Cyber Security is referred to as managing, defending or protecting laptops, systems, electronics, data, networks from digital attacks. Digital attacks are cyber attacks that aim to target, steal, tamper with information or important documents, money, or even intrude into processes.
One of the painstaking challenges for most digital companies or big companies is how to prevent cyber attacks from intruding into their system. However, regular individuals go through cyber security issues like identity theft, extortion attempt, stealing sensitive data, hacking a social media account or your brand’s website.
There are an abundance of different laptops out there for you to choose from. However, depending on what you need a laptop for, one might be more suited to you than another.
As a cyber security professional, you might need a laptop that can work with most programming languages and can do heavy data crunching in tasks like password cracking with ease. Besides, you’ll need to make sure that the machine you’re getting is capable of dual boot Linux (Ubuntu) installations, running virtual machines, monitoring network traffic, etc.
So if you’re looking for a laptop for IT security and hacking, which model would be the best? Well, let’s look at some of the available laptops out there so that you can make your own decision.
List of our Top Picking Laptops
- Acer Nitro 5 Laptop, 9th Gen Intel Core i5-9300H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, 15.6″ Full HD IPS Display, 8GB DDR4, 256GB NVMe SSD, Wi-Fi 6, Backlit Keyboard, Alexa Built-in, AN515-54-5812
- 2021 Lenovo ThinkPad P14s 14″ FHD Thin Light Mobile Workstation Business Laptop (AMD 8-core Ryzen 7 Pro 4750U (Beat i7-10750H), 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) Backlit, Fingerprint, WiFi 6, Win 10 Pro, IST Cable
- MSI GL62M 7REX-1896US 15.6″ Full HD Gaming Laptop Computer Quad Core i7-7700HQ, GeForce GTX 1050Ti 4G Graphics, 8GB DRAM, 128GB SSD + 1TB Hard Drive, Steelseries Red Backlit Keyboard
- Acer Aspire 5 A515-55-56VK, 15.6″ Full HD IPS Display, 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1, 8GB DDR4, 256GB NVMe SSD, Intel Wireless WiFi 6 AX201, Fingerprint Reader, Backlit Keyboard, Windows 10 Home
- Lenovo Yoga C930 2-in-1 13.9″ Touch-Screen Laptop – Intel Core i7 – 12GB Memory – 256GB Solid State Drive – Iron Gray
Best 5 Laptops for Cyber Security
1. Acer Nitro 5
The Nitro 5 from Acer is rugged, durable, and weighs close to the 5-pound mark. The build quality is impressive and you wouldn’t even notice the spanning plastic, courtesy of the metallic accents. As far as the display is concerned, the 15.6 Full HD screen is sharp and perfect for gaming.
Also, you need not ruminate over the retouched tag as the 1920 x 1080 screen is one of the best resources to invest in, as a gamer. Plus, the Comfyview technology, or rather the anti-glare support allows you to play most games, without having to stress out the eyes.
Key Features
- 9th Generation Intel Core i5-9300H Processor (Up to 4.1 GHz)
- LAN: 10, 100, 1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 port); Wireless: Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 AX200 802.11ax
- 8GB DDR4 2666MHz Memory; 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD (2 x PCIe M.2 slots – 1 slot open for easy upgrades) and 1 – Available hard drive bay
- 15.6” Full HD Widescreen IPS LED-backlit display; NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Graphics with 4 GB of dedicated GDDR5 VRAM
- Backlit keyboard; Acer Cool Boost technology with twin fans and dual exhaust ports
Technical Specifications
Display Size | 15.6 Inches |
Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
Processor | 4.1 GHz core_i5 |
RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
Memory Speed | 4.1 GHz |
Hard Drive | 256 GB Flash Memory Solid State |
Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 |
Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
Card Description | Dedicated |
Wireless Type | 801.11ac |
Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
Average Battery Life (in hours) | 8 Hours |
Pros
- Lightweight & Big Screen
- Backlit Keyboard
- Massive storage space
- Dual fan for better cooling
- Long Lasting Battery
- One of the best GPUs for the price
- The design is excellent and durable
Cons
- Slightly heavy
- Not the most recent core i5
- Disappointing storage space
Recommendations
This stylish laptop is right for you if you want to work with style. However, the hard disk may not be very powerful. But you can manage your applications and programs on it. Also, you can enjoy the display result with excellent audio work. Your typing speed will be good with the comfortable and light keys on the keyboard. So, this is an overall good deal for you.
2. Lenovo ThinkPad T490
This laptop arrives in matte black color with a silver ThinkPad logo of ThinkPad. It has silver things that look decent. And there are air vents to keep the system cool. Moreover, there are several connectivity ports. The flat design looks like a rubbed surface. However, there is nothing impressive about the plan because it has a classic look. Also, the 14 inches display comes with two thick bezels and two narrow bezels. The keyboard is decent, with even space between the keys. These keys are easy to press due to the exact cut and size. Its touchpad is also touch-sensitive with two buttons on it. Furthermore, you will find a fingerprint sensor that lets you log in to Windows secretly.
