If you are pursuing a career in Information Security, having a security-focused operating system is one of the most essential factors. A suitable operating system facilitates the efficient completion of time-consuming and tedious tasks. Numerous Linux-based operating systems are available today, but Kali Linux is arguably one of the finest. Cybersecurity professionals utilize them for penetration testing, ethical hacking, and network security evaluations. In this article, we’ll examine how to install Kali Linux.
This is a comprehensive installation guide for Kali Linux, in which we will cover fundamental and essential topics such as What Linux is, What Kali Linux is, Need for Kali Linux, and How to Install Kali Linux.
Table of Contents
What is Linux?
Linux is an open-source (free and customizable) operating system similar to Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, etc. A computer’s operating system is simply the software responsible for hardware and software communication.
Linux is not a new operating system; it dates back to the 1990s, and its primary users are developers, organizations, and other computer users. So Linux came in various flavors, as you may have heard some common Linux distribution names like Kali Linux, Ubuntu, Fedora, Redhat, CentOS, etc.
What is Kali Linux?
Kali Linux (formerly BackTrack Linux), an open-source distribution based on the Debian operating system, is designed for advanced penetration testing and security auditing.
Numerous Kali Linux tools are geared toward diverse information security tasks, such as reverse engineering, digital forensics, penetration testing, and security research. Experts and novices in the field of information security can utilize Kali Linux because it is a multi-platform solution that is readily available and free.
Kali Linux is among the first names mentioned when discussing penetration testing, hacking, and offensive Linux distributions. The software is pre-installed with various command-line hacking tools designed to perform multiple information security duties. Including Pentesting, Internet Security, Computer Forensics, and Application Security.
In essence, Kali Linux is the ultimate operating system for ethical hackers, and it is widely recognized around the globe, even among Windows users who may not even be familiar with Linux.
Mati Aharoni and Devon Kearns, workers at Offensive Security, developed it by redesigning BackTrack, a Linux system based on Knoppix that they had previously used for information security testing.
The Hindu goddess Kali was the basis for the name. Kali relies heavily on software that may be found in the Debian archives. After being cited in several contexts, Kali Linux rose to popularity.
Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About Linux Distros and Their Functionalities
Need for Kali Linux
Kali Linux actively supports advanced penetration testing and security auditing as its primary functions.
The extensive toolkit included with Kali enables users to actively engage in various information security tasks, such as reverse engineering, computer forensics, and penetration testing.
Most frequently, particular functions are associated with operating systems. When discussing graphic design or content creation, macOS comes to mind. Likewise, any hacking activity or general tinkering with network utilities directly connects to the operating system Kali Linux.
This essay will provide an overview of How to Install Kali Linux and how it can be used for ethical hacking. Several features of this technology should be utilized, including:
- Kali Linux has and always will be provided without charge.
- Kali Linux includes over 600 tools for security analytics and penetration testing, which exceeds all expectations.
- Open-source – As a member of the Linux family, Kali adheres to the renowned open-source methodology. Since their development tree is publicly viewable on Git, you can modify all the code.
- Kali actively incorporates genuine multilingual support, even though penetration tools typically use the English language.
- This enables more users to operate in their native language and locate the required tools for the task.
- Fully customizable – the developers at aggressive security realize that their design philosophy won’t appeal to all users.
- They design it to enable easy customization of the kernel for advanced users of Kali Linux.
Due to the factors above, Kali Linux is the most prevalent operating system utilized by Cyber Security experts worldwide. If you want to enter the Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking world, the first step is to learn how to install Kali Linux.
Why is Kali Linux Popular?
Now, let’s explore the reasons why users prefer Kali Linux over other Linux distributions such as Parrot Security, BackBox, and BlackArch.
- Kali Linux is extremely popular among Security Experts and Hackers because it simplifies their work by providing over 600 penetration testing tools from a variety of disciplines of cybersecurity and forensics.
- As it is open source, the user has complete control over customizing the system to suit their needs; if you do not like the default features of Kali Linux, you can modify it to your liking.
- This free software came with a variety of sophisticated hacking instruments.
- Security specialists and hackers find Kali Linux appealing due to its development of Offensive Security, providing continuous updates, an intuitive interface, and new tools. As a result, security professionals and cybercriminals always choose it first.
