Today we are going to see the best kali linux books of this year.
π§ did you know? according to backtrack-linux.org, kali linux was known as backtrack linux between 2006 and 2013.
You are reading: Books on kali linux
what is kali linux?
kali linux is an open source linux distribution based on debian. contains over 600 tools designed for penetration testing, hacking, and security auditing.
kali linux’s motto is “the quieter you get, the more you can hear”.
This post contains affiliate links. we can receive compensation if you buy something. read our disclosure for more details.
tldr: best kali linux booksπ₯ best overall π₯linux basics for hackersπ₯ best for beginners π₯ kali linux penetration testing bibleπΈ best value πΈhacking for beginners
best kali linux books
most of these kali linux books are for beginners, but we added some intermediate and advanced books at the end.
you will discover:
- features
- basic concepts
- design
- comparisons
and more.
Now let’s dive in.
1. linux basics for hackers
βοΈ Ideal for: kali linux beginners, aspiring hackersβοΈ Topics covered: networking, streaming command, security
linux basics for hackers will help you get started with networking, scripting, and security with kali linux.
β‘οΈ in our opinion, linux basics for hackers is one of the best kali linux books overall.
first things first: install kali on a virtual machine and learn the basics of linux.
then you’ll delve into linux concepts like text manipulation and file and directory permission control.
finally, you will get into the thick of hacking while using kali linux. you’ll learn about everything from security and anonymity to learning bash and python scripting.
linux basics for hackers is packed with tutorials and exercises to help you along your hacking journey. It will even create your own hacking tools, like a remote video spy camera. πΉ
2. kali linux penetration test bible
βοΈ ideal for: kali linux beginners, aspiring pentestersβοΈ topics covered: penetration testing
linux basics for hackers and kali linux penetration testing bible are similar. both are for kali linux beginners.
but in the kali linux penetration testing bible, you will focus on penetration testing instead of hacking.
β‘οΈ we believe kali linux penetration testing bible is one of the best kali linux books for beginners.
Using hands-on lessons, you will learn how to perform penetration testing with Kali Linux. Plus, you’ll discover the tools hackers use to enable reliable defenses.
You will start by exploring the basics of bash.
then you will explore different techniques to find vulnerabilities in your system.
After analyzing your findings, you’ll employ practical pentesting workflows.
Finally, you’ll use python to automate your penetration tests.
3. hacking for beginners
βοΈ ideal for: kali linux beginners, aspiring hackersβοΈ topics covered: hacking, kali Linux
hacking for beginners is a kind of mix between the kali linux penetration testing bible and linux basics for hackers.
but this book is a bit cheaper.
β‘οΈ hacking for beginners is possibly one of the best kali linux books for hackers on a budget.
Whether you’re just starting out, a seasoned hacker, or a bug bounty hunter, there’s something for every level of hacker.
will explore five key components of hacking, such as:
1οΈβ£ create an ideal hacking environment
2οΈβ£ collecting information
3οΈβ£ crawl and scan for vulnerabilities
4οΈβ£ metasploits
5οΈβ£ crack passwords
By the end of this book, you’ll have a roadmap to becoming an effective hacker.
an excellent introduction to kali linux and the famous penetration testing hacking procedures…
4. the latest kali linux book
βοΈ ideal for: kali linux beginnersβοΈ topics covered: advanced penetration testing
the latest kali linux book takes a look at advanced penetration testing using:
β nmap
β metasploit
β aircrack-ng
β empire
β‘οΈ the ultimate kali linux book is perhaps one of the best kali linux books to learn penetration testing from scratch.
After exploring the basics of ethical hacking, you’ll learn how to:
- perform vulnerability assessments
- perform advanced exploitation
- implement advanced wireless hacking techniques
- exploit vulnerable web applications
and beyond.
