How to Run an Internal AI Pentest Lab with Open Source Tools
- Anup Ghosh
- 1 hour ago
- 1 min read
Summary
Want to train your techs or test AI-driven hacking safely? Build your own internal pentest lab using open-source tools and simulated environments — all enhanced with AI automation.
The How To
Think of an AI pentest lab as your cybersecurity sandbox — a place to experiment, train, and simulate real-world attacks without touching production systems. And yes, you can build one with open-source tools.
Whether you're training junior techs or exploring AI-driven offensive tooling, this guide shows MSPs how to get started:
🛠️ What You'll Need:
1. A Test Environment
Use VirtualBox or Proxmox to spin up isolated VMs
Set up vulnerable machines like Metasploitable2, DVWA, or TryHackMe/THM labs
Isolate the network or run it on a VLAN
2. Open-Source Pentest Tools
Kali Linux with tools like Nmap, Nikto, Metasploit
OWASP ZAP or Burp Suite Community for web app testing
3. AI-Powered Assistants
Use ChatGPT or AutoGPT to walk through attack paths, explain outputs, or generate payloads
Run an LLM locally (e.g., Ollama + open-source model) to assist without internet access
4. Workflow Automation
Try tools like PentestGPT, ReconGPT, or scripting with Python to automate scans and reporting
🧪 Why It Matters for MSPs:
✅ Train staff in real-world attack scenarios
✅ Test toolchains before client rollout
✅ Stay current with evolving threats
Plus, you’ll be better equipped to pitch pentesting services to clients — because you’ve done the work in house.
Start small. Run safe. Get smarter.
If you would rather not take the time to do all this, ThreatMate has you covered. Just sign up for a time and we will walk you through AI Automated Pentesting.
