Kali Linux Concepts and Basic Functionality from Pluralsight

This course will teach you about Kali Linux, a popular tool used to discover threats and vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks.

Kali Linux is a very popular operating system and tool platform used by cybersecurity professionals for discovering threats and weaknesses in computer information systems and networks. In this course, Kali Linux Concepts and Basic Functionality, you’ll learn what Kali Linux is and why it is so useful to professional “ethical hackers” for solving problems caused by both cyber-threats and software weaknesses in computer systems. First, you'll explore what Kali Linux is, who uses Kali, and discover Kali’s many uses to cybersecurity professions. Next, you'll cover, step by step, how to install and configure Kali Linux in a virtualized environment that you can run in your own home ethical hacking lab. Finally, you'll learn about all of the tools and capabilities you can install in Kali that you need to get your ethical hacking tasks completed. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the sufficient skills and knowledge of Kali Linux needed to begin using Kali in your own cybersecurity job, and start down the path of getting a job as an ethical hacker.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Introduction to Kali Linux

Metapackages in Kali Linux

Installing Kali Linux

Running Kali Linux

Course Conclusion

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores Kali Linux, a highly relevant tool in cybersecurity

Taught by James D. Murray, a recognized expert in cybersecurity

Develops skills highly relevant to professional ethical hackers

Provides step-by-step instructions for installing and configuring Kali Linux

Introduces a wide range of tools and capabilities for ethical hacking tasks

Requires access to a virtualized environment, which may not be readily available to all learners

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Kali Linux Concepts and Basic Functionality with these activities:

Review network management concepts

Show steps

Refresh your knowledge of networking concepts to prepare for this course.

Browse courses on Computer Networks

Show steps

Review materials from an introductory networking course
Review online tutorials on network management tools and techniques

Follow Kali Linux tutorials

Show steps

Completing guided tutorials will provide you with step-by-step instructions to enhance your proficiency with Kali Linux and its various tools, ensuring a solid foundation for your cybersecurity tasks.

Browse courses on Command-Line Interface

Show steps

Identify relevant Kali Linux tutorials from reputable sources
Set aside time for regular practice and follow tutorials thoroughly
Experiment with the commands and tools demonstrated in the tutorials

Complete online tutorials on Kali Linux

Show steps

Follow online tutorials to gain practical experience with Kali Linux and ethical hacking techniques.

Browse courses on Kali Linux

Show steps

Search for online tutorials on Kali Linux installation and configuration
Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises

Seven other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all ten activities

Create a home ethical hacking lab

Show steps

Set up your own ethical hacking lab using Kali Linux, providing hands-on practice and a dedicated environment for learning.

Browse courses on Kali Linux

Show steps

Acquire necessary hardware and software, including a virtual machine or dedicated computer
Install and configure Kali Linux on the virtual machine or computer
Install additional tools and utilities required for ethical hacking

Create a Linux cheatsheet

Show steps

Compiling a cheatsheet of essential Linux commands will reinforce your understanding of the command-line interface and provide a valuable reference during your cybersecurity tasks.

Browse courses on Linux Commands

Show steps

Identify commonly used Linux commands
Organize commands into categories such as file management, navigation, and system administration
Create a visually appealing and user-friendly cheat sheet

Practice ethical hacking scenarios

Show steps

Engaging in simulated ethical hacking scenarios will enhance your ability to apply Kali Linux tools and techniques to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in a controlled environment.

Browse courses on Ethical Hacking

Show steps

Set up a virtual hacking lab environment
Choose a specific scenario or target and define objectives
Use Kali Linux tools to scan, exploit, and assess vulnerabilities
Document your findings and write a report

Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration tests

Show steps

Practice your ethical hacking skills by performing vulnerability assessments and penetration tests on target systems.

Browse courses on Kali Linux

Show steps

Identify target systems for assessment and testing
Use Kali Linux tools to perform vulnerability scans
Analyze scan results and identify potential vulnerabilities
Develop and execute penetration tests
Document findings and recommendations

Write a blog or article sharing your ethical hacking experiences

Show steps

Share your knowledge and understanding of Kali Linux and ethical hacking by creating a blog or article, reinforcing your learning and contributing to the community.

Browse courses on Kali Linux

Show steps

Choose a specific topic related to Kali Linux or ethical hacking
Research and gather information on the topic
Write and edit your blog or article
Publish and promote your content

Connect with experienced ethical hackers

Show steps

Seek guidance and support from experienced ethical hackers, gaining valuable insights and networking opportunities.

