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Penetration-Testing Distro Kali Linux 2016.2 Released (kali.org)
prisoninmate writes: What's Kali Linux 2016.2? Well, it's an updated Live ISO image of the popular GNU/Linux distribution designed for ethical hackers and security professionals who want to harden the security of their networks, which contains the latest software versions and enhancements for those who want to deploy the OS on new systems. It's been quite some time since the last update to the official Kali Linux Live ISOs and new software releases are announced each day, which means that the packages included in the previous Kali Linux images are very old, and bugs and improvements are always implemented in the most recent versions of the respective security tools. Best of all, the new Kali Linux 2016.2 release comes in KDE, MATE, Xfce, LXDE, and Enlightenment E17 flavors.
Their blog also points out that Kali recently appeared in an episode of Mr. Robot.
Their blog also points out that Kali recently appeared in an episode of Mr. Robot.
If they removed all "call home" and other tracking features
Yes.
There are always destructive teenagers that get a hold of it and cause mayhem which is what I'd previously associated it with. Defcon videos (as beautiful for the mind as TED talks) has changed my perception of Kali from a script kiddie OS to a legitimate tool for penetration testers in a professional environment. I was surprised how many Defcon videos mention it or base their entire presentation around it. I've never used it nor have the desire to but I really like what the hacker community is doing with it legitimately. Defcon videos have gone a long way towards changing my opinion of Kali. Coincidentally, I've been watching them for the past couple of days (there are a LOT of videos), some really interesting stuff in there that feeds the creative mind. I'll never have a use for any of the info but it's cool to see them think out of the box. I mean anyone can appreciate creativity no matter what form it takes.
I enjoy it. It's actually a nice feeling to see real commands (and parameters!) used and even one or two scenarios that don't have barf factors. It's more psychological than computer though. I'd give it 75%/25% psych/comp.
It is a sad state of affairs when the inclusion of a variety of window managers are the best part of a penetration testing tool, something that ought be used by someone with enough technical know-how to deal with a CLI.
* It's been a long time since the last release
* We've put all the updates into a new version to save time updating old releases
* You can now download it from our website
* We fixed a load of bugs
* Auto installs are easier
* You can change the GUI
Is that it? What about new features? What would I be able to do with this release that I couldn't do with an old one? What new "super powers" will it give me?
If I was marketing a software tool intended for technical people, all the new functionality would be at the top of the list. Sure, techies want to download and install it easier, but if they were willing to jump through the hoops needed to install earlier versions, then making this faster doesn't sound like too big a deal. And as for different desktops ... we're all pretty much au fait with all of them now and you'd have to be rather "precious" to not use a tool because you didn't like the GUI.
politicians are like babies' nappies: they should both be changed regularly and for the same reasons
How many of these testers have achieved penetration before?
Why not watch it and form your own opinion?
How would we know what opinion to form if we don't have someone else's opinion first?
Mr Robot is very hit or miss, specially this last season, but it has overall very realistic depictions of modern hacking. They're not hacking the Gibson.
One of the new guys at the office has installed Kali on his phone and had a lot of fun checking out websites while being bored on vacation. He refrained from actually using holes to do someting, which shows I was right in saying we needed to hire him after graduation. :-)
So, you can even be more covert using Kali in public places without attracting attention with a laptop.
home
I enjoy it. It's actually a nice feeling to see real commands (and parameters!) used and even one or two scenarios that don't have barf factors. It's more psychological than computer though. I'd give it 75%/25% psych/comp.
I'm sure I'm not the only one who's hit pause to check out the commands and syntax for realism....