracking, however, these laptops are bulky in weight, and battery life is average in gaming laptops.
How much ram do I need for cyber security?
The 8GB is standard and the minimum you should have for cyber security, however ideally 16GB is efficient for working on heavy applications and if you have to run multiple virtual machines 16GB is a must, whereas for the above 7 virtual systems even higher memory is better.
Which dell laptop is best for cyber security?
There are plenty of Dell laptops available in the market, you should always aim to get suitable hardware, make sure to check the requirement of your tasks, and then take a decision.
The Dell XPS 13 9310 is the most preferred Notebook for cyber security, it’s a good alternative to Mac, as it offers high power configuration and a battery last long.
Can you use any laptop for cyber security?
Yes you can use any laptop for cyber security just makes sure your selected laptop meets the minimum requirement for your working style.
Additionally for a professional who handles multiple virtual machines and has to work on sensitive data such as password cracking, then you must have a stronger laptop that is also built-in with a dedicated graphics card.
Final words
In this comprehensive post on the best laptop for cyber security we have covered everything in detail, I am sure you have found the laptop for your need.
While conclusion suggests you get a decent laptop, as having suitable specs for your working need is a must, and more than brand concentrate on its hardware and check carefully.
If you still have doubts put your query in the comment box and also share your experience if you have ever used a laptop.
Also Read:
Best gaming laptop under 750 dollars
Best laptop with a mechanical keyboard
A gaming laptop with the best cooling system
The best Gaming laptop with DisplayPort