Browse courses on Kali Linux

Show steps

Attend industry events and conferences
Join online communities and forums related to ethical hacking
Reach out to individuals via LinkedIn

Participate in cybersecurity competitions

Show steps

Challenge yourself and test your skills in a competitive environment, gaining practical experience and recognition.

Browse courses on Kali Linux

Show steps

Identify and register for relevant cybersecurity competitions
Prepare for the competition by practicing and studying
Participate in the competition and complete the challenges
Analyze your performance and identify areas for improvement

Career center

Learners who complete Kali Linux Concepts and Basic Functionality will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Security Analyst

Security Analysts are responsible for protecting organizations from cyberattacks and other security threats. They use a variety of tools and techniques to identify and mitigate risks, including Kali Linux. This course provides a strong foundation in Kali Linux that can help you get started in a career as a Security Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain network security systems. They use a variety of tools and techniques to protect networks from unauthorized access, including Kali Linux. This course provides a strong foundation in Kali Linux that can help you get started in a career as a Network Security Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Penetration Tester

Penetration Testers are responsible for testing the security of computer systems and networks by simulating cyberattacks. They use a variety of tools and techniques to identify vulnerabilities, including Kali Linux. This course provides a strong foundation in Kali Linux that can help you get started in a career as a Penetration Tester.

See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester

Cybersecurity Consultant

Cybersecurity Consultants advise organizations on how to protect themselves from cyberattacks. They use a variety of tools and techniques to assess risks and develop security strategies, including Kali Linux. This course provides a strong foundation in Kali Linux that can help you get started in a career as a Cybersecurity Consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Consultant

Forensic Analyst

Forensic Analysts investigate cybercrimes and other digital crimes. They use a variety of tools and techniques to collect and analyze evidence, including Kali Linux. This course provides a strong foundation in Kali Linux that can help you get started in a career as a Forensic Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Analyst

Incident Responder

Incident Responders are responsible for responding to cyberattacks and other security incidents. They use a variety of tools and techniques to contain and mitigate the damage, including Kali Linux. This course provides a strong foundation in Kali Linux that can help you get started in a career as an Incident Responder.

See salaries and explore the career path for Incident Responder

Ethical Hacker

Ethical Hackers are responsible for testing the security of computer systems and networks by simulating cyberattacks. They use a variety of tools and techniques to identify vulnerabilities, including Kali Linux. This course provides a strong foundation in Kali Linux that can help you get started in a career as an Ethical Hacker.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ethical Hacker

Information Security Manager

Information Security Managers are responsible for overseeing the security of an organization's information systems. They develop and implement security policies and procedures, and they manage security teams. This course provides a strong foundation in Kali Linux that can help you get started in a career as an Information Security Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Manager

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are responsible for overseeing the security of an organization's entire information system. They develop and implement security policies and procedures, and they manage security teams. This course provides a strong foundation in Kali Linux that can help you get started in a career as a CISO.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Security Software Developer

Security Software Developers develop software that protects computer systems and networks from cyberattacks. They use a variety of tools and techniques to develop secure software, including Kali Linux. This course provides a strong foundation in Kali Linux that can help you get started in a career as a Security Software Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Software Developer

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts analyze and mitigate risks to an organization's information systems. They use a variety of tools and techniques to identify and mitigate risks, including Kali Linux. This course provides a strong foundation in Kali Linux that can help you get started in a career as an Information Security Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Information Technology (IT) Auditor

IT Auditors review and evaluate an organization's information systems to ensure that they are secure and compliant with regulations. They use a variety of tools and techniques to audit systems, including Kali Linux. This course provides a strong foundation in Kali Linux that can help you get started in a career as an IT Auditor.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology (IT) Auditor

Network Administrator

Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks. They use a variety of tools and techniques to ensure that networks are running smoothly and securely, including Kali Linux. This course provides a strong foundation in Kali Linux that can help you get started in a career as a Network Administrator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

System Administrator

System Administrators manage and maintain computer systems. They use a variety of tools and techniques to ensure that systems are running smoothly and securely, including Kali Linux. This course provides a strong foundation in Kali Linux that can help you get started in a career as a System Administrator.

See salaries and explore the career path for System Administrator

Computer Support Specialist

Computer Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computer systems. They use a variety of tools and techniques to troubleshoot and resolve problems, including Kali Linux. This course provides a strong foundation in Kali Linux that can help you get started in a career as a Computer Support Specialist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Support Specialist