Kali Linux is a Linux distribution based on Debian that was made for digital forensics and penetration testing. It has a reputation for being an important tool for anyone who wants to do advanced information security work.
That being said, some people might find the idea of installing Kali Linux on an Android device scary. These are the ways you can install Kali Linux on Android: NetHunter Rootless, Linux Deploy, and Termux with XFCE4 Desktop Environment.
NetHunter Rootless: The Easy Way to Do It
NetHunter Rootless is a version of Kali Linux NetHunter that doesn’t need you to “root” your Android device. This means that you can keep your device’s warranty and security. It gives people who want to run Kali a choice without changing their device’s firmware or system partition a lot of freedom.
Steps for Setting Up NetHunter Rootless
- Make sure your Android device has at least 5 GB of free space and is running Android version 2.1 or higher.
- Store for NetHunter: Get the NetHunter-Store app from the website for the NetHunter store.
- There is an app called Kali NetHunter that you can get from the NetHunter Store and install.
- To use Termux, which is an Android terminal emulator, you need to install it.
- To start the Kali NetHunter Desktop Experience in Undercover Mode, type net hunter key into the terminal.
After installation, use sudo apt update and sudo apt full-upgrade -y to keep Kali up to date. Keep in mind that some tools might not work on phones that haven’t been rooted.
The Traditional Way to Deploy Linux
You can