5. Kali Linux Revealed: Mastering Penetration Testing Distribution
βοΈ ideal for: kali linux beginnersβοΈ topics covered: kali linux basics
kali linux revealed is a bit different than any other kali linux book on our list. that’s because it’s the official kali linux manual written by members of the kali team.
β‘οΈ Kali Linux Revealed: Mastering Penetration Testing Distribution is perhaps one of the best kali linux books to learn kali linux fundamentals.
Contrary to the title, you will not perform any penetration testing with this book. rather, it will focus on the basics of kali, such as installing and deploying it in an enterprise environment.
You will learn about kali features that are essential for daily use, especially if you plan to use kali as your operating system.
See Also: Top BEST 150 audio books (5-star audio book list) to read dβ¦
If you’re looking for a good starting point to learn kali, we think kali linux revealed might be the way to go.
6. learn kali linux 2019
βοΈ ideal for: kali linux beginners, aspiring pen testers, IT security professionals, security consultantsβοΈ topics covered: kali linux, penetration testing
Don’t let 2019 fool you!
Although there have been some updates to kali since the release of this book, kali remains mostly backwards compatible.
learn kali linux 2019 is similar to the kali linux penetration test bible. But in this book, instead of learning the basics, you’ll delve into basic, intermediate, and advanced concepts.
β‘οΈ we believe that learning kali linux 2019 is one of the best kali linux books to learn pentesting technologies.
in addition to metasploit, you will explore:
β nessus
β nmap
β wire shark
Using these tools, you’ll become familiar with social engineering, web application attacks, and wireless network exploitation.
You will also gain a deep understanding of how to use linux commands to control your environment.
By the end of learn kali linux 2019, you should be able to detect vulnerabilities and secure your system using penetration testing techniques.
β¦everything was explained exceptionally well which made it easy to understand.
7. basic security tests with kali linux
βοΈ ideal for: kali linux beginners, aspiring penetration testersβοΈ topics covered: hacking computing, network security, testing
Basic security testing with kali linux uses kali to detect security problems before hackers do.
β‘οΈ basic security tests with kali linux is possibly one of the best kali linux books to prevent an attack on your system.
will start with examples of how hackers discover information about you, find weaknesses in your security, and gain access to your systems.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll explore:
β shodan search engine
β metasploit
β exploitation of windows and linux systems
β crack passwords
β wifi attacks
and beyond.
you will even learn how to use kali with raspberry pi.
8. learning kali linux: security testing, penetration testing and ethical hacking
βοΈ Ideal for: kali linux beginners, seasoned security professionals, and aspiringβοΈ topics covered: tools, penetration tests, vulnerabilities
Unlike most of the other books on our list, learn kali linux is for new and experienced security professionals alike.
β‘οΈ in our opinion learning kali linux is one of the best kali linux books to discover kali tools.
after exploring the basics of kali linux, you’ll learn how to create your own kali toolset.
In the process, you’ll notice:
β methods for testing networks
β web applications
β wireless security
β password vulnerability
and beyond.
You will also use tools to run penetration tests while cracking passwords and assessing web application vulnerabilities.
By the end of this book, you should be able to create advanced attack techniques using kali tools.
9. hack kali linux
βοΈ Ideal for: kali linux beginnersβοΈ Topics covered: cybersecurity, hacking, penetration testing
kali linux hacking is a step-by-step guide to learning the absolute basics of cybersecurity, hacking, and pentesting.
β‘οΈ kali linux hacking is possibly one of the best kali linux books for learning the absolute basics of cybersecurity.
You will learn all about the different types of hacking like:
β session hacking
β sql injection
β identity theft
β two attacks
then you will discover the different “hats” hackers wear, such as the white hat, the red hat, and the black hat. π©
after setting up kali linux on your computer, you will learn the fundamental linux commands.
Packed with examples and techniques, you’ll learn the absolute basics of how to start hacking with kali linux.