Key Features
- Everything is Original from Lenovo. 16GB DDR4-2666MHz RAM,512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
- AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 4750U Processors (1.7GHz to 4.1GHz Max Boost, 8 Cores, 16 Threads, 8MB L3 Cache); Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 802.11AX (2 x 2) + Bluetooth 5.1
- 2 x USB-A 3.2 (Gen 1) (1 always-on), 2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (supports DisplayPort Alt Mode) (Power Delivery), 1 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x RJ45, 1 x MicroSD card reader (SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC), 1 x Headphone / mic combo
- 14.0″ FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS, anti-glare, 250 nits, 45% NTSC color gamut, integrated AMD Radeon Graphics – support to expandable with 3 monitors via HDMI & Type-C Ports. Maximum supported resolution of 3840*2160 60Hz
- One-year warranty from Lenovo. Windows 10 Pro 64-bit, Ideal for Work from Home, Zoom meeting, Online Meeting, Student, Home, Professionals, Small Business, and School Education
Technical Specifications
Display Size | 14 Inches |
Screen Resolution | 1920×1080 |
Max Screen Resolution | 1920×1080 Pixels |
Processor | 1.7 GHz ryzen_7 |
RAM | 16 GB DDR4 |
Memory Speed | 2400 MHz |
Hard Drive | 512 GB SSD |
Graphics Coprocessor | AMD Radeon |
Chipset Brand | Intel |
Card Description | Integrated, Dedicated |
Wireless Type | Bluetooth, 802.11ac |
Average Battery Life (in hours) | 15 Hours |
Pros
- Webcam quality is also good.
- The design is excellent and durable.
- You can enjoy working fast with a fast processor.
- The keyboard is comfortable to use with easy pressing keys.
- Its display is relaxing for the eyes, and the colors are not sharp.
Cons
- No CD/DVD ROM
Recommendations
If it is told about the audio, the ThinkPad series does not focus much on the audio quality. Their primary focus is on the internals with a good display. Still, unlike all other ThinkPad models, this laptop has speakers on the top of the keyboard. Their volume is not that high, even with loud volume. But this will be fine because a hacker can work with a low bass speaker. So, this computer will not disturb you about the audio. You can use headphones for a better result.
3. MSI GL62M 7REX
MSI is well known in the market for its technology products. However, they are offering laptops and other gadgets for all types of users and providing them with their best technology and reliability. Moreover, they made some good designs. So, let’s talk about one of their outstanding products. The MSI GL62M 7REX is very best suitable for users that run codes or any type of hacking tool. Its big screen and very digenetic keyboard hackers and Cyber Security students or professionals are allowed to type at a faster speed.
Key Features
- Display: 15.6″ Full HD eDP 1920×1080 | Operating System: Windows 10 . Gb LAN
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050Ti 4G GDDR5.AC Adapter:150 W adapter
- RAM: 8GB (8G*1) DDR4 2400MHz | Hard Drive: 128GB M.2 SATA + 1TB (5400RPM)
- Processor: Core i7-7700HQ (2.8 – 3.8 GHz). Visualize key system information so that its clear at a glance.Mini mode display system information on a small size window
- Special Features: Thin and Light Chassis | Steel Series Red Backlight with Anti-Ghost key + silver lining | Nahimic 2 Surround Sound System
Technical Specifications
Display Size | 15.6 Inches |
Max Screen Resolution | 1920×1080 Pixels |
Processor | 2.8 GHz core_i7 |
RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
Memory Speed | 2400 MHz |
Hard Drive | 1000 GB Hybrid Drive |
Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti |
Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
Card Description | Dedicated |
Graphics Card Ram Size | 4 GB |
Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
Pros
- The graphic display is very good
- MSI advanced cooling technology
- Very Portable
Cons
- As per gaming, it has standard performance
- Average battery life
- VR non-compliant
Recommendations
The most important thing for hacking and Cyber Security students is the keyboard of the laptop. As it is very much used by them and they need a more comfortable keyboard because they need to type a lot for their codes, etc. However, it has a REDbacklight keyboard which also includes the ghost key for better feedback and proportionate wrist use.
4. Acer Aspire 5
Acer Aspire 5 laptop has the best gaming experience of all time. However, for the gamers who want to play the games on the next level stop right there, this is what you have been looking for.
Now you might be thinking that this laptop is better for gaming than what it is doing in hacking or Cyber Security. So, in short, gaming laptops have high internal specifications and an excellent keyboard, and this is what hackers or people who run codes all day long need. Yes, this is a laptop for you.
The laptop has the same power-packed specification as its elder brother but with low weight and less battery backup. Maybe the battery was adding up lots of weight and this has been lowered down to up to 6-7 hours of normal day-to-day tasks. The look of the laptop has also been changed; it has a clean design with black metal finished chassis, which makes this laptop look good looking.
