Why Hackers Use Kali Linux
Last Updated :
30 May, 2025
New technologies are rapidly allowing us to transfer crucial data over the internet. Therefore, hacking has become so much more popular and common nowadays. Ethical hackers do white hat hacking to find and repair the vulnerabilities of the system, which increases the security of the system. On the other side, black hat hacking is used for breaching the system and accessing the system without permission.

If you are familiar with hacking, you must have heard of Kali Linux. However, many beginners always look for an answer to "Why Do Hackers Use Kali Linux?". In this guide, we will explain why almost every hacker prefers Kali Linux over any other operating system.
History and Development of Kali Linux
The company Offensive Security created Kali Linux, and it was officially launched in 2013. It followed BackTrack, an older hacking-type OS used by many security professionals. BackTrack was useful but had some limitations as far as updates and ease of use were concerned. Kali Linux became something a little bit more powerful, more user-friendly, and always regularly updated with the latest security tools. Since its inception, Kali Linux has established itself as the preferred platform for ethical hackers, penetration testers, and cybersecurity experts around the world who require a dependable, all-inclusive system for addressing and enhancing security.
Kali Linux includes over 600 pre-installed tools that help users test, analyze, and improve the security of computer systems and networks. Some of the most popular and widely used tools are:
- Nmap: This tool scans networks to discover devices connected to them and checks for open ports, helping to identify potential security weaknesses.
- Metasploit: A powerful framework that allows users to find vulnerabilities in systems and safely exploit them to understand security risks better.
- Wireshark: A network analyzer that captures data packets traveling through a network so users can inspect what information is being sent and received, which helps spot suspicious activity.
Reasons Why Hackers Use Kali Linux
1. Kali Linux Protects your Privacy
Kali Linux is one of the best secure distros for developers. This OS can also be booted as a USB stick and Live DVD just like Tails. It does not leave any evidence of footprints after the user is used that would cause an information breach.
It is an essential factor behind many hackers preferring Kali Linux over any other operating system. Kali Linux also protects your privacy and secures the system by hiding the IP address and other important stuff.
2. Kali Linux is Legal Globally
Kali Linux is mainly used for professional tasks like white hat hacking and penetration testing. However, there is a massive difference between white-hat hacking and black-hat hacking. If you engage in black-hat hacking, it is undoubtedly illegal and may lead to problems.
Kali Linux is a free and open-source operating system available under the GNU Public License. Moreover, if you use this OS for standard purposes but download and use suspicious tools, it is also not legal. It is good to use Kali Linux if you are new to hacking and only want to learn legal hacking.
3. Works Well at Minimum System Requirements
Undoubtedly, Kali Linux requires low-end components to work perfectly. You can also easily set up this OS in your system because it needs less effort to install. Here is the list of the suitable configuration for the system to run Kali Linux smoothly:
Hardware | Specifications |
---|
RAM | 2 GB recommended, minimum 1 GB |
Processor | i386 microprocessor/AMD 64 architecture |
Space Storage | 20 GB disk space |
That's why many hackers prefer to use Kali Linux for hacking, as it requires only a low-end device. Since it is easy-to-use, portable, and works on low-end devices, you can also use it via a USB stick or CD-DVD. In case you want to use Kali Linux in VirtualBox, you can easily install and set it up.
4. Kali Linux is Feature Rich
Kali Linux is not only a free, convenient, and highly secure Linux OS but also includes over 600 tools for information security. Hackers commonly use Kali Linux because it has security analysis, security auditing, and penetration testing. Multi-language support for this operating system allows users to use it accordingly.
Kali Linux has several security-focused applications that protect your privacy very well to simplify ethical hacking. Hackers also choose it because all the codes of Kali Linux are available on GitHub anyone to tweak it accordingly. It is fully customizable under the kernel to provide complete comfort to hackers.
Legal and Ethical Considerations When Using Kali Linux
Using Kali Linux comes with a big responsibility. It’s designed for ethical hacking, which means testing systems with permission to find and fix security problems. Using it to hack without permission is illegal and can lead to serious consequences like fines or jail time. Always make sure you have authorization before testing any system, and use Kali Linux only to improve security, not to cause harm. Being responsible and ethical protects you and helps make the internet safer for everyone.
Key points to remember:
- Always get permission before testing or accessing any system that is not your own.
- Use Kali Linux for legal purposes only, such as penetration testing or learning cybersecurity.
- Unauthorized hacking is illegal and punishable by law, including fines and imprisonment.
- Ethical hacking helps improve security by finding vulnerabilities before bad actors do.
- Respect privacy and data protection laws when working with sensitive information.
- Stay informed about laws and regulations in your country related to cybersecurity and hacking.
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Conclusion
In this guide, we have explained the four significant factors of Why Do Hackers Use Kali Linux. We have also highlighted all the top aspects of Kali Linux and its security factors. As a white-hat hacker, you can start hacking using Kali Linux. Once you master the white-hat hacking, you can get many opportunities like network security, contributing to giving cyber security to organizations. All the above information is based only on ethical and white-hat hacking perspectives.
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