Kali vs Backtrack: Beginner Pen Testing

TL;DR

BackTrack Linux is outdated and unsupported. Kali Linux is the modern standard for penetration testing, offering better security updates, a wider range of tools, and more community support. For beginners, Kali Linux is the recommended choice.

Understanding BackTrack & Kali

Both BackTrack and Kali Linux are Debian-based distributions designed for pen testing and digital forensics. However, there’s a significant difference: BackTrack is no longer actively developed. It was last updated in 2013. Kali Linux evolved *from* BackTrack, taking over its development and improving upon it.

Why Kali Linux is Better for Beginners

1. Active Development & Security Updates: Kali receives regular security patches and updates, crucial for staying protected while testing. BackTrack doesn’t get these updates, making it vulnerable to exploits.
2. Larger Toolset: Kali comes pre-installed with a vast collection of pen testing tools – over 600! This includes popular options like Nmap, Wireshark, Metasploit, and Burp Suite. BackTrack’s toolset is older.
3. Strong Community Support: A large and active community means more resources, tutorials, and help available if you get stuck. Kali’s forums and documentation are extensive.
4. Official Documentation & Training: Offensive Security (the creators of Kali) provide official training materials and documentation to help users learn pen testing effectively.
5. Hardware Support: Kali generally has better hardware compatibility than BackTrack, especially with newer devices.

Getting Started with Kali Linux

1. Download Kali Linux: Download the latest ISO image from the official Offensive Security website: https://www.kali.org/downloads/.
2. Choose an Installation Method: You can install Kali in several ways:
   • Virtual Machine (VM): Recommended for beginners. Use software like VirtualBox or VMware to run Kali within your existing operating system. This is safe and doesn’t require modifying your main OS.
   • Dual Boot: Install Kali alongside your current OS. Requires partitioning your hard drive.
   • Bare Metal Installation: Replace your existing OS with Kali. Not recommended for beginners.
3. Install VirtualBox (Example): If using a VM, download and install VirtualBox from https://www.virtualbox.org/.
4. Create a New VM: In VirtualBox:
   1. Click “New”.
   2. Name the VM (e.g., “Kali Linux”).
   3. Select “Linux” as the type and Debian 64-bit as the version.
   4. Allocate sufficient RAM (at least 2GB, 4GB recommended).
   5. Create a virtual hard disk.
5. Run Kali: Start the VM and select the downloaded Kali ISO file when prompted.
6. Basic Commands: Familiarize yourself with some essential commands:
   • sudo apt update – Updates the package list.
   • sudo apt upgrade – Upgrades installed packages.
   • apt search <package_name> – Searches for a specific package.
   • ifconfig or ip addr – Displays network interfaces and IP addresses.

BackTrack: Why Avoid It?

• End of Life: BackTrack is no longer supported, meaning no security updates or bug fixes.
• Outdated Tools: The tools included are old and may not work with current systems.
• Security Risks: Using an outdated system exposes you to potential vulnerabilities.