Kali Linux

What it is

Kali Linux is an open-source, Debian-based Linux distribution maintained as part of OffSec’s community projects. It is aimed at information security work such as penetration testing, security research, computer forensics and reverse engineering, and ships with a large curated set of security tools plus metapackages and documented customisation paths.

What it helps with

- Running authorised penetration tests and security assessments from a ready-made Linux toolchain.
- Security research, reverse engineering and digital forensics workflows that benefit from a specialised Debian base.
- Deploying the same tooling across installer ISOs, live USB, VMs, cloud hosts, containers, WSL and ARM devices.
- Using Kali NetHunter for mobile assessment workflows on supported Android devices.
- Building tailored images with metapackages and the documented ISO customisation process.

Who it's for

Penetration testers, red and purple teams, security researchers, forensics practitioners and students working on systems and labs they are authorised to test.

Worth knowing

Use Kali Linux only on systems and networks you are explicitly authorised to assess (contracted engagements, owned labs, CTF ranges and similar). Default credentials on some pre-built images are documented by OffSec and should be changed before any shared or exposed use. Kali Linux and related marks are trademarks of OffSec; follow the published trademark policy for branding. Listing copy summarises public kali.org pages only and omits marketing superlatives.