Key Features
- Windows 10 Home
- 10th Generation Intel Core i5-1035G1 Processor (Up to 3.6GHz)| 8GB DDR4 Memory | 256GB NVMe SSD
- 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen LED backlit IPS Display | Intel UHD Graphics
- 1 – USB 3.1 (Type-C) Gen 1 port (up to 5 Gbps), 2 – USB 3.1 Gen 1 Port (one with Power-off Charging), 1 – USB 2.0 Port & 1 – HDMI Port with HDCP Support
- Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 AX201 802.11ax | Backlit Keyboard | Fingerprint Reader | HD Webcam | Up to 8 Hours Battery Life
Technical Specifications
Display Size | 15.6 Inches |
Max Screen Resolution | 1920×1080 Pixels |
Processor | 3.6 GHz core_i5_1035g1 |
RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
Memory Speed | 3.6 GHz |
Hard Drive | Flash Memory Solid State |
Graphics Coprocessor | Integrated |
Chipset Brand | Intel |
Card Description | Integrated |
Wireless Type | 802.11ax |
Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
Average Battery Life (in hours) | 8 Hours |
Pros
- Easy to carry
- Offers you best possible power processing
- 8GB RAM offers an abundance of multitasking
Cons
- Battery backup has been reduced to 6-7 hours
Recommendations
Acer Aspire 5 produces laptops for every kind of user from gamers to businessmen and Cyber Security professionals and this is why this company is very famous among the entire population.
5. Lenovo Yoga C930
Lenovo Yoga C930 has a 4 GHz Intel Core i7 processor that is coupled with 12GB DDR4 RAM that helps the user to perform functions with different software. Moreover, the hackers and coding people use is very very intense because they need to run heavy software and their work is all day long.
The storage capacity of the device should be high as the coding user needs to install heavy software and they have files that are really big so we made a look at the storage space too for our dear customers. Lenovo Yoga C930 has 512GB of flash memory solid-state.
Key Features
- Windows 10 operating system Brings back the Start menu from Windows 7 and introduces new features, such as the Edge web browser that lets you mark up web pages on your screen.
- 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8550U processor Ultra-low-voltage platform. Quad-core, eight-way processing provides maximum high-efficiency power to go. The Intel Turbo Boost technology delivers dynamic extra power when you need it.
- 13.9″ Full HD touch screen for hands-on control Finger-touch navigation makes the most of Windows 10. The 1920 x 1080 resolution boasts impressive color and clarity. IPS technology for wide viewing angles. Energy-efficient LED backlight.
- Built for Windows Ink With Windows Ink compatible computers, you can take notes on screen, mark up photos and screenshots, or create content through Ink-enabled apps.
- 12GB system memory for full-power multitasking Plenty of high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run your games, photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs at the same time.
Technical Specifications
Display Size | 13.9 Inches |
Max Screen Resolution | 1920×1080 |
Processor | 1.8 GHz core_i7 |
RAM | 12 GB |
Hard Drive | flash_memory_solid_state |
Graphics Coprocessor | Intel HD Graphics 620 |
Chipset Brand | Intel |
Card Description | Integrated |
Wireless Type | 802.11ac |
Pros
- Portable
- Simple and elegant design
- Speakers are very good
Cons
- Weak GPU
- RGB colors are not good
- Small SSD because it’s expensive
Recommendations
Battery life is what hackers and Cyber Security users are concerned about because they have very hectic tasks to do and their work is almost all day long so they need a laptop that goes with their work. It has a battery life of 14 hours of single-use.
Final Verdict
We are sure this article would guide you in selecting and buying the best laptops for cyber security. Also, we pointed out the necessary things we used in the selection process of each of the laptops listed above.
Having one of these best laptops would help you in your journey as a cyber security professional. And with the amazing features they offer, we are sure you are set to soar in the industry.However, you should know that none of the claims of the selections is guaranteed by Techuncode or the writer. This is because the selection is based on reviews by others which also met up with some criteria expected from the device.
Still, we picked the best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of computer do I need for cyber security?
When you’re looking for a laptop specifically for cyber security, you should make sure that it has all the same qualities as any decent laptop. This means that you’re looking for at least 8GB of RAM, combined with an i5 or an i7 processor (or their AMD equivalent).
2. Is Lenovo Good for Cyber security?
Lenovo ThinkPad laptops are among the best laptops for cyber security professionals, and their E15 model is no exception. The Intel Quad-Core i7-10510U processor ensures good performance and can deliver up to 4.9GHz of peak computing speed.
3. How do I train for Cyber Security?
Earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, cyber security or a related field. Or, gain equivalent experience with relevant industry certifications. Pursue an entry-level position in general IT or security. Earn a mid-level role as a security administrator, analyst, engineer or auditor.
4. Is Cyber Security hard to learn?
Even though a job in cyber security can be highly rewarding and satisfying, it can also be very challenging and stressful. Understanding some of the job responsibilities, as well as the characteristics and personality traits of these jobs, may help you decide if a career in cyber security is right for you.
5. Is it hard to get a job in Cyber Security?
It is not hard to get a job in cyber security. The number of positions is growing with the Bureau of Labor Statistics expecting the field to increase more than 30% over the next ten years. Most hiring managers emphasize soft skills for entry-level candidates with most of the technical skills learned on the job.