10. kali linux reference guide: a pentester’s journey
βοΈ Ideal for: kali linux beginners, new and experienced security professionalsβοΈ Topics covered: kali linux , networks, tools
The Kali Linux Reference Guide is a bit different than any of the other Kali Linux books on our list.
See Also: 25 Teacher-Approved Fourth Grade Workbooks – We Are Teachers
Unlike a step-by-step manual, it is a reference guide to the basics.
β‘οΈ In our opinion, The Kali Linux Reference Guide: A Pentester’s Journey is one of the best Kali Linux books to use strictly as a reference.
You will discover valuable information such as:
β configuring kali linux
β linux system functionality
β networks
β software management
β kali linux tools
and beyond.
11. kali linux simplified for beginners and intermediates
βοΈ ideal for: new and experienced kali linux usersβοΈ topics covered: kali linux tools , hacking , basic cybersecurity concepts
In kali linux made easy for beginners and intermediates, you will learn the basics of cybersecurity and hacking.
β‘οΈ we believe kali linux made easy for beginners and intermediates is one of the best kali linux books to learn about kali tools.
after downloading, installing and configuring kali linux, you will learn all about the different tools related to:
β collection of information
β exploitation
β reverse engineering
β social engineering
β hacking
β reports
and much more.
The back of the book contains a practice project where you’ll put your newly acquired skills to work.
12. kali linux: an ethical hacker’s cookbook
βοΈ ideal for: experienced kali linux users, IT professionals, pentesters, security analystsβοΈ topics covered: information, security reports, digital forensics
Similar to learn kali linux, you will learn about ethical hacking in kali linux: a cookbook for ethical hackers.
but here you’ll see “recipes” that use a combination of advanced penetration testing strategies, attacks, and tools.
β‘οΈ kali linux: an ethical hacker’s cookbook is perhaps one of the best kali linux books for learning ethical hacking methods.
You will learn about effective penetration testing using tools like metasploit, wireshark, and nmap.
Using these methods, you will also explore attack strategies and exploit web applications using burp and jexboss.
You will then use tools like john the ripper and patator to execute wireless and password attacks.
by the end of this book, you should be able to navigate advanced penetration testing.
13. practical aws penetration testing with kali linux
βοΈ Ideal for: experienced penetration testers and security analystsβοΈ topics covered: penetration testing from aws p>
practical aws penetration testing with kali linux is the only book on our list that conquers amazon web services.
β‘οΈ practical aws penetration testing with kali linux is possibly one of the best kali linux books for learning aws penetration testing.
You will learn how to effectively and efficiently perform penetration techniques on your public cloud.
With this step-by-step guide, you’ll explore:
β automated tools
β practical penetration tests
β how to audit your own infrastructure
and more.
By the end of this book, you should be able to identify and protect vulnerabilities in your aws cloud environment.
14. master kali linux for advanced penetration testing
βοΈ ideal for: security analysts, pentesters, ethical hackers, IT professionals, security consultantsβοΈ topics covered : tools, stealth, exploitation
mastering kali linux for advanced penetration testing is the only kali linux book on our list for advanced users.
β‘οΈ we believe that mastering kali linux for advanced penetration testing is one of the best kali linux books for advanced white hat hackers.
first, you will learn how to configure kali linux tools to test the security of your infrastructure.
Second, you’ll learn to recognize stealth attacks.
third, you will discover how to exploit networks and data systems.
ultimately, it will use social engineering to compromise networks.
best kali linux books: conclusion
today we looked at the best kali linux books including:
π₯ the best overall π₯linux basics for hackersπ₯ the best for newbies π₯the testing bible kali linux penetration testπΈ best value for money πΈhacking for beginners
So, whether you’re just starting out with kali linux or an advanced user, we think these are the best kali linux books this year.
See Also: 5 of the Best Books About Meditation – Mindworks Meditation
Readers of the best kali linux books are also reading:
- 9 best hacking & books
- 16 best linux books
- top 8 linux training courses and certifications