Kali Linux (64-bit)

Kali Linux is a sophisticated Linux distribution designed from the bottom up for penetration testing, ethical hacking, and network security assessments. This Linux distribution was designed from the ground up to meet the needs of advanced programmers, network specialists, and security auditors. It includes over 600 penetration-testing programs that can be used right away to test network defenses, security measures, malicious software detection systems, and proprietary data protection platforms found on networks of all sizes. 

To make deployment easier, Kali Linux 64bit can be installed directly on target PC hard drives or run from bootable CDs and USB sticks. Of course, it can also be executed in a virtual environment. 

Kali Linux was created in 2013 by Offensive Security's Mati Aharoni, Devon Kearns, and Raphaël Hertzog, who also created BackTrack, a security-themed Linux distribution. While BackTrack was built on Ubuntu, Kali Linux is based on Debian Wheezy, with the majority of programs imported from Debian sources. The creation of this security Linux repo platform took place in a completely secure environment, with the goal of keeping the entire development team small in order to reduce data leaks and security vulnerabilities. 

Some of the most commonly used security audit packages found in Kali Linux are nmap (a port scanner), Burp suite and OWASP ZAP (app security scanners), Aircrack-ng (for testing wireless networks), John the Ripper (password cracker), Wireshark (a network packet analyzer), Airgeddon (wireless network audit app), Metasploit Framework, Arjun, DNSGen, Shellshock, Wget, Chiselm, GitLeaks, DumpsterDiver, HTTProbe, PSKracker, Bluesniff, and many others. The current version includes initial support for auditing security on Apple Silicon (Apple M1) devices via the Kali ARM service. 

Kali Linux is completely free and available online as a 4GB ISO archive that can run on any modern PC, from antique i386 to modern PCs, laptops, Chromebooks, Raspberry Pi, Galaxy Note smartphones, and a variety of other compatible devices. 

This Linux distribution for digital forensics and penetration testing has grown in popularity since it was featured extensively in numerous episodes of the television series Mr Robot.

Choose the desktop environment you prefer

Xfce 
Xfce is a lightweight desktop environment intended for UNIX-like operating systems. It prioritizes speed and minimal system resource utilization while retaining an appealing and user-friendly interface. 

Xfce is made up of individually bundled components that together provide all of the features of a desktop environment. Users can choose specific subsets of these components to meet their preferences and requirements. Kali Linux's default desktop environment is Xfce. 

GNOME Shell 
Every feature of GNOME Shell is intended to be intuitive and user-friendly. The Activities Overview is a quick method to access important tasks. With a single button touch, users may view open windows, run apps, and check for new messages. This unified interface eliminates the need to navigate between different technologies and maintains everything in one location. 

KDE Plasma 
Plasma is supposed to be unobtrusive while supporting users with their work. Despite its lightweight and user-friendly design, it has significant capabilities. Users can choose how they interact with the desktop as needed. 

Plasma puts users in control. Not happy with the color scheme? Change that! Do you want to set the panel on the left side of the screen? Move it! Do you prefer a different font? Use one of your choosing! Users can download and add personalized widgets to their desktop or panel with one click.

Features

Vast Toolkit 
It includes a large number of pre-installed tools, including popular options like as Wireshark, Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Aircrack-ng. These tools address issues such as vulnerability assessment, password cracking, wireless analysis, and network sniffing. 

Customization 
Users can easily customize their Kali Linux system by adding and deleting certain tools according on their needs. This adaptability ensures that the operating system can be customized to meet individual tastes and project requirements. 

Wide Device Support 
It supports many hardware architectures, making it compatible with a wide range of devices. It provides a versatile platform that may be run on a desktop, laptop, or even ARM-based platforms like as the Raspberry Pi. 

Documentation and Community Support
The operating system benefits from a thriving user and developer community. There is extensive documentation, tutorials, forums, and other tools accessible to help users learn, debug, and communicate. 

Regular updates
It is frequently updated to include the most recent tools, security patches, and bug fixes. The active development team behind Kali Linux is dedicated to keeping the program up to date and stable. 

User Interface 
It has a user-friendly UI that is intuitive and efficient. Its elegant appearance and well-organized menus allow users to utilize the system with ease. The integration of GNOME, a popular desktop environment, ensures a comfortable and familiar user experience for Linux enthusiasts. The adjustable desktop layout and eye-catching icons help to create a visually appealing workspace. 

Installation & Setup 
Kali Linux installation is a basic process. Users can choose between a regular installation on a physical machine and a virtual machine setup. The official website provides thorough installation guidelines for several platforms, as well as system requirements and troubleshooting recommendations. 

The installation process consists of downloading the ISO file, generating a bootable USB stick or DVD, and following the step-by-step instructions provided. Once installed, users can adjust network settings, create user accounts, and customize their Kali Linux environment.

How to Use

It provides a wide range of tools, and knowing how to use them successfully is critical. The Kali Linux documentation includes tutorials and recommendations for using specific tools to do various cybersecurity tasks. Users can learn about reconnaissance, vulnerability assessment, online application testing, wireless attacks, and much more. Furthermore, the community actively discusses ideas and techniques via forums and blogs, fostering a collaborative environment for knowledge sharing.

FAQ

Can beginners use Kali Linux? 
While Kali Linux is primarily intended for experienced cybersecurity professionals, beginners can benefit from using it as a learning tool. It allows you to experiment with different tools and obtain hands-on experience in a controlled setting. 

Is it legal to run Kali Linux? 
Yes, Kali Linux is a legal operating system. However, it is critical to utilize it ethically and in accordance with relevant rules and regulations governing network security and ethical hacking. 

Can I install Kali Linux alongside my current operating system? 
Yes, it supports dual-boot installs, which enable users to run Kali Linux alongside another operating system, such as Windows or macOS, on the same machine. 

Does Kali Linux require constant internet access? 
While an internet connection is not required, access to online repositories and updates is advised to keep up with the latest tools and security patches. 

Can I use Kali Linux on a virtual machine? 
Yes, Kali Linux is suitable for virtual machine settings. To run Kali Linux alongside your primary operating system, use virtualization tools such as VirtualBox or VMware.

System Requirements

It can run on a variety of hardware combinations. The minimum recommended system requirements are as follows:

• CPU: 1GHz processor. 
• RAM: 2 GB. 
• Storage: 20 GB spare storage space 
• Display resolution: 1024x768

PROS

• A complete toolset for cybersecurity experts. 
• Customizable and versatile installation choices 
• An active community with considerable documentation 
• Regular updates and security patches 
• Broad device support, including ARM-based platforms.

CONS

• Not appropriate for novices without prior Linux familiarity. 
• Some users may feel overwhelmed by the wide choice of tools. 
• Requires vigilance and ethical responsibility when employing certain instruments. 
• Advanced customization may necessitate further setting and setup.

Conclusion

It is a strong and versatile operating system that meets the needs of cybersecurity specialists, penetration testers, and ethical hackers. With its broad tool set, user-friendly interface, and significant community support, it enables users to conduct numerous security assessments and efficiently secure digital assets. 

While beginners may find the learning curve high, experienced users will appreciate Kali Linux's extensive capabilities and customization possibilities. Overall, Kali Linux continues to be a popular choice for anyone looking for a powerful and dependable cybersecurity platform.

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Also, check out: Kali Linux (32-bit)