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In the world of cybersecurity, it is important for penetration testers to keep their skills and tools up-to-date. One key aspect of this is being aware of the latest version of Kali Linux, a popular penetration testing and ethical hacking distribution built from the Linux Operating System. In this blog post, we will look at the new Kali Linux 2023.1 Edition, with a primary focus on the much-hyped Purple Edition.
Kali Linux 2023.1 Edition Overview
The Purple Edition and the Standard Edition are the two variants of Kali Linux 2023.1. The Purple Edition’s combination of red (offensive) and blue (defensive) team tools has drawn significant attention from the cybersecurity community. It is a fantastic option for practitioners of both offensive and defensive security due to its combination of tools.
Kali Purple
The most notable feature of the Kali Linux 2023.1 Purple Edition is the inclusion of over 100 new tools, offering a mix of offensive and defensive security options. The tools are separated into five categories that correspond to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework: identify, protect, detect, respond, and recovery. The way these tools are now organized will make it easier for security professionals to find the right tools for their specific needs.
Here are a few of our favorite tools that were added:
- Asset Finder: A tool used for finding assets (such as domains and subdomains) belonging to a target company.
- OSweep: A tool used for reconnaissance and information gathering.
- Intelspy: A tool used for gathering intelligence about a target company, such as its employees, social media accounts, and more.
- LNAV: A tool used for log file analysis.
- Wpbullet: A tool used for scanning WordPress websites for vulnerabilities.
- Defender Check: A tool used for detecting if a computer is protected by antivirus software or a firewall.
- Fibratus: A tool used for tracing the execution of Windows kernel mode drivers.
- Osintgram: A tool used for gathering information from Instagram profiles.
Updates to Python
The newest version of Python (3.11), which is included in Kali Linux 2023.1, brings enhancements and new capabilities to the platform. Users should exercise caution, though, as the upgrade may cause some tools to malfunction or encounter compatibility problems. Up until all compatibility concerns are fixed, it is advisable to keep a backup and utilize an older version of Kali Linux as a stable toolkit.
Theme and Desktop Updates
The most recent Kali release includes a number of new desktop backgrounds and themes for our audience who appreciates customizing the look of their desktop. These include different Metasploit-related images, jumbled background patterns, and other eye-catching choices that give the user experience a little bit of customization.
Installation and Customization
Kali Linux 2023.1 allows users to customize their installation by selecting specific tools and packages. This feature enables users to create a tailored toolkit that meets their unique requirements and create specific images based on the scope of the engagement they are currently working on. However, the Purple Edition is only available as an ISO file, requiring manual installation and customization.
Benefits and Drawbacks
The Kali Linux 2023.1 Purple Edition offers an extensive range of tools for both offensive and defensive security, making it an attractive option for security professionals seeking a comprehensive toolkit. However, as a first version, it may have some bugs and issues that could impact the user experience. These drawbacks will hopefully be addressed in future updates, as developers and the community work together to improve the software.
Additionally, installing the Purple Edition can take a while and require some technical knowledge. Some consumers who want an easy-to-install virtual machine edition—which is not currently offered for the Purple Edition—might be put off by this.
Conclusion
The Kali Linux 2023.1 Edition, particularly the Purple Edition, is a promising development in the cybersecurity world, providing an extensive toolkit for security professionals from both offensive and defensive perspectives. Although there may be some initial issues and bugs, the future of Kali Linux looks bright as the community and developers work together to improve and update the software. As it evolves, Kali Linux 2023.1 Purple Edition is poised to become an indispensable asset for security professionals seeking a versatile and comprehensive suite of cybersecurity tools.
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