Kali Linux

Kali Linux Overview

Kali Linux, previously known as BackTrack Linux, is a Debian-based open-source Linux distribution designed for advanced Penetration Testing and Security Auditing. It achieves this by offering common tools, configurations, and automations that enable users to concentrate on the necessary tasks without being distracted by peripheral activities. Containing industry-specific modifications and a wide array of tools geared towards various Information Security functions such as Penetration Testing, Security Research, Computer Forensics, Reverse Engineering, Vulnerability Management, and Red Team Testing, Kali Linux serves as a comprehensive solution that caters to multiple platforms and is freely accessible to information security professionals and enthusiasts.

Kali Linux Features

• Over 600 penetration testing tools included: After carefully evaluating each tool that was part of BackTrack, we removed many tools that were either non-functional or redundant with others providing similar functionality. You can find details on the tools included on the Kali Tools site.
• Free and always will be: Similar to BackTrack, Kali Linux is completely free of charge and always will be. You will never have to pay for Kali Linux.
• Open source Git tree: We are dedicated to the open source development model, and our development tree is open for all to access. All the source code used in Kali Linux is available for anyone who wants to modify or rebuild packages to fit their specific requirements.
• FHS compliant: Kali adheres to the Filesystem Hierarchy Standard, making it easy for Linux users to locate binaries, support files, libraries, and more.
• Extensive wireless device support: Historically, support for wireless interfaces has been a challenge with Linux distributions. We have designed Kali Linux to support as many wireless devices as possible, enabling it to run effectively on a wide variety of hardware and be compatible with numerous USB and other wireless devices.
• Custom kernel, patched for injection: As penetration testers, our development team often needs to conduct wireless assessments; hence our kernel includes the latest injection patches.
• Developed in a secure environment: The Kali Linux team consists of a small group of individuals who are the only ones authorized to commit packages and interact with the repositories. These interactions are conducted using multiple secure protocols.
• GPG signed packages and repositories: Each package in Kali Linux is signed by the individual developer who built and committed it, and the repositories subsequently sign the packages as well.
• Multi-language support: While penetration tools are typically written in English, we have ensured that Kali includes genuine multilingual support, allowing more users to operate in their native language and find the tools they need for the job.
• Fully customizable: We recognize that not everyone will agree with our design choices, so we have made it as easy as possible for our more adventurous users to customize Kali Linux to their preferences, right down to the kernel.
• ARMEL and ARMHF support: With ARM-based single-board systems such as the Raspberry Pi and BeagleBone Black becoming more prevalent and affordable, we knew that Kali’s ARM support needed to be as robust as possible. Kali Linux is available on a wide range of ARM devices, and the ARM repositories are integrated with the mainline distribution to ensure that ARM tools are updated in conjunction with the rest of the distribution.
  

Kali Linux Alternatives

Cain and Abel

UNIX enthusiasts often claim that the top free security tools prioritize support for their platform and view Windows ports as an afterthought. While this is often true, Cain & Abel stands out as a notable exception. This tool, exclusive to Windows, offers extensive password recovery capabilities. It can retrieve passwords through network sniffing, crack encrypted passwords using dictionary, brute-force, and cryptanalysis methods, record VoIP conversations, decode scrambled passwords, uncover password boxes, retrieve cached passwords, and analyze routing protocols. Cain & Abel is also well-documented. For downloads and additional information, you can visit the Cain and Abel homepage.