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14 Best Kali Linux Books of 2024 [Learn Kali Linux ASAP]

Today we’re looking at the best Kali Linux books of this year.

🧠 Did you know? According to BackTrack-Linux.org, Kali Linux was known as BackTrack Linux from 2006-2013.

What is Kali Linux?

Kali Linux is a Debian-based open-source Linux distribution. It contains over 600 tools designed for penetration testing, hacking and security auditing.

The Kali Linux tagline is “the quieter you become, the more you are able to hear.”

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TLDR: Best Kali Linux Books

🔥 Best Overall 🔥
Linux Basics for Hackers

💥 Best for Newbies 💥

Kali Linux Penetration Testing Bible

💸 Best Value 💸

Hacking for Beginners

Best Kali Linux Books

Most of these Kali Linux books are for beginners, but we threw in a few intermediate and advanced books at the end.

You’ll discover:

  • features
  • core concepts
  • layout
  • comparisons

And more.

Now let’s dive in.

1. Linux Basics for Hackers

↘️ Ideal for: Kali Linux newbies, aspiring hackers
↘️
Topics covered: networking, scripting, security

Linux Basics for Hackers will get you started with networking, scripting and security using Kali Linux.

  • covers networking, scripting and security
  • learn the basics of Kali Linux
  • learn scripting with bash and Python

➡️ In our opinion, Linux Basics for Hackers is one of the best Kali Linux books overall.

First thing’s first: installing Kali on a virtual machine and learning the basics of Linux.

Then you’ll dig into Linux concepts like manipulating text and controlling file and directory permissions.

terminal text and environment variables

Finally, you’ll get into the meat of hacking while using Kali Linux. You’ll learn about everything from security and anonymity to learning scripting with bash and Python.

Linux Basics for Hackers is filled to the brim with tutorials and exercises to help you along your hacking journey. You’ll even build your own hacking tools like a remote video spy camera. 📹


2. Kali Linux Penetration Testing Bible

↘️ Ideal for: Kali Linux newbies, aspiring pentesters
↘️
Topics covered: penetration testing

Linux Basics for Hackers and Kali Linux Penetration Testing Bible are similar. Both are for Kali Linux beginners.

But in Kali Linux Penetration Testing Bible, you’ll focus on penetration testing instead of hacking.

  • great for aspiring pentesters
  • discover hacking tools
  • explore the fundamentals of bash
  • automate your pentesting using Python

➡️ We think Kali Linux Penetration Testing Bible is one of the best Kali Linux books for beginners.

Using hands-on lessons, you’ll learn how to pentest with Kali Linux. In addition, you’ll discover tools that hackers use to enable reliable defenses.

Diagram of Kali Linux security in the Kali Linux Penetration Testing Bible

You’ll start by exploring the fundamentals of bash.

Then you’ll explore different techniques to find vulnerabilities in your system.

After analyzing your findings, you’ll employ practical pentesting workflows.

Tmux horizontal windows in Kali Linux Penetration Testing Bible

Finally, you’ll use Python to automate your penetration testing.

3. Hacking for Beginners

↘️ Ideal for: Kali Linux newbies, aspiring hackers
↘️
Topics covered: hacking, Kali Linux

Hacking for Beginners is kind of a mix between Kali Linux Penetration Testing Bible and Linux Basics for Hackers.

But this book is a little easier on the wallet.

  • learn foundations of hacking with Kali Linux
  • good for experienced hackers and bug bounty hunters
  • find vulnerabilities and crack passwords

➡️ Hacking for Beginners is possibly one of the best Kali Linux books for hackers on a budget.

Whether you’re just getting started, are an experienced hacker or bug bounty hunter, there’s something for every level of hacker.

You’ll explore five key components of hacking such as:

1️⃣ creating an ideal hacking environment

2️⃣ gathering information

3️⃣ sniffing and scanning to find vulnerabilities

4️⃣ Metasploit

5️⃣ cracking passwords

By the end of this book, you’ll have a roadmap to becoming an effective hacker.

An excellent introduction to Kali Linux and famous hacking procedures for penetration testing…

saisrujan reddy

4. The Ultimate Kali Linux Book

↘️ Ideal for: Kali Linux newbies
↘️
Topics covered: advanced penetration testing

The Ultimate Kali Linux Book takes a look at advanced penetration testing using:

✅ Nmap

✅ Metasploit

Aircrack-ng

Empire

➡️ The Ultimate Kali Linux Book is perhaps one of the best Kali Linux books for learning how to perform penetration testing from scratch.

After exploring the fundamentals 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 the Penetration Testing Distribution

↘️ Ideal for: Kali Linux newbies
↘️
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.

➡️ Kali Linux Revealed: Mastering the Penetration Testing Distribution is perhaps one of the best Kali Linux books for learning the fundamentals of Kali Linux.

