Why Hackers Prefer to Use Kali Linux?

guide

Kali  Linux  is a Debian "beta" based Linux operating system created nearly a decade ago. It has become very popular among hackers and cybersecurity professionals over the past few years. With increasing reliance on digital infrastructure and growing cyber threats, cyber security has become even more important for ordinary users and businesses alike.

Ethical hackers and penetration testers play an important role in identifying vulnerabilities and strengthening system security. Kali Linux is their operating system of choice due to its comprehensive set of tools and features tailored for security testing and analysis.

overview

Kali Linux is maintained by Offensive Security (an American information security company) and supported by thousands of contributors in the community. It follows the development of Debian's "beta" branch, keeping up with the latest packages, giving hackers the latest modules to work on.

Additionally, Kali Linux supports multiple architectures such as x86, x86-64, armel, and armhf, which helps hackers use it on a wide range of hardware.

One of the biggest advantages of using this distribution is that it is available for multiple technology platforms that you can download and use. Here are some of these platforms:

1. 32-bit and 64-bit installation images (ISO)
2. Pre-built virtual machine images
3. ARM architecture image
4. Android mirroring for mobile devices
5. Docker and LXD images
6. Available in the cloud provided by various vendors
7. Read-only LIVE ISO image
8. Available on Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

why it's popular

Powerful penetration testing tools
Kali Linux provides a wealth of penetration testing tools, enabling hackers to identify and exploit vulnerabilities. These tools include network scanners, password crackers, wireless attack frameworks, and web application assessment tools. With so many tools built into this operating system, it greatly simplifies the workflow of hackers, allowing them to effectively focus on their targets.

Comprehensive Security Assessment
Using this distribution, hackers can conduct a comprehensive security assessment of various targets. They can simulate real attacks, analyze system weaknesses, and formulate effective security policies. The operating system provides tools such as vulnerability scanning, network mapping, and system fingerprinting, enabling hackers to evaluate the security status of the target system from different angles.

Anti-Forensic Analysis and Incident Response
Kali Linux also includes tools for digital forensics and incident response. Hackers can use these tools to investigate security breaches, collect evidence and analyze compromised systems. The operating system supports data recovery, memory analysis, and network forensics, which facilitates thorough investigations and aids in recovery of compromised systems.

Wireless Network Auditing
Due to their inherent weaknesses, wireless networks are often prime targets for hackers. Kali Linux provides comprehensive tools for auditing and securing wireless networks. Hackers can use these tools to identify weak encryption protocols, discover hidden networks, and perform packet analysis to detect malicious activity. This allows them to assess the security of wireless networks and propose mitigation strategies.

Tons of Tools
Here is a brief list of some of the tool categories that Kali Linux provides by default (as of the latest release):
Information Gathering

1. DNS analysis
2. IDS/IPS identification
3. active host identification
4. Network and Port Scanners
5. OSINT analysis
6. route analysis
7. SMB analysis
8. SMTP analysis
9. SNMP analysis
10. SSL analysis

Vulnerability Analysis

1. fuzzing tool
2. VoIP Tools

Web application analysis

1. CMS and framework recognition
2. Web Application Proxy
3. Web crawlers and directory brute force
4. Web Vulnerability Scanner

Database Assessment
SQLite Database Browser
Password Attack

1. Offline Attack Tool
2. Online Attack Tool
3. pass-the-hash tool
4. Cryptanalysis and Cipher Lists

wireless network attack

1. 802.11 Wireless Tools
2. Bluetooth Attack Tool

reverse engineering tools

1. Clang
2. NASM shell

use tools

1. Metasploit
2. Searchsploit
3. MSF Payload Generator
4. Social Engineering Toolkit

sniffing and spoofing

1. network sniffer
2. Spoofing and man-in-the-middle attacks
3. post penetration

forensics

1. Anti-forensics tool
2. Forensic Mirror Tool
3. PDF Forensics Tool
4. Sleuth Kit

reporting tool

1. Cutycapt
2. Faraday start
3. Peepal

social engineering tools

open source features

One of the main reasons hackers prefer Kali Linux is its open source nature. As an open-source operating system, Kali Linux allows hackers to access and modify the source code to suit their needs. This gives them the freedom to customize the system and add their own tools or features. The open source community is also actively involved in developing and improving Kali Linux to ensure it stays up to date with the latest security technologies.

Community Support and Collaboration

Kali Linux has a large community of security professionals, hackers, and enthusiasts. This community actively collaborates to enhance the functionality of the operating system by sharing knowledge, developing new tools, and providing support to other users.

Hackers using Kali Linux are assured of support through forums, online tutorials, and community-driven documentation to access valuable resources and seek help when needed.

The team also offers a variety of training and learning options. It also includes a learning path for students wishing to pursue a career in cybersecurity with relevant certifications.

Customization and Flexibility

Another advantage is the high degree of customization and flexibility of Kali Linux. Hackers can tailor the operating system to their specific needs and preferences. They can install and configure tools according to their requirements, create custom scripts and build personalized workflows. This level of customization allows hackers to optimize their productivity and simplify the penetration testing process.

Continuous updates and improvements

Kali Linux is an operating system that is constantly being updated and improved. Developers and community members are actively working to enhance existing tools, add new features, and address any security gaps. These updates ensure that hackers using Kali Linux have access to the latest tools and techniques, keeping them at the forefront of cybersecurity advancements.

ethical use

It is important to note that Kali Linux is intended for ethical hacking and security testing purposes. Ethical hackers use their skills to find vulnerabilities and secure systems, not to engage in malicious activities.

Kali Linux advocates for the responsible and legal use of hacking tools, emphasizing the importance of being properly licensed and following a code of ethics. The operating system is a powerful tool for cybersecurity professionals to enhance organizational security and promote a safer digital environment.

In short, do not use Kali Linux for illegal or unauthorized purposes.

in conclusion

I hope this overview introduced Kali Linux and why it is the free and open source operating system preferred by security professionals around the world. Based on Debian, it comes with thousands of tools and easy access, making it an option worth considering for everyone.