Learn Kali Linux with online courses and programs
Kali Linux is an information security-focused Linux distribution that IT security professionals use to test the security of computer systems, networks, and applications. Learn more about Kali Linux with edX courses.
What is Kali Linux?
Kali Linux is an open-source, Debian-based, penetration testing and security Linux distribution: an operating system (OS) that uses the Linux kernel. Kali Linux comes with more than 600 penetration testing tools. Developers have made its source code available to the public, so you can customize it with the addition of packages or software tools to suit your security needs. It allows cybersecurity professionals to assess risks and vulnerabilities with the help of penetration testing, security research, and ethical hacking.1
Kali Linux also follows the Filesystem Hierarchy Standard, which determines file and directory placement in a system. This allows Linux users to spot binaries, support files, and libraries easily. It also offers multilingual support so users can work in their native language.2 Designed to be user-friendly, it supports various hardware platforms like ARM-based devices and virtual machines.
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Kali Linux tutorial curriculum
In Kali Linux tutorials, learners can study concepts like digital forensics and network security, while familiarizing themselves with the intricacies of safety systems and networks.3 They can practice working with the cybersecurity tools used across computer networking, digital forensics, IT auditing and consulting, cryptography, and other related fields.
For those interested in how to learn Kali Linux, an introductory course can cover the fundamentals of this Linux distribution, both the command line and Kali Linux commands, network penetration testing, and network configuration. Learners may also study the Linux file system and ethical hacking concepts. Some Kali Linux courses may offer modules on scripting languages, like Python and Bash, that are crucial for development.
Professionals looking to deepen their working knowledge of Kali Linux can enroll in courses that cover more broad topics and techniques on:
Kali Linux tools, like Fluxion and John The Ripper, for port scanning, web application mapping, OS detection, network sniffing, and vulnerability scanning.
Incident response.
Security audits.
Start your learning journey today with edX. From specialized boot camps to full programs that enable you to earn a bachelor’s degree or, for more experienced learners, a master’s degree, there are many different educational opportunities available to build the skills you need for career advancement.
Explore Kali Linux jobs
An understanding of how to use Kali Linux can be helpful in a variety of jobs in the network security and cybersecurity industries. Some of these roles include:
Network administrator: Design and implement enterprise networks, maintain them, and ensure that these networks are secure and reliable.
Network engineer: Ensure and validate designed networks per the design documents' specifications.
Security analyst: Identify potential security threats and recommend countermeasures.
Ethical hacker: Assess systems’ security defenses by creating complex attack scenarios and breaking into the systems.
Digital forensics investigator: Recover digital data and evidence if there’s a cybercrime.
Penetration tester: Test for system and network weak spots to understand how malicious actors might exploit such vulnerabilities.
System architect: Use Kali Linux to create and implement secure system architectures.
Security engineer: Develop secure applications, systems, and networks in a company.
Incident responder: Respond to cyberattacks and data breaches and offer mitigation support.
System administrator: Manage user authentication and their accounts and ensure system hardening.
Cryptographer: Develop, analyze, and break encryption codes and safeguard data.
Each of these jobs will have different educational and skills requirements. Some employers may seek candidates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science while others may prioritize industry experience. Before deciding on a specific learning path, research the potential roles and employers.
How to use Kali Linux for cybersecurity
A Kali Linux expert can design robust network systems and safeguard them against cyberattacks or malware. To do this, experts draw on their knowledge of networking, security, and scripting languages like Ruby and Python. You can begin building relevant development skills in a coding boot camp or study network security in a specialized cybersecurity boot camp offered through edX. Professionals who already have basic knowledge and an interest in networking can study network protocols and their underlying structure. These boot camps are designed to teach learners how to make better decisions with regard to security and penetration testing, and how to take appropriate steps to mitigate cyber threats. Learners can practice working within actual network systems and test their strategies to build their own attack and defense skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Kali Linux? (2023). Kali. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
What Is Kali Linux? (2023). Kali. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
Kali Linux Revealed. PortalOffsec. Retrieved April 17, 2023.