Contrary to the title, you won’t be doing any penetration testing with this book. Rather, you’ll focus on the core essentials of Kali such as installing it and deploying it in an enterprise environment.

You’ll learn about the features of Kali that are essential for every day use, especially if you plan to use Kali as your OS.

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

↘️ Ideal for: Kali Linux newbies, aspiring pentesters, IT security professionals, security consultants
↘️
Topics covered: Kali Linux, penetration testing

Don’t let the 2019 fool you!

While there have been some updates to Kali since the release of this book, Kali is still mostly compatible with earlier versions.

Learn Kali Linux 2019 is similar to Kali Linux Penetration Testing Bible. But in this book, rather than learn the basics, you’ll dive deep into beginner, intermediate and advanced concepts.

➡️ We believe Learn Kali Linux 2019 is one of the best Kali Linux books for learning about pentesting technologies.

In addition to Metasploit, you’ll explore:

Nessus

Nmap

Wireshark

While using these tools, you’ll become familiar with social engineering, web application attacks and wireless network exploitation.

You’ll 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.

… Everything was explained exceptionally well which made it easy to understand.

Carolena Seereeram

7. Basic Security Testing with Kali Linux

↘️ Ideal for: Kali Linux newbies, aspiring penetration testers
↘️
Topics covered: hacking, network security, testing

Basic Security Testing with Kali Linux uses Kali to detect security issues before hackers do.

➡️ Basic Security Testing with Kali Linux is possibly one of the best Kali Linux books for preventing an attack on your system.

You’ll 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:

Shodan search engine

✅ Metasploit

✅ exploiting Windows and Linux systems

✅ cracking passwords

✅ Wi-Fi attacks

And beyond.

You’ll even learn how to use Kali with Raspberry Pi.


8. Learning Kali Linux: Security Testing, Penetration Testing, and Ethical Hacking

↘️ Ideal for: Kali Linux newbies, experienced and aspiring security professionals
↘️
Topics covered: tools, penetration testing, vulnerabilities

Unlike most other books on our list, Learning Kali Linux is for both new and experienced security professionals.

➡️ In our opinion, Learning Kali Linux is one of the best Kali Linux books for discovering the tools of Kali.

After exploring the foundations of Kali Linux, you’ll learn how to create your own Kali toolset.

Kali Linux boot screen

In the process, you’ll look at:

✅ methods for conducting tests on networks

✅ web applications

✅ wireless security

✅ password vulnerability

And beyond.

You’ll also use tools to execute penetration testing 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. Kali Linux Hacking

↘️ Ideal for: Kali Linux newbies
↘️
Topics covered: cybersecurity, hacking, penetration testing

Kali Linux Hacking is a step-by-step guide for learning the absolute basics of cybersecurity, hacking and pentesting.

➡️ Kali Linux Hacking is possibly one of the best Kali Linux books for learning the absolute basics of cybersecurity.

You’ll learn all about the different types of hacking like:

✅ session hacking

✅ SQL injection

✅ phishing

✅ DOS attacks

Then you’ll discover the different “hats” hackers wear such as white hat, red hat and black hat. 🎩

After setting up Kali Linux on your computer, you’ll learn fundamental Linux commands.

Filled with examples and techniques, you’ll learn the absolute basics of how to get started hacking with Kali Linux.

Diagram of hacker attack in Kali Linux Hacking

10. Kali Linux Reference Guide: A Pentester’s Voyage

↘️ Ideal for: Kali Linux newbies, new and experienced security professionals
↘️
Topics covered: Kali Linux, networking, tools

Kali Linux Reference Guide is a bit different than any of the other Kali Linux books on our list.

As opposed to a step-by-step manual, it’s a reference guide of core concepts.

➡️ In our opinion, Kali Linux Reference Guide: A Pentester’s Voyage is one of the best Kali Linux books to be used strictly as a reference.

You’ll discover valuable bits of information such as:

✅ setting up Kali Linux

✅ Linux system functionality

✅ networking

✅ software management

✅ Kali Linux Tools

And beyond.


11. Kali Linux Made Easy For Beginners And Intermediates

↘️ Ideal for: new and experienced Kali Linux users
↘️
Topics covered: Kali Linux tools, hacking, cybersecurity basics

In Kali Linux Made Easy For Beginners And Intermediates, you’ll learn the basics of cybersecurity and hacking.

➡️ We think Kali Linux Made Easy For Beginners And Intermediates is one of the best Kali Linux books for learning about the tools of Kali.

After downloading, installing and setting up Kali Linux, you’ll learn all about different tools surrounding:

✅ information gathering

✅ exploitation

✅ reverse engineering

✅ social engineering

✅ hardware hacking

✅ reporting

And much more.

