The Definitive Guide To Kali Linux

(A full guide to Kali Linux with a step by step installation explanation)

Introduction:

When talking about the Hacking process, the thing that comes in mind along with the dude in the black hoodie and codes, is the name of that complicated "OS" that's used in each Hacking operation or Cyber attack launched by Hackers, and the first thing you get asked about when known as a Cyber Security buddy is "you know how to work with Kali Linux!?"  

To give a confident "YES" to that answer, let's walk through this complete view on Kali Linux, defining it, figuring out how it's installed and how it's used..

What Are Some of the most notorious Linux Distributions?

- Kali Linux

- Parrot Security OS

- BackBox

- CAINE (Computer Aided Investigative Environment)

- Fedora Security Spin

- ArchStrike

What's Kali Linux?

Kali Linux is a Debain-based distribution that aims at advanced penetration testing, digital forensics and Security research & auditing.

It's an open-source software developed initially by Mati Aharoni and Devon Kerns of offensive security, that has many hundred of pre-installed tools that are meant to serve various penetration and security research purposes.

Why It's Used?

Linux distributions are considered the most powerful when it comes to conducting security-related tests, therefore Kali Linux is used widely in penetration testing, security research and Cyber-Security educational field.

- Penetration Testing:

Simply put the concept of pen testing refers to the act of launching Cyber-Attacks against a system or a device to break into it and exploit its vulnerabilities.

It's done by White-Hackers to exploit the weakness in the system and come up with solutions to cover those gaps in the security therefore preventing any possible real Cyber threat.

- Security Research:

Security researches are conducted by security analysts and they are meant to implement systems to protect the organization from Cyber-Threats. 

A security analyst duty is implementing systems to evaluate the security, minimize the Cyber-Threats, find solutions for data and connection security, document incidents and create reports for security staff.

- Educational Purposes:

Linux is used for educational purposes in schools and universities to train those who aim to be Cyber Security specialists "White-Hats" on penetration testing and Hacking.

Who uses Linux distributions?

Linux distributions are used by White Hackers, Black Hackers, Security researchers and penetration testers.

Should I Be Able To Work With Kali Linux In Order To Be A Hacker?

You can never do without Kali or one of the Linux distributions if you want to engage in the Cyber & Hacking field, though, you shouldn't jump to Kali Linux immediately with zero knowledge of dealing with Windows basics, what's recommended is first to get acquainted with Windows, not only with its basics but take a step further in studying this operating system and other ones like Unix.

Having some knowledge with writing codes is crucial as well, as in Kali the main deals won't be done by clicks and double clicks, but by writing codes and executing commands.

INSTALLATION OF KALI LINUX:

Requirements For Running Kali Linux:

The requirements for running Kali Linux as a basic secure shell are affordable by most of people, the least requirements are: 

- RAM : 2GB 

- Disk Space : 4GB

Methods Of Installation:

- As  A Default System :

This methods requires dedicating a device just for Kali Linux, usually professionals go with this option.

- USB :

Kali can be downloaded on a USB drive and run it on the device only when needed through VirtualBox.

- V-Box :

One of the best option for learners to install and run Kali Linux is the VirtualBox or as its also called the "Virtual Machine", this method allow you to install Kali on your device, and run it through the virtual box which is basically a computer inside your computer, therefore you don't have to sacrifice a device devoting it for Kali, as well you have have another layer of protection separating your actual device.

- Raspberry Pi:

Simply put, the Raspberry Pi is a little card sized computer that functions as a desktop, it gives you the option to set up an operating system, use as a replacement of a desktop, build a web server, build a monitoring network tool and various other things.

 

It's used widely in Hacking field, as it can be turned into a tool, a monitoring device, a web server "to host a dark web website f.e" etc...

In this article, we are going to install Kali Linux 32-bit and run it on the Virtual machine..

Installation:

- Kali Linux:

1) Head to Offensive Security official website and select the Virtual Machines option:

2) Choose VirtualBox 32-bit and download:

- Virtual Machine:

Go to VirtualBox website and select the OS option, in our case I will go with Windows host:

- Setting up:

To install the Virtual Machine on Windows, head to the (.exe) file's location, double click, next, next and finish. Couldn't be more easy...

Then double click on the Virtual Machine, and you should see Kali there inserted:

- System Setup:

Here you can choose the amount of RAM you desire to dedicate for Kali Linux, 2GB is enough for now, though the higher, the better in performance..

- Network Setup:

Here we don't need to do anything but to check if in the "Attached to" section is set to "NAT" :

- Start & Login:

To start Kali Linux, simple click on "Kali-Linux-VBox" in the virtual machine and it will run automatically, for password and username, type KALI..

- Finally:

Here we are in Kali Linux, as we can see there are three main icons, Home, File system and trash, and on the absolute right corner there's the Kali icon which will display us the tools, apps and frameworks that are installed in Linux.

Through the icon you can open apps and even start tools in the terminal :

I will let you discover the rest of the widgets and tools, though we will cover the most notorious Linux 

tools and frameworks in an upcoming article, thus stay tuned!!

Conclusion:

Kali Linux is an obvious column in the basement of pen-testing and security research, therefore, aiming for proficiency in Cyber Security field should come along with aiming for mastering Kali Linux.

Though before starting with Kali, you need to having some knowledge in the principles we previously mentioned "Operating Systems" , "Programming" and "Security". 

For sure you can set Kali Linux up from now by following the step by step explanation above, and combine all of the tasks together and sharpen all the basic skills altogether.

At the end, be careful about what you doing, the laws against Cyber-Crimes are strict in a lot of countries, and simple online activity might be considered as a Cyber-Crime, therefore some unaware actions may push you into the hole of Cyber-Crimes, or worse, result in a real threat to your confidential data! 

Leave us your opinion in the comments section down below, and if you got any questions, never hesitate to ask us in the comments or via Email.

Thanks For Reading!