Top 7 Kali Linux Tools for Pentesting

It's no secret that Linux is one of the best operating systems of all time, and it has several distributions (or distros) to meet the most diverse user needs. 

One of these distributions is Kali Linux, a Debian-based GNU system, completely focused on penetration testing strategies and testing, in order to make your system more secure and verify security mechanisms. 

Despite being very well-known, the distribution can raise many questions for those who are just discovering the topic. 

With that in mind and aiming to help you, the Certificação Linux team developed this complete content, with everything you need to know about the Kali Linux distribution. Just keep reading. Check it out! 

What is Kali Linux?

Kali Linux is one of the GNU Linux distributions, based on Debian, that has over 300 testing, security status, and pentest tools. 

This is a system that many ethical hackers use to test their clients' systems, in order to identify gaps and outline strategic improvements to apply.

Because it's a highly advanced system, not just anyone is qualified to use it — specialized professionals do very well with the interface and features, but beginners won't always have the same success. 

However, that doesn't mean that after becoming familiar with the tool, it's not possible to use it as an ally in Linux security and IT strategies and data reliability. 

In fact, it's interesting that you take an interest in the field and, if you already like to develop or program and are interested in pursuing a career as an ethical hacker, you found in Kali Linux what you needed to get started.

One of the biggest advantages of this tool is the possibility to get it for free, meaning you can enjoy all these features without having to pay anything. 

Additionally, it's customizable and offers support for wireless devices, which is a great advantage. 

These are just a few differentiators, but Kali Linux also presents other interesting categories, such as:

• Information Gathering;
• Vulnerability Analysis;
• Forensic Tools;
• Wireless Attacks;
• Stress Testing;
• Web Applications;
• Exploitation Tools;
• Sniffing & Spoofing;
• Password Attacks;
• Maintaining Access;
• Hardware Hacking;
• Reconnaissance;
• Data Encryption and Anti-Forensics;
• Reverse Engineering;
• Reporting Tools;
• Vulnerable Test Environments.

Kali Linux Penetration Testing Tools

To better understand how Kali Linux's penetration testing works, simply analyze all the tools that this system offers, each with its own functionalities and particularities to meet the most diverse demands. 

All these testing tools are made available to Kali Linux users and make the entire process of intrusion and distribution of malicious commands easier. 

1. BeEF

The first penetration testing tool in Kali Linux is the Browser Exploitation Framework, better known as BeEF, which investigates all XSS vulnerabilities of a website. 

When this happens, you become the hacker and the users of that browser become the victims. Through BeEF, it's possible to control all user activity in the browser, even making them download malware and viruses. 

2. Lynis

Lynis is responsible for performing security testing audits and scanning or searching all aspects of a system. 

According to the detected vulnerability, it's possible to study it even further and penetrate through that breach. 

3. Aircrack-ng

Unlike the previous ones, Aircrack-ng is a wireless network attack tool, breaking WPA and WEP keys, implementing various attacks. 

With it, it's possible to monitor, extract information, attack, test, and crack wireless network systems. 

4. Network Mapper (Nmap)

Network Mapper, also known as Nmap, is a tool responsible for scanning networks and servers, discovering their IP, security details, and owner information. 

Besides scanning, it's capable of detecting vulnerabilities and invading systems, more specifically servers. 

5. THC Hydra

THC Hydra is the best option for brute force password cracking, executing a range of attacks through more than 50 different dictionary types. 

These dictionaries test various combinations of passwords and symbols to log into available and vulnerable systems and databases, being most of the time productive, with successful attacks. 

6. Metasploit Framework

The Metasploit Framework tool is capable of executing code on remote machines, through data exploitation and encoding techniques. 

It's interesting that, to be useful and effective, the hacker using Metasploit follows a step-by-step process that starts from choosing the exploitation, verifying the target system, configuring the code, and execution. 

Thus, it's relatively simple to invade remote systems. The framework makes the intruder's journey easier, turning it into something less laborious. 

7. Nessus

The Nessus tool can be used by the ethical hacker to verify the security of their own system, identifying possible vulnerabilities that may be targets of attack by a malicious intruder. 

To activate it, you'll need to sign up for the paid plan, or use the free 7-day trial period to draw your conclusions and verify if you really want to have this additional tool at your disposal. 

It's also very useful for hackers who manage more than one computer or device in a network. 

With this instrument, they can ensure the security of other connected devices, always through vulnerability identification and error elimination.

Conclusion

Did you see how the Kali Linux tool for Pentest is useful in the daily routine of ethical hackers or IT security professionals?

Without a doubt, learning about these tools and starting to use them can be a determining factor for your career and presence in the job market. 

Besides these, there are many other security techniques and methods on Linux that you need to know. 

In the Linux Security course, Certificação Linux has selected the most important knowledge about the topic in an in-depth and detailed way for practical application. It's worth investing in knowledge from the right source! 

Learn much more with our Linux Security Course!