Kali Linux installation

The end of the book contains a practice project where you’ll put your newly acquired skills to use.


12. Kali Linux: An Ethical Hacker’s Cookbook

↘️ Ideal for: experienced Kali Linux users, IT professionals, pentesters, security analysts
↘️
Topics covered: insights, security reports, digital forensics

Similar to Learning Kali Linux, you’ll learn about ethical hacking in Kali Linux – An Ethical Hacker’s Cookbook.

But here you’ll look at “recipes” that use a combination of strategies, attacks and tools for advanced penetration testing.

➡️ Kali Linux – An Ethical Hacker’s Cookbook is perhaps one of the best Kali Linux books for learning ethical hacking methods.

You’ll learn about effective penetration testing using tools like Metasploit, Wireshark and Nmap.

With these methods, you’ll also explore attack strategies and exploiting web apps using Burp and JexBoss.

Then you’ll use tools like John the Ripper and Patator for executing wireless and password attacks.

By the end of this book, you should be able to navigate advanced penetration testing.


13. Hands-On AWS Penetration Testing with Kali Linux

↘️ Ideal for: experienced security analysts and penetration testers
↘️
Topics covered: AWS penetration testing

Hands-On AWS Penetration Testing with Kali Linux is the only book on our list conquering Amazon Web Services.

➡️ Hands-On AWS Penetration Testing with Kali Linux is possibly one of the best Kali Linux books for learning AWS penetration testing.

You’ll learn how to efficiently and effectively perform penetration techniques on your public cloud.

Setting up a pentesting lab on AWS

With this step-by-step guide, you’ll explore:

✅ automated tools

✅ hands-on penetration testing

✅ how to audit your own infrastructure

And more.

By the end of this book, you should be able to identify and secure vulnerabilities in your AWS cloud environment.


14. Mastering Kali Linux for Advanced Penetration Testing

↘️ Ideal for: security analysts, pentesters, ethical hackers, IT professionals, security consultants
↘️
Topics covered: tools, stealth, exploitation

Mastering Kali Linux for Advanced Penetration Testing is the only Kali Linux book on our list for advanced users.

➡️ We think Mastering Kali Linux for Advanced Penetration Testing is one of the best Kali Linux books for advanced white hat hackers.

First you’ll learn how to configure Kali Linux tools to test infrastructure security.

Attacker kill chain

Second, you’ll learn how to recognize stealth attacks.

Third, you’ll discover how to exploit networks and data systems.

Finally, you’ll use social engineering to compromise networks.


Best Kali Linux Books: Conclusion

Today we looked at the best Kali Linux books including:

🔥 Best Overall 🔥
Linux Basics for Hackers

💥 Best for Newbies 💥

Kali Linux Penetration Testing Bible

💸 Best Value 💸

Hacking for Beginners

So whether you’re just getting started with Kali Linux are are an advanced user, we think these are the best Kali Linux books of this year.


Readers of Best Kali Linux Books are also reading:


  1. What is Kali Linux?

    Kali Linux is a Debian-based open-source Linux distribution. It contains over 600 tools designed for penetration testing, hacking and security auditing. The Kali Linux tagline is “the quieter you become, the more you are able to hear.” Learn more about Kali Linux in today’s article where we’re looking at some of the best Kali Linux books for this year.

  2. What are the best Kali Linux books?

    In our opinion, the best Kali Linux books include our overall favorite Linux Basics for Hackers. For newbies, we like Kali Linux Penetration Testing Bible. And for best value, we choose Hacking for Beginners. Learn more about these and other best Kali Linux books in today’s post.

  3. Is Linux Basics for Hackers worth it?

    Yes. In our opinion, Linux Basics for Hackers is one of the best Kali Linux books overall. First thing’s first: installing Kali on a virtual machine and learning the basics of Linux. Then you’ll dig into Linux concepts like manipulating text and controlling file and directory permissions. Finally, you’ll get into the meat of hacking while using Kali Linux. You’ll learn about everything from security and anonymity to learning scripting with bash and Python. Linux Basics for Hackers is filled to the brim with tutorials and exercises to help you along your hacking journey. You’ll even build your own hacking tools like a remote video spy camera. Learn more about Linux Basics for Hackers in today’s post.

  4. Is Kali Linux Revealed worth it?

    Yes, in our opinion, Kali Linus Revealed is worth it. Contrary to the title, you won’t be doing any penetration testing with this book. Rather, you’ll focus on the core essentials of Kali such as installing it and deploying it in an enterprise environment. You’ll learn about the features of Kali that are essential for every day use, especially if you play to use Kali as your OS. If you’re looking for a good starting point to learn Kali, we think Kali Linux Revealed might be the way to go. Learn more about Kali Linux Revealed and other Kali Linux books in today’s article.