Kali Linux is a Linux distribution that comes bundled with penetration testing and forensics tools for security experts. Its core is based on Debian Linux.

Kali runs on a variety of devices including 32-bit and 64-bit Intel and AMD computers, the Raspberry Pi, the Texas Instruments BeagleBoard, and ARM-based Chromebooks.

Kali Linux is free, and can be downloaded at kali.org/get-kali.

Security tools

Over 300 network and security tools come pre-installed on Kali Linux, including:

  • nmap (port scanning).
  • Automater (intrusion analysis).
  • WireShark (packet sniffing and analysis).
  • Armitage (GUI for cyberattack monitoring and management).
  • John the Ripper, (password cracking).
  • WifiTap (Wireless traffic injection).
  • Powerfuzzer (tester for XSS and SQL injection vulnerabilities using random data).

Forensics, Linux, Penetration, Security terms

  • A complete list of Kali’s installed tools is on the Kali’s tool listing page.