What Is Kali Linux? A Beginner’s Guide

Posted on by Shakshi Metha
Kali Linux

Kali Linux – Operating System is the main system software which is responsible for the flawless working of the machine/server. Some Operating Systems are designed for some specific purposes. Though we could use them for anything we want to, but they have some special tools or services available feasibly to its users which makes it a good OS for the specific purpose.

Like we generally prefer Windows in case of gaming as most of the games are available for windows itself. Likewise, we prefer mac OS for designing related purposes as most of the designing software is easily available for mac and can be used flawlessly. In the same way when we have an OS for Network Security, Digital Forensics, Penetration testing, or Ethical Hacking named Kali-Linux.

What is Kali Linux?

Kali Linux (formerly known as BackTrack Linux) is an open-source, Debian-based Linux distribution which allows users to perform advanced penetration testing and security auditing. It runs on multiple platforms and is freely available and accessible to both information security professionals and hobbyists.

This distribution has several hundred tools, configurations, and scripts with industry-specific modifications that allow users to focus on tasks such as computer forensics, reverse engineering, and vulnerability detection, instead of dealing with unrelated activities.

This distribution is specifically tailored to the needs of experienced penetration testers, so therefore all documentation on this site assumes prior knowledge of, and familiarity with, the Linux operating system in general. Please see Should I Use Kali-Linux? for more details on what makes Kali unique.

Purpose of Kali Linux

  • Ethical Hacking: Kali-Linux is widely used for ethical hacking and penetration testing, where security experts test the integrity of systems to identify and fix security vulnerabilities.
  • Cybersecurity Training: It’s also used for cybersecurity education and training, helping users learn about hacking techniques, malware analysis, and defense strategies.

Key Features of Kali Linux:

  1. Pre-installed Security Tools:
    • Kali-Linux comes with over 600 pre-installed tools that are used for tasks such as penetration testing, security research, computer forensics, and reverse engineering. Some popular tools include Nmap (network scanning), Metasploit (exploit development), Wireshark (network protocol analysis), and John the Ripper (password cracking).
  2. Customizable and Open Source:
    • Being based on Debian, Kali-Linux is open-source, meaning anyone can modify and customize it according to their needs. You can build your version of Kali-Linux to include only the tools you need.
  3. Wide Range of Support:
    • Kali-Linux supports a broad range of hardware, including ARM devices, Raspberry Pi, and cloud platforms like AWS and Azure. It can be run as a live session from a USB, installed on a hard drive, or even as a virtual machine.
  4. Rolling Release Model:
    • Kali-Linux uses a rolling release model, meaning that updates and upgrades are released continuously rather than waiting for a major version release. This ensures that users always have the latest tools and updates.
  5. Multiple Desktop Environments:
    • Kali-Linux supports multiple desktop environments like GNOME, KDE, and Xfce, allowing users to choose the interface they prefer.
  6. Kali Linux NetHunter:
    • NetHunter is the mobile version of Kali-Linux, designed to run on Android devices. It turns a smartphone into a powerful penetration testing platform.

Common Use Cases:

  • Penetration Testing: Ethical hackers use Kali Linux to test the security of networks, systems, and applications to identify vulnerabilities.
  • Security Research: Researchers use Kali Linux to study new security threats and develop methods to protect against them.
  • Digital Forensics: Investigators use Kali Linux to recover data from compromised systems and analyze digital evidence.
  • Learning and Training: Kali Linux is also used in educational environments for teaching cybersecurity concepts and practices.

Getting Started:

  1. Installation:
    • You can install Kali Linux on a physical machine, run it as a live session from a USB, or use it as a virtual machine. The official Kali Linux website offers detailed installation guides.
  2. Basic Commands:
    • Learning basic Linux commands is essential, as Kali Linux is a command-line-focused distribution. Commands like ls, cd, cp, mv, rm, apt-get, and chmod are fundamental.
  3. Using Tools:
    • Start by exploring some of the pre-installed tools. Each tool serves a specific purpose, so it’s a good idea to understand what each one does and how to use it.
  4. Learning Resources:
    • There are numerous resources available for learning Kali Linux, including the official documentation, online tutorials, forums, and courses.

Conclusion:

Kali Linux is an invaluable tool for anyone interested in cybersecurity. While it has a steep learning curve for beginners, with time and practice, it becomes a powerful platform for performing a wide range of security tasks. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just curious about cybersecurity, Kali Linux offers the tools and flexibility to explore and secure the digital world.

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