Advanced Data Pilfering vs CrackMapExec: Side-by-Side Comparison (2026)
Features, pricing, ratings, and pros & cons — compared head-to-head.
Advanced Data Pilfering is a commercial penetration testing tool by Horizon3.ai. CrackMapExec is a free penetration testing tool. Compare features, ratings, integrations, and community reviews side by side to find the best penetration testing fit for your security stack.
CST VerdictBased on our analysis of NIST CSF 2.0 coverage, core features, company size fit, deployment model, here is our conclusion:
Mid-market and enterprise security teams that need to validate whether their defenses actually stop data exfiltration should run Advanced Data Pilfering; most pentesting tools test access, not what attackers do once inside. Horizon3.ai's autonomous approach maps high-value assets and simulates realistic data theft across cloud, Kubernetes, and on-premises environments, delivering the threat-informed validation that compliance frameworks like PCI DSS and NIS 2 increasingly demand. Skip this if your team wants a single platform covering vulnerability scanning, SIEM, and incident response; Advanced Data Pilfering is purpose-built for exfiltration testing and doesn't replace your broader detection stack.
Penetration testers and red teamers validating Active Directory security posture should reach for CrackMapExec first; it maps domain trust relationships and credential paths faster than manual enumeration, cutting reconnaissance time from days to hours. The tool ships with modules for Kerberos abuse, lateral movement, and privilege escalation that align directly with MITRE ATT&CK post-exploitation tactics, making it the standard for AD-focused engagements. Skip this if your team needs a polished UI or post-exploitation reporting; CrackMapExec is command-line only and generates no client-ready artifacts on its own.
