Setting Up Kali Linux as a Virtual Machine

This guide is essential for anyone looking to set up Kali Linux as a virtual machine. Kali Linux is a Debian-based Linux distribution specifically designed for penetration testing, ethical hacking, and digital forensics. Developed and maintained by Offensive Security, it comes pre-installed with a wide range of security tools and utilities, making it a popular choice among cybersecurity professionals and students.

Mahran Al-Zyoud
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16 steps

Kali

Virtualbox

- **Virtualization Software:** Oracle VirtualBox 7.1.4 - **Host Operating System:** Windows 11 - **Guest Operating System:** Kali Linux - **Last Updated:** October 2024 - **Created by**: Mahran Al-Zyoud. For any improvements, corrections, or suggestions, please feel free to contact me at [mahran.alzyoud@gmail.com](mailto:mahran.alzyoud@gmail.com). Your feedback is appreciated!

**Kali Linux** **Key Features:** - Comprehensive Toolset: Kali includes numerous pre-installed tools for various tasks, including network scanning, vulnerability assessment, exploitation, password cracking, and more. Popular tools include Metasploit, Nmap, Wireshark, and Burp Suite. - Customizability: Users can easily customize Kali to meet their specific needs, including adding new tools and creating tailored environments. - Live USB/CD Capability: Kali can be run from a live USB or CD, allowing users to boot into the OS without installing it on their hard drive, which is useful for testing and experimentation. \ **Role in Learning Ethical Hacking:** - Practical Experience: Kali Linux provides an environment where learners can practice ethical hacking techniques in a safe and controlled manner. It allows students to experiment with penetration testing tools without the risk of affecting real systems. - Skill Development: By using the tools available in Kali, learners can develop essential skills in vulnerability assessment, network security, and incident response, which are crucial for a career in cybersecurity. - Real-World Application: The tools and techniques practiced in Kali Linux closely mirror those used in professional ethical hacking and cybersecurity roles, preparing students for real-world scenarios. \ Kali Linux serves as an essential platform for anyone looking to gain hands-on experience in ethical hacking and security analysis, making it a cornerstone of many cybersecurity training programs.

Navigate to <https://www.kali.org/>

Click "**DOWNLOAD**"

Select "**Virtual Machines**"

Click "**64-bit**" and then click "**VirtualBox**"

Notice that the downloaded file is a compressed one with the **.7z** extension

To extract the contents from the compressed file, we need to download the **7-Zip** application. Navigate to <https://www.7-zip.org/download.html> **Download** the appropriate version of the tool. After the download is finished, install it.

After the installation is complete, open the app.

Navigate to the directory that contains the Kali Linux compressed file and select it.

Click "**Extract**"

Click "**OK**"

Note that it will take a few minutes to extract the compressed file.

Open [[Windows Explorer]] and go to the directory that contains the extracted contents. You should find two files. Select the one that is selected in the figure below (which has the .vbox extension) and click "**Open with**"

Click "**VirtualBox Manager**"

The imported machine has a long name and you may want to rename it. To do that, either [[Right Click]] on the virtual machine and select **Settings** or **Select** the virtual machine then click on **Settings** on the right hand side.

Rename the virtual machine so the name that appears on the list of virtual machines is meaningful.

You're done!