11 Facts About Kali Linux

Kali Linux LOGO ICON (credit: KALI)

You have undoubtedly heard about Kali Linux if you have ever attempted to learn more about cybersecurity or ethical hacking, even as an inquisitive amateur. It is possible that you downloaded it, opened it once, and enjoyed looking at the daunting UI (User Interface) prior to swiftly shutting it down and returning to your regular operating system. Yes, exactly the same here. The problem is that Kali Linux is not restricted to hooded hackers or cybersecurity experts who manage twelve terminals. Once you get past its rugged look, it is an unexpectedly approachable, effective, and adaptable tool. These 11 facts will offer you a new viewpoint and possibly convince you to give it a serious try, whether your goal is to discover how vulnerabilities are exploited, get into penetration testing, or simply understand how this cryptic distribution operates.

1. Kali Linux is a Successor to BackTrack Linux: BackTrack, a popular Ubuntu-based penetration testing distro, existed prior to Kali. However, BackTrack's restrictions changed along with the demands of security experts. In 2013, Kali was created from the ground up to serve as its official successor. Developed with the needs of professionals, structure, and flexibility in mind, it swiftly emerged as the new choice in security communities.

2. Kali Linux is Maintained By Offensive Security: Because Kali is managed by Offensive Security, the same group that creates reputable certifications like OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional), it appears a little more professional than your typical Linux distribution. Security is a way of life for these people. Kali is a component of a whole ecosystem that includes tools, certifications, and training for practical security testing; it is not a side project.

3. Kali Linux is Based on Debian: Kali Linux is based on the Debian Testing branch, in contrast to its predecessor. This implies that it benefits from more recent packages in addition to the dependable stability of Debian, which is essential when dealing with technologies that are constantly changing. You are going to value this if you have ever struggled with out-of-date dependencies on other platforms.

4. Kali Linux Has a “Non-Root” User Policy: Kali was known for being a "root user by default" system for many years. Easy to use? Indeed. Safe? Not at all. But that changed in 2020. By switching to a non-root default user, Kali is currently more in line with Linux security best practices and lowers the possibility of unintentional system harm or privilege abuse. Although it may seem like a minor adjustment, people switching from other Linux distributions will appreciate the step toward safer defaults.

5. Kali Linux Can Run on Android Devices: Have you ever found yourself stranded on a train and thought, "What more appropriate moment to test a few network vulnerabilities?" Kali Linux may be installed on Android tablets and smartphones using programs like UserLAnd or Linux Deploy. Although it is not as seamless as using a laptop, it is quite useful for light recon work or experimenting. Because of this, it is a great pocket lab for enthusiasts or students without access to expensive equipment.

6. Kali Linux Includes Over 600 Penetration Testing Tools: With over 600 tools for tasks like the ones listed below here, Kali is more than simply an operating system:

   • Password cracking

   • Reverse engineering

   • Network sniffing

   • Wireless attacks

   • Digital forensics

   The majority of the utilities are accessible through Kali's repository or come pre-installed. This is a huge benefit if you have ever spent hours compiling or debugging third-party tools on other distributions.

7. Kali Linux Supports Live Booting With Persistence: There is not any necessity to install Kali on your computer because it can run in Live Mode straight from a USB stick. Persistence, however, is what makes it unique, you can preserve your tool setups, files, and settings in between sessions. For people who desire a dedicated pentesting environment without affecting their primary operating system, this makes it ideal for travel. It is comparable to having a whole hacking lab in your pocket.

8. Kali Linux Supports Multiple Desktop Environments: While Kali offers you options like as GNOME, KDE, MATE, i3, and more, XFCE is the default. There is a variety that fits your workflow, whether you like a simple arrangement or something more extravagant. Additionally, that kind of customization is important for those of us who spend a lot of time in front of our displays.

9. Kali Linux Has ARM Support: Gadgets with an ARM architecture, such as Chromebooks, Raspberry Pis, and Pinebooks, can run Kali Linux. This makes it possible to use portable security laboratories or inexpensive penetration testing equipment. Do you want to use a Pi as a covert drop box or network scanner? Kali is on your side.

10. Kali Linux is Often Used in Capture-The-Flag Competitions: You most likely utilized Kali, or faced off against somebody who did, if you have ever participated in a CTF contest. Red teamers and amateur hackers both love it because of its broad toolkit, scriptability, and quick setup. Additionally, working with Kali provides you an advantage in real-world situations because it is what most pros utilize.

11. Kali Linux Has a “Kali Undercover” Mode: It may appear like a joke, yet it is real. When you use Kali Undercover Mode, your desktop seems to be Windows 10. Reason being for circumstances in which operating in public could attract unwelcome attention. This capability gives an additional layer of anonymity, whether you are doing evaluations in a coffee shop or simply want to keep curious bystanders at bay.

Summary: Kali’s Edge in Ethical Hacking

Kali Linux is more than just a fashionable term applied to a tool-rich Linux distribution. It stands for an advanced approach to security training, ethical hacking, and real-world cybersecurity. Perhaps more significantly, though, it has become so widely available that you do not require to be an expert before you start working with it. Kali Linux meets you where you are and provides the resources for going deeper, whether you are pursuing a career in penetration testing or are simply curious. It is not limited to hackers in shadowy dark rooms. Students, professionals, hobbyists, and yes, even that buddy who believes that "cybersecurity" only entails changing your password once in a while should take use of it.