Kali Linux is a free, Debian-based operating system built for penetration testing, security research, and digital forensics. It is the successor to BackTrack and is maintained by OffSec (formerly Offensive Security). Security teams use it to find weaknesses in networks and applications before attackers do.

This page collects every Kali Linux release story on OpenSourceFeed, plus a short guide to what Kali includes and who should use it.

What comes with Kali Linux

Kali includes hundreds of security tools, grouped in the application menu by task. Typical examples:

  • Network scanning and analysis: Nmap, Wireshark
  • Exploitation: Metasploit Framework
  • Web application testing: Burp Suite, sqlmap
  • Password attacks: John the Ripper, Hashcat, Hydra
  • Wireless testing: Aircrack-ng
  • Digital forensics: Autopsy, Volatility

Each release adds new tools and updates existing ones, so check the release stories below for what changed.

Ways to run Kali Linux

You can install Kali on a PC, run it as a live USB system, or use a ready-made virtual machine image. Kali also runs on ARM devices, in WSL on Windows, and in the cloud. Kali NetHunter brings the toolset to Android phones. Xfce is the default desktop, and the installer also offers GNOME and KDE Plasma.

For daily desktop use, a general-purpose system such as Debian is a better fit. Use the Distro Finder to compare options.

Who should use Kali Linux

Kali suits penetration testers, security students, and system administrators who test their own networks. It assumes you are comfortable with the Linux command line. If you are new to Linux, start with a beginner-friendly distribution and try Kali later in a virtual machine.

Many Kali tools can disrupt or damage systems. Use them only on systems you own or have written permission to test.

Kali Linux release history

Kali follows a rolling model with a new snapshot roughly every quarter. The release table below links to our coverage of each version, from the 2017 releases to the current one.

Kali Linux featured image
Type Linux
Status Active
Home Page https://www.kali.org/
News and Updates https://kali.org/blog/
Page popularity 36(11 hits per month)
Base distributions
Desktop Environments
Releases
Screenshots