Learning About Kali Linux For Penetration Testing:

Kali Linux is one of the operating systems used in penetration testing. Penetration testing is the process by which computers and networks are probed to find out their specific level of protection. Specifically, folks utilize Kali Linux to find out if they can breach areas they are not supposed to gain entry into. As a result, computer systems become more secure. 

What is Penetration Testing?

It is the artificial legal way of hacking. For this reason, penetration testers attempt to hack systems in an attempt to identify vulnerabilities. Then, they can correct these flaws before malicious individuals compromise them. A penetration tester, for example, uses number of tools and tactics he or she can use to get in, exactly like a real hacker. Nevertheless, penetration testers are allowed to perform this testing. 

Why Kali Linux Ideal for Penetration Testing? 

Some of the best tools used for penetration testing are pre-installed in Kali Linux. Therefore you are saved the headache of having to search the internet for a program, download it, then install it on your computer. Moreover, the tools are updated automatically in the Kali Linux operating system.

 Most penetration testers prefer Kali because it is developed with security testing in mind. Since Kali Linux is a Linux distribution, I thought it would be best to start off by describing the basics of how to approach a Linux distribution. Kali can be installed along with your regular OS but that would not be the best idea.

 However, if you wish to use it, you don’t have to install Ubuntu to your computer but you can boot it from a USB drive. Secondly, Kali supports a virtual machine successfully. VirtualBox or VMware allow for Kali be hosted on top of another OS – essentially creating a virtual environment. Also, it saves your authentic data and folders from being tainted in any testing.

Understanding Kali Linux From Scratch:

The common interface that the user comes across the first time he/she opens Kali Linux is the desktop. This appears to look like Windows or Mac. But Kali has distinct preloaded software programs. For instance, you can perform Application from the Applications menu to get various penetration tools. Alternatively you can open the terminal where you can type in a set of command.

By knowing more about Kali Linux you will be more calm when handling it and reduce cases of fighting with the operating system. Thus, in this particular part of the text, the reader will learn how to find their way around Kali Linux. The Applications menu includes categories of tools arranged in subcategories. For instance, Password Attacks has subroutines for breaking down login passwords.

 Information Gathering tools on the other hand search for holes in networks and websites. Further, Exploitation Tools and Sniffing & Spoofing enable you to take advantages of the vulnerability or pretend to be someone else. In the case of menus, what you are going to find are a lot of choices when your browse through the displayed options.

Tools for Scanning Networks:

The attacker first identifies the network when trying to gain unauthorized access in a network or in a computer. In other words, the attacker wants to know which devices are awake, so that the attacker can sketch out the network.

Kali has several Network Scanners that demonstrates the connected devices. Nmap and Zenmap are used in this category of the operating systems. Also, to accurately scan a network there are several utilities including: Angry IP Scanner, netdiscover, Wireshark.

Trying a Basic Network Scan:

That makes sense – let’s open Zenmap in order to perform a network scan. We type in the particular IP address range we want to scan, first. Pressing “Scan” performs a rudimentary discovery of hosts currently visiting the site. The field outputs a list of all active devices. 

It gives information on the IP address, the operating system in use, available ports and many others. That way, we know which devices to go for when planning the next advertising push. Since we now have the network topology, then we know which hosts require further examination.

Attempting to Crack Passwords:

A point an attacker secures network information, they may attempt to get to a device. Sometimes there is an opportunity to enter a login password. Kali has several tools to perform password attacks to get past the security. For instance, Hydra, John the Ripper and Medusa the can all perform password cracking. 

These tools are given by the attacker lists of possible passwords for inputting at login pages. This means that if the hashed password database files are accessed, a tool such as hashcat will be able crack them.

Trying Hydra for a Password Attack:

Now let’s begin with the simplest type of attack, namely password brute force with the help of Hydra. To start the attack, we first state our target system and go to the login page where we give the password list file. Then Hydra attempts a login by trying each password on the list one at a time with the current login attempt. 

In it, it attempts each one over and over until maybe getting through. Its speed and efficiency increase depending on the size of this password list. Short and easy passwords take shortest time to be hacked or cracked. Password compiled with a tough structure are difficult to foresee. But at no one claims that the password is uncrackable.

Continuation of Practice with Kali Linux:

This covers some really very basics of Kali Linux penetration testing. With more usage you will feel relaxed with the many tools the Kali delivers. Also, another way is to learn penetration testing techniques through the Internet in case you want to hone your hacking abilities. 

But before scanning or attacking any systems, always get permission first. The collected and new knowledge is applied to increase security level, and do not hack into any computer systems except where the owners have given permission.

For more information and queries visit https://linuxhunter.com/