Getting Started with Pentesting: Operating Systems

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    Pentesting, short for Penetration Testing, is the process of testing a computer system or network to identify vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious parties. This testing is essential in today's cybersecurity landscape, where cyber threats continue to evolve and grow.

    Pentesters often use specialized operating systems (OS) that are made for security testing. These OS come with pre-installed tools and applications that allow pentesters to perform various tests and simulations on target systems. It's important to note that these specialized OS are not intended to be used as a primary operating system but rather as a testing environment. They can be run via a virtual machine, in a Docker container, or even as a cloud-based OS.

Note: You can definitely install and use this kind of OS on your personal PC but it's not recommended for security reasons knowing that you will be using it for hacking.

    Kali Linux is the most popular OS for pentesting. It's a Debian-based distribution that has been specifically designed for penetration testing and digital forensics. It comes with a vast array of pre-installed tools, including Metasploit, Nmap, Wireshark, John the Ripper, Aircrack-ng, ... Kali Linux is also known for its extensive documentation, a large community of users, and its support for a wide range of hardware.

    My personal recommendation for beginners looking to get started with pentesting would be Parrot OS. It's lightweight, customizable, and designed to be beginner-friendly. One of the standout features of Parrot OS is its focus on privacy and security, with built-in support for the TOR anonymity network, VPNs, and encrypted storage.

    Parrot OS also offers a range of learning resources for programming and different areas of IT, making it an excellent choice for beginners who are just starting with pentesting. In addition, the collaboration with Hack The Box Academy provides an opportunity for users to learn from experts in the field and improve their skills in a practical setting.

    Parrot OS comes with a range of tools for network and system analysis, including vulnerability assessment, forensics, and reverse engineering. It also has a streamlined interface that is easy to use and configure. Parrot OS also has an active development team, which means regular updates and new features being added regularly.

In conclusion, it's essential to choose the right OS for your pentesting needs based on personal preference and the specifications of your computer.

  • Disclaimer: 

Pentesting should only be done with the explicit permission of the system owner. Using some tools without permission can result in severe legal consequences. It's crucial to understand the laws and regulations surrounding the use of these tools and to use them only for ethical purposes.

All the tools and techniques we will be discussing are meant to be used for ethical hacking purposes only. It's imperative to respect the privacy and security of others and to use these tools responsibly. By doing so, we can work towards creating a safer and more secure digital world.

 

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