Kali Linux's use cases are quite diverse. It can be used as an operating system for learning Linux, penetration testing, ethical hacking, and much more.
Kali Linux
KaliExternal reviews
External reviews are not included in the AWS star rating for the product.
💡 For anyone still trying to figure out the correct SSH username:
Just adding to the conversation because this wasn’t smooth sailing for me either — but also, I’m a beginner.
When I first launched the AMI in us-east-1, I tried logging in with the username kali and it didn’t work. So I tried the other usual suspects: root, ec2-user, admin — nothing worked.
Eventually, after some trial and error (terminating the instance and starting fresh using the same key pair), I used root again and saw the message from the Kali devs saying that kali is the correct username. I tried it again — and this time it worked.
The first time I used root I didn’t get that message at all. The second time I did. No idea why kali didn’t work initially, or why I didn’t get the dev message the first time. Maybe the instance wasn’t fully initialized yet, maybe I made a typo, maybe it’s just AWS being AWS.
If you’re hitting the same wall, don’t assume you’re doing something wrong — it might just take a few tries. It may have absolutely nothing to do with whether you “read the instructions.” I read them too. Still had issues.
✅ Try terminating the instance and launching a fresh one. That’s what finally worked for me.
Just keep troubleshooting. You’ll get in. 💻🔥
A stable and reliable solution for penetration and session testing
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
The most effective features of Kali Linux include its stability as a Linux operating system, its flexibility in configuring resources such as partitions, its powerful and stable file system, and its multi-user capability, which allows for setting user privileges and rights. Additionally, Kali Linux provides access to a wide range of free and open-source applications for testing and development purposes.
The tool's most valuable features for security tasks include its resistance to viruses, ability to configure and filter incoming connections, and security measures that make it difficult for hackers to break into the system. Linux systems are known for their strong security measures, including numerous checkpoints and gates that make hacking attempts difficult. As a result, many financial and scientific institutions prefer to use Linux for its enhanced security compared to Windows.
With access to a vast repository of tools, users can install third-party tools and perform various tasks related to network testing, penetration testing, and session testing.
What needs improvement?
The tool is slightly difficult to learn.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate the tool's stability a nine out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Kali Linux's scalability depends on the available resources. Depending on the resources available, users can install multiple instances of Kali Linux, which can be scaled up to meet the needs of various user sizes.
How are customer service and support?
I've never contacted Kali Linux for technical support. Most issues and their resolutions are readily available on the internet.
How was the initial setup?
The solution's deployment is easy and takes about ten minutes to deploy.
What other advice do I have?
I rate the overall product a nine out of ten. For aspiring ethical hackers, I highly recommend using Kali Linux. It's stable and reliable. However, remember that while Kali Linux is very reliable, new bugs and issues may arise occasionally, and driver support for new hardware can sometimes be lacking.
Additionally, it's worth noting that Linux operating systems like Kali Linux are not designed for general entertainment purposes like gaming. They are preferred by developers, engineers, and technical users who want to customize and utilize the full potential of their operating system. If you're looking for a system for general purposes like internet browsing and gaming, Windows or macOS may be more suitable options.
Very user-friendly and offers good performance
What is our primary use case?
I use the solution in my company for penetration testing. The product is used to check if there is any vulnerability within a system.
What is most valuable?
The solution's most valuable feature is that it is very easy to use. The tool is very user-friendly, and its performance is very good.
What needs improvement?
From an improvement perspective, it should be made possible for users to learn about the product easily.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Kali Linux for three months.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Stability-wise, I rate the solution a nine out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Scalability-wise, I rate the solution a nine out of ten.
How was the initial setup?
The product's initial setup phase was straightforward.
One just needs to create a bootable drive to install the product.
The solution is deployed on an on-premises model.
What about the implementation team?
I can take care of the product's installation myself.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I have used the free version.
What other advice do I have?
I strongly recommend the product to others who plan to use it since it is a reliable tool.
When it comes to the learning curve for new users who plan to use the product, I would say that if someone is not familiar with cybersecurity, then they would need at least six months to a year to learn about the product.
In terms of the value derived from the use of the product, I could see that with the solution, I was able to see the vulnerabilities.
I rate the solution an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
SQLmap for web application testing and good for web application penetration testing, network testing, vulnerability assessment of any devices or domains
What is our primary use case?
In my cybersecurity work, I use Kali Linux for web application penetration testing, network testing, vulnerability assessment of any devices or domains, multiple testing types, and code testing. Those are certain basic use cases.
I used Kali Linux in multiple companies like banks, IT companies, and even smaller companies like music departments or other departments. But mostly, I use it for IT companies and banks.
How has it helped my organization?
The systems that are not completely updated create vulnerabilities on the system or on the domain. So first, we have to upgrade all the systems and apply complete security patches. In Windows, there are security patches; in Linux, there are also security patches. We'll upgrade the system.
Additionally, Kali Linux is wonderful. If there is a specific requirement for a lower version, then we have to put a specific script over the database or over the code so nobody can directly access that code.
What is most valuable?
