If you're getting started in the field of cybersecurity—especially in offensive security testing (penetration testing)—it's likely that you'll encounter the Kali Linux operating system. Kali Linux has a lot of features and tools that make a penetration tester's or security engineer's job a bit easier when they're in the field or on a job. There are many tools, scripts, and frameworks for accomplishing various tasks, such as gathering information on a target, performing network scanning, and even exploitation, to name just a few. The challenge we face as beginners is learning about, and adapting to, a new environment.
In this chapter, we'll learn how to use Kali Linux more efficiently as a user and as a penetration tester. Furthermore, you will learn how to use the Linux operating system to...