If you're getting started in the field of cybersecurity—especially in offensive security testing (penetration testing)—it's likely that you'll encounter the Kali Linux operating system. Kali Linux has a lot of features and tools that make a penetration tester's or security engineer's job a bit easier when they're in the field or on a job. There are many tools, scripts, and frameworks for accomplishing various tasks, such as gathering information on a target, performing network scanning, and even exploitation, to name just a few. The challenge we face as beginners is learning about, and adapting to, a new environment.

In this chapter, we'll learn how to use Kali Linux more efficiently as a user and as a penetration tester. Furthermore, you will learn how to use the Linux operating system to perform various tasks and become more familiar with it. Without understanding how Kali Linux works, you may face challenges in the later and more advanced chapters on penetration testing.

In this chapter, we will be covering the following topics:

• Understanding Kali Linux
• What's new in Kali Linux 2019?
• Basics of Kali Linux