I frequently use SQLmap for web application testing, along with other tools like Burp Suite and Vega.
When we execute commands on tools and the few scripts that I have prepared, we will use SQLmap to execute those scripts on the target system. This helps us find loopholes. Like, a report may show TXG is open or that the configuration password is in cleartext.
Based on this, we suggest vendors make the required changes, or if they are using an older version, they might need a newer upgrade. So there's a lot of capability in it. We suggest upgrading that version, and after completing the vulnerability assessment, we prepare a diagnostic report with suggestions.
Once we provide complete details, then they take some time to fix those vulnerabilities. After that, we'll again execute the vulnerability assessment as a second phase. If everything goes fine, then we will give them certification that their system and application are now secure.
What needs improvement?
Sometimes, I do face challenges. There's an issue where sometimes during the initial installation, it doesn't install properly. It gives multiple errors like packages not installing, so we have to install those tools separately. For instance, if we want to install a network or other tools, we have to install those complete toolkits manually.
So, the challenge is with the initial setup, where I sometimes get errors.
Regarding wireless attacks, OS attacks, and social engineering... the tools should be easier to learn because I know everything very well, but some people in my team struggle to understand. If there were GUI interfaces for the tools, it would help me guide my team in using them step-by-step. Command lines are very difficult for other team members who know the tool's purpose but not the Linux commands. GUI interfaces need more improvement.
So, the UI interface needs improvement to make it more visible and easier for users. Expert users can do everything without any issues, but new users will struggle.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been working with Kali Linux for the last 10 to 12 years. I use the latest version.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is good because I've been using it for the last ten years. I've completed many successful projects, providing good vulnerability assessments to my clients and vendors.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is a scalable solution. I would rate the scalability an eight out of ten.
We have about four to five users using Kali Linux. Two or three are basic users; they need to learn first before they can execute the scripts.
We do not plan to increase the further usage because we do not have the need. I and some other partners have good experience with it, and we are managing those parts.
How are customer service and support?
I tried to connect to customer support through email, but I received responses very slowly. In those situations, I do my own research and development to fix those particular errors.
For their understanding of the errors and providing solutions, I'd give them a ten out of ten. But about response time, I'll give it a five because it's very slow.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
How was the initial setup?
From my perspective, I can set up Kali Linux with information gathering, vulnerability analysis tools, and application analysis tools. I'm able to configure those.
However, now many people are interested in cybersecurity. So, I suggest that Kali Linux should improve things like the GUI interface, make it easier to use, and include a training portal that's easier for basic users to understand.
I use it sometimes on-premises and sometimes on the cloud.
Sometimes the setup takes only one hour, no more than that. But if we start getting errors, then it can take four to five hours to complete the setup of Kali Linux.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price is good because Kali Linux already provides a good bundle of tools. The price is sufficient if you want a good operating system with the necessary tools. So, the cost is not an issue.
What other advice do I have?
Kali Linux is much better than others because it gives you a good set of tools. It is preferred for vulnerability assessments and cybersecurity. You don't have to spend a lot of money on different tools like Tenable. We don't need those because everything is already there in Kali. You just need to explore, configure it properly, and it will provide you with good results.
Overall, I would rate it an eight out of ten because any new user or someone without deep expertise won't be able to understand how to scale or manage it, but an experienced person can.
Helps to perform penetration testing for networks, web applications, and Android mobile apps
What is our primary use case?
I use the tool with Nmap to perform network audits. We use it to find vulnerabilities in our network through attacks. It's for those who want to launch or create viruses or perform attacks on systems. With Kali Linux, you can conduct penetration testing for networks, web applications, and Android mobile apps.
What needs improvement?
The product should improve its security features.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the product for five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate Kali Linux's stability a nine out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I rate the tool's scalability a seven to eight out of ten. I use it for my personal purposes.
How are customer service and support?
Kali Linux is open-source and doesn't have support.
How was the initial setup?
Setting up Kali Linux is straightforward. Deploying and installing it on our machines typically takes 25 minutes. The basic steps involve providing your name and selecting the location and time settings during installation. Once completed, you can use the default credentials to log into the Kali Linux operating system and gain permissions.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The tool is open-source.
What other advice do I have?
Kali Linux is a beginner tool. You can use it for testing and practicing. However, using it for real-time attacks can pose legal issues. Users can perform penetration testing but should refrain from attacking real company websites.
The tool is useful for personal use, such as for hackers or for conducting penetration testing and gathering information for review purposes. However, using it for unauthorized or suspicious activities could lead to legal repercussions.
I rate the overall product an eight out of ten. Hackers could potentially use it as a weapon to attack any company or website.
Ensures a robust suite of penetration testing tools, extensive community support and customizable features for cybersecurity professionals
What is our primary use case?
I utilize Kali Linux for my penetration testing projects, where I leverage various tools like Austin Tools to gather additional information and for ethical hacking purposes. Since my primary operating system is Windows 11, I run Kali Linux in a virtualized environment using tools like VirtualBox.
How has it helped my organization?