Read more: Top Operating Systems to Fulfill Your Business and Personal Needs
How to Install Kali Linux?
There are a few ways to determine How to Install Kali Linux, but the procedure is straightforward. Some of the most popular are:
- Installing Kali Linux by creating a bootable Kali (Linux) USB drive.
- Kali Linux hard disk install.
- Using software for virtualization, such as VMware or VirtualBox.
- Dual-booting the operating system and Kali Linux.
Although multiple alternatives are available, this article will teach you how to install Kali Linux using virtualization software. Using the methods outlined below, you can equip your machine with the necessary tools to conduct a thorough penetration test.
Installation Requirements
- Free space on the hard drive should be at least 20 GB.
- When working with virtualization software like VMware or VirtualBox, 4 GB of RAM is the bare minimum.
- CD-DVD Drive / USB Compatibility.
Step 1: Install VMware
To run Kali Linux, we will require some form of virtualization software. However, there are numerous alternatives, such as Oracle’s VirtualBox. Launch VMware from your applications folder once the installation is complete.
Step 2: Download Kali Linux & Check Image Integrity
Visit the official download page to obtain Kali Linux. Hexadecimal numerals are also on the download page. They’re not there for joy. Kali Linux serves the purpose of facilitating security-related activities. Therefore, you must verify the integrity of any image you download.
Check the file’s SHA-256 fingerprint and compare it to the download site’s.
Step 3: Launch a New Virtual Machine
On the VMware Workstation Pro homepage, select Create a new virtual machine, select the Kali Linux iso file, select the guest operating system, and configure the virtual machine’s (here, Kali Linux’s) settings. Select the Kali Linux VM and click the green “Power On” icon to start the virtual machine.
How to Install Kali Linux: Installation Procedure
Step 1: After powering on the machine, you will be prompted to choose your preferred installation mode from the GRUB menu. Select graphical installation and proceed.
Step 2: A subsequent couple of screens will prompt you to select locale-specific information, such as your preferred language, country of residence, and keyboard layout.
Step 3: Following the completion of the local information, the loader will seamlessly install additional components and configure network-related settings. Then, the installer will prompt for your best hostname and domain for this installation. Continue installing after providing environment-specific information.
Step 4: Give your Kali Linux computer a password and click “Continue.” DON’T FORGET THIS PASSWORD.
Step 5: After setting the password, the installer will prompt you to select the time zone before proceeding to disk partitioning. The installer will now present you with four disk partitioning options. Utilize ‘Guided – Use Entire Disk’ for the simplest option. The “Manual” partitioning technique provides more granular configuration options for experienced users.
Step 6: Select the partitioning disk (all files in one partition are the recommended option for new users) and then click proceed.
Step 7: Confirm all host computer disk changes. Continuing will result in the loss of disk data.
When you accept the changes to the partition, the installer will start installing the files. Let the system run itself. This could take a while.
Step 8: After installing the necessary files, the system will prompt you to configure a network mirror for obtaining future software and updates. You must activate this feature if you desire to utilize the Kali repositories. Allow it to configure the package manager-related files, then.
Step 9: The next thing you have to do is install the GRUB bootloader. Choose “Yes” and select the device to write the boot loader information to the hard drive. To initiate the startup process of Kali, this step is necessary.
Step 10: Once the installer has finished installing GRUB to the disk, select Continue to complete the installation. The installer will then install some final-stage files.
At this point, you would have completed the effective installation of Kali, and be ready to embark on your exploration of Kali Linux!
Conclusion: How to Install Kali Linux With a Twist
This blog contains a comprehensive guide for the Kali Linux installation system and instructions on how to use it. Kali Linux’s setup process will be highly standard for you. If you’ve followed these instructions carefully, you shouldn’t encounter any problems during installation. The blog’s content aims to assist individuals who wish to start a Linux developer career.
This blog is also beneficial for penetration testing professionals. After completing this blog, you can work with applications of the Kali Linux system that are intermediate to advance in difficulty. Now that we know how to install Kali Linux, kindly click the Like button and leave a comment below if you enjoy this blog.
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