Master the art of ethical hacking, from setting up labs and exploiting security vulnerabilities, to implementing Command and Control (C2) operations, this hands-on guide is your ultimate real-world pentesting companion.

Free with your book: DRM-free PDF version + access to Packt's next-gen Reader*

Key Features

• Execute sophisticated real-world penetration tests, exposing hidden vulnerabilities in enterprise networks
• Explore Kali Linux’s capabilities with practical steps and in-depth labs
• Discover penetration testing best practices, including how to replicate a hacker’s toolkit

Book Description

Journey into the world of Kali Linux – the central hub for advanced penetration testing, with this ultimate guide to exposing security vulnerabilities in websites and both wired and wireless enterprise networks.

With real-world scenarios, practical steps and coverage of popular tools, this third edition of the bestselling Ultimate Kali Linux Book is your fast track to learning penetration testing with Kali Linux 2024.x. As you work through the book, from preliminary penetration testing activities through performing network and website penetration testing, to exploring Active Directory and social engineering attacks, you’ll discover the range of vulnerability assessment tools in Kali Linux, building your confidence and proficiency as a penetration tester or ethical hacker.

This new edition of the book features a brand new chapter on Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), as well as new labs on web applications and social engineering. Procedures for building virtual labs have also been improved, making these easier to understand and follow.

Think of this book as your stepping stone into the modern world of penetration testing and ethical hacking – with the practical guidance and industry best practices the book provides, you’ll be ready to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges head-on.

*Email sign-up and proof of purchase required

What you will learn

• Install and configure Kali Linux 2024.1
• Think like an adversary to strengthen your cyber defences
• Create a lab environment using virtualization technologies to reduce costs
• Learn how common security vulnerabilities can be exploited
• Use Nmap to discover security weakness on a target system on a network
• Explore post-exploitation techniques and Command and Control tactics
• Understand how attackers abuse the trust of Active Directory
• Implement advanced wireless penetration testing techniques

Who this book is for

This ultimate guide to Kali Linux is for students, trainers, cybersecurity professionals, cyber enthusiasts, network security professionals, ethical hackers, penetration testers, and security engineers.

No prior knowledge of Kali Linux is required, this book will take you from first steps to advanced penetration testing techniques.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Ethical Hacking
2. Building a penetration testing lab
3. Setting up for Advanced Penetration Testing Techniques
4. Passive Reconnaissace
5. Exploring Open Source Intelligence
6. Active Reconnaissance
7. Performing Vulnerability Assessments
8. Understanding Network Penetration Testing
9. Performing Network Penetration Testing
10. Post-Exploitation Techniques
11. Delving into Command and Control Tactics
12. Working with Active Directory Attacks
13. Advanced Active Directory Attacks
14. Advanced Wireless Penetration Testing
15. Social Engineering Attacks
16. Understanding Website Application Security
17. Advanced Website Penetration Testing
18. Best Practices for the Real World
19. Appendix