Kali Linux, formerly Backtrack Linux, is a Debian-based and open-source operating system distribution with the intention of making penetration test and auditing tools available to the average user. Kali Linux can be installed or otherwise booted up with hundreds of tools preinstalled to make tasks such as forensics and reverse engineering much more accessible to less technical users.

Kali is completely free, has an open-source Git tree available, is Filesystem Hierarchy Standard compliant, and supports a wide range of hardware. You can install Kali locally onto hardware or run it from a USB drive as a live distribution and it will typically be highly compatible with numerous additional devices.

Kali can be used to conduct penetration testing, security auditing, digital forensics, or reverse engineering. The applications installed come from a minimal set of repositories and the goal is to keep upstream software sources to a minimum. The intention being that users can deploy Kali quickly and easily into an environment and get to work with minimal fuss or the need for additional training.

Remember that Kali was not designed to be a daily driver and installing any unapproved applications is not support. While Kali can potentially make your life easier, it is certainly not designed to be an everyday OS. You will not be able to install games or other out of band software without many issues or problems. Kali fills a very specific niche but if you have need of a system to accomplish your goals, it may do those things very well.

Earn a Degree in Cyber Security at UAT

UAT offers a Master’s of Science in Cyber Security, as well as bachelor’s degrees in Network Engineering, Network Security, and Technology Forensics. Our Cyber Security Degree for Ethical Hackers and Network Security Curriculum has been certified through the NSA/DHS National Information Assurance Training Program in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense.

Designated as a Center of Academic Excellence by the National Centers of Information Assurance Education (CAE/IAE), UAT’s Network Security Bachelor’s of Science degree prepares students to take on the ever-evolving world of information security.

If you believe a career in cyber security may be right for you, request information about our degree programs. At the University of Advancing Technology, we’re passionate about helping students enter STEM fields and acquire the skills they need to land a rewarding career in cyber security and beyond.