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Here is a list of the best Kali Linux tools that allow you to assess the security of your web server and help you perform hacking penetration testing.
If you've read Kali Linux reviews
, you know why it's considered
one of the best Linux distributions for hacking and penetration testing, and it lives up to its name. It comes with many tools that make it easier for you to test, crack, and do anything else related to digital forensics.
It is one of the most recommended Linux distributions for ethical hackers . Even if you're not a hacker but a webmaster - you can still easily scan your web server
or web pages with some of these tools.
In either case, whatever your purpose - let's take a look at some of the best Kali Linux tools you should be using.
Note: Not all tools mentioned here are open source.
1.Namp
Nmap
(or "Network Mapper
" ) is one of the most popular information gathering tools on Kali Linux. In other words, it can get information about a host: its IP address, OS detection, and network security details like how many ports are open and what they mean.
It also provides firewall evasion and spoofing capabilities.
2. Lynis
Lynis
is a powerful tool for security auditing, compliance testing, and system hardening. Of course, you can also use it for vulnerability detection and penetration testing.
It will scan the system based on detected components. For example, if it detects Apache - it will run Apache related tests against the entry information.
3.WPScan
WordPress is one of the best open source CMS
, and this tool is the best free WordPress security audit tool. It's free, but not open source.
If you want to know if a WordPress blog is vulnerable in some way, WPScan
is your friend.
Additionally, it provides you with details of the plugins used. Of course, a well-secured blog may not expose you to many details, but it is still the best tool for WordPress security scans to find potential vulnerabilities.
4.Aircrack-ng
Aircrack-ng
is a collection of tools for assessing the security of WiFi networks. It's not limited to monitoring and obtaining information -- it also includes the ability to compromise networks (WEP, WPA 1, and WPA 2).
If you've forgotten your WiFi network's password, you can try it to regain access. It also includes various wireless attack capabilities that you can use to locate and monitor WiFi networks to enhance their security.
5.Hydra
If you are looking for an interesting tool to crack login passwords
, Hydra
is one of the best tools that comes pre-installed with Kali Linux.
It may not be actively maintained anymore, but it's now on GitHub
so you can contribute to it too.
6.Wireshark
Wireshark
is the most popular network analyzer for Kali Linux
. It can also be categorized as
one of the best Kali Linux tools for network sniffing.
It's being actively maintained, so I'd definitely recommend you give it a try.
7.Metasploit Framework
Metsploit Framework
(MSF) is the most commonly used penetration testing framework. It offers two versions: an open source version and its professional version. Using this tool, you can verify vulnerabilities, test for known vulnerabilities, and perform a complete security assessment.
Of course, the free version doesn't have all the features, so if you care about the difference, you should compare the versions here .
8.Skipfish
Similar to WPScan, but it's not just focused on WordPress. Skipfish
is a web application scanner that can give you insights into almost any type of web application. It's fast and easy to use. Also, its recursive crawling
method makes it easier to use.
The reports generated by Skipfish can be used in professional web application security assessments.
9. Maltese
Maltego
is an impressive data mining tool for analyzing information online and connecting the dots of information, if any. From this information, it creates a directed graph to help analyze the links between this data.
Note that this is not an open source tool.
It comes pre-installed, but you have to sign up to choose which version to use. For personal use, the community edition is sufficient (just register for an account), but for commercial use, you need a classic or XL subscription.
10.Nessus
If your computer is connected to a network, Nessus can help you find vulnerabilities that potential attackers could exploit. Of course, if you are an administrator of multiple computers connected to the network, you can use it and protect those computers.
However, it is no longer a free tool, you can
try it for free for 7 days from the official website.
11.Burp Suite
Burp Suite is an excellent network security analysis tool. Unlike other web application security scanners, Burp offers a GUI and some advanced tools.
The community edition only limits functionality to a few basic manual tools. For pros, you have to consider upgrading. Similar to the previous tools, this is also not open source.
I've used the free version, but if you want more details, you should check out
what's available on their official website.
12.BeEF
BeEF ( Browser Exploitation Framework) is another impressive tool. It is tailored for penetration testers to assess web browser security.
This is one of the best Kali Linux tools because many users want to understand and fix problems on the client side when talking about web security.
13.Apktool
Apktool
is indeed one of the popular tools for reverse engineering Android applications on Kali Linux. Of course, you should use it properly - for educational purposes.
With this tool, you can try it yourself and let the original developer know what you think. What do you think you will use it for?
14.sqlmap
If you are looking for an open source penetration testing tool - sqlmap
is one of the best. It automates the process of exploiting SQL injection vulnerabilities and helps you take over database servers.
15.John the Ripper
John the Ripper
is a popular password cracking tool on Kali Linux. It is also free and open source. However, if you
are not interested in the Community Enhanced Edition, there is a Professional Edition available for commercial use
.
16.Snort
Want real-time traffic analysis and packet logging capabilities? Snort
has your back. Even though it's an open source intrusion prevention system
, it has a lot to offer.
If you haven't installed it yet, the official website
mentions the installation process.
17.Autopsy Forensic Browser
Autopsy
is a digital forensics tool used to investigate what happens on a computer. Well, you can also use it to recover images from SD card. It is also used by law enforcement officials. You can read the documentation
to explore what you can do with it.
You should also check out their GitHub page
.
18.King Phisher
Phishing attacks are very common these days. The King Phisher tool
can help test and raise user awareness by simulating a real phishing attack. For obvious reasons, you need permission before impersonating an organization's server content.
19. Nobody
Nikto
is a powerful web server scanner
- which makes it one of the best Kali Linux tools. It checks for potentially dangerous files/programs, outdated server versions,
and more.
20.Yersinia
Yersinia
is an interesting framework for performing layer 2 attacks on networks (layer 2 refers to the
data link layer of the OSI model). Of course, all seven layers must be considered if you want your network to be secure. However, this tool focuses on Layer 2 and various network protocols, including STP, CDP, DTP, and more.
21.Social Engineering Toolkit (SET)
If you're doing fairly rigorous penetration testing, then this should be one of the best tools you should check out. Social engineering is a big problem, and with SET
tools, you can help prevent such attacks.
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In fact Kali Linux comes bundled with many tools. Please refer to Kali Linux's official tools list page
to find everything.
You'll find some of them completely free and open source, while others are proprietary solutions (but free). However, for business purposes, you should always opt for the premium version.
We may have missed one of your favorite Kali Linux tools. Let us know in the comments section below.