Kali Linux
| Kali Linux | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| Developer | Offensive Security |
| OS family | Linux (Unix-like) |
| Working state | Active |
| Source model | Open-source |
| Initial release | March 13, 2013 |
| Latest release | 2026.2  / 29 June 2026 |
| Repository | |
| Update method | Rolling release |
| Package manager | APT (several front-ends available) |
| Supported platforms | x86-64, armhf, aarch64 armhf, armhf, aarch64 |
| Kernel type | Monolithic (Linux) |
| Default user interface | Xfce (others available) |
| License | GNU General Public License v3.0 |
| Official website | www |
Kali Linux is a Linux distribution designed for digital forensics and penetration testing. It is maintained and funded by Offensive Security. The software is based on the testing branch of the Debian Linux Distribution: most packages Kali uses are imported from the Debian repositories. Kali Linux has gained popularity in the cybersecurity community due to its comprehensive set of tools designed for penetration testing, vulnerability analysis, and reverse engineering.
It was developed by Mati Aharoni and Devon Kearns of Offensive Security through the rewrite of BackTrack, their previous information security testing Linux distribution based on Knoppix.
Kali Linux was featured in multiple episodes of the TV series Mr. Robot.