The pre-installed tools on Kali Linux are incredibly useful, particularly for gathering information. When we first open the manual or explore the resources, we find a plethora of tools available for information gathering. These tools are indispensable for anyone using Kali Linux, as they provide essential functionality right from the beginning, especially in the realm of information gathering.
Linux offers customizable features that significantly enhance our workflow and testing processes. Its extensive customizability makes it easy to tailor to our specific needs.
What is most valuable?
Kali Linux provides me with a wide array of tools such as SQLMap, Nmap, and Hydra, which I explore to enhance my understanding of security concepts. Overall, Kali Linux offers a diverse toolkit for various security tasks.
The tools available in Kali Linux are incredibly effective for conducting security assessments. One tool I particularly favor is the Managed Tool, which I've been using for information gathering for about two years, especially for extracting hidden information from WhatsApp. Additionally, for SQL injection, I rely on SQLMap, and for conducting scans and reviews, I rely on VWNX.
What needs improvement?
The installation process of Kali Linux can be slow, particularly when installing and upgrading packages within virtualized environments. This sluggishness may be due to various factors, including the source of the download and any potential issues with the operating system.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using it for two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It's generally stable, especially when used for virtualization, which is how I primarily utilize it. I would rate it eight out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It provides good scalability capabilities. I would rate it nine out of ten.
How are customer service and support?
The technical support for Kali Linux is quite reliable, primarily due to the active community engagement on forums. Additionally, the documentation available on the website is accurate and well-structured, providing clear guidance and support.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup can be challenging sometimes. I would rate it eight out of ten.
What about the implementation team?
Deployment typically takes around ten minutes.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I use it free of charge.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend delving deeper into the functionality of the installation tools, particularly focusing on the favorite tools available on Linux. This includes tools beneficial for networking testing and other functionalities I've observed to be valuable. It seems worthwhile to invest time in studying the various tools offered by Kali Linux. Overall, I would rate it nine out of ten.
Has good web security and troubleshooting features
What is our primary use case?
We use different features in Kali Linux that are offered unlimited in the free version.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable features are the web security and troubleshooting features. It also has a good price.
What needs improvement?
I would like for them to offer more features for the free version in order for users to test them in their internal environment before purchasing.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Kali Linux for the last three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is a stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is a scalable solution. Nine users are using it in our company.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is easy. Understanding Linux is essential before beginning the setup process. You should have a basic understanding because it's very different than the Windows deployment installation.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The licensing fee is expensive compared to other products.
What other advice do I have?
Overall, I would rate the solution an eight out of ten.
Scans and analyzes existing security tools
What is most valuable?
Kali Linux has recently implemented a new tool that scans and analyzes existing security tools. This handles loop detection, support tools, and other functionalities, effectively streamlining system optimization.
Additionally, it now includes comprehensive migration analytics and reporting capabilities.
What needs improvement?
Unfortunately, my current tool runs on Windows 10, and its use is restricted to enterprise versions. Integrating this tool or similar functionalities into Kali Linux for non-enterprise users would be incredibly valuable.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Kali Linux for eight months. We are using the V3.4 of the solution.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The product is stable.
I rate the solution’s stability a nine out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I am using the solution.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is easy. You will use any solution if you learn how to load in general. It takes five to ten minutes to deploy the solution.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The product is free of cost.
What other advice do I have?
Overall, I rate the solution a nine out of ten.
Brings business to our organization because the reports are shown to the client once we do the testing
What is our primary use case?
We use it for security testing and penetration testing for vulnerability assessment.
How has it helped my organization?
Kali Linux brings business to our organization because the reports are shown to the client once we do the testing. We start putting recommendations, consultation fees, and so on.
What is most valuable?
The solution has documentation availability, resources, and expertise. It is public everywhere. It also has high scalability and high performance.
What needs improvement?
The solution’s interface could be more user-friendly. Also, it has a limited number of applications.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Kali Linux for more than ten years. We are using the latest version of the solution.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The product is stable.
I rate the solution’s stability a ten out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Forty users use this solution. We can increase the number of users easily because of professional licenses. It's designed for complex companies. We can increase the number of users as much as we need.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We tried Ubuntu, but it is not as good as Kali Linux for security testing.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is very straightforward and takes two hours to complete. For deployment, we need hardware with suitable specs.
What about the implementation team?
Deployment was done in-house.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The product is free.
What other advice do I have?
We need two people for the solution’s maintenance, one for the environment and another for installation.
Overall, I rate the solution a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Useful for open-source intelligence and identifying vulnerabilities
What is our primary use case?
We use the product for open-source intelligence and identifying vulnerabilities.
How has it helped my organization?
Kali Linux helps me with security assessments.
What needs improvement?
The product should integrate AI and GPT capabilities.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate the product's stability an eight out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I rate Kali Linux's scalability a seven out of ten. I alone use the solution in my company.
How are customer service and support?
The product has many communities which makes support easy.
How was the initial setup?
I rate the product's deployment a nine out of ten. You need to have programming skills to do customization. Deployment can be completed in half an hour. I google for answers whenever I am stuck.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Kali Linux is open source.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Kali Linux a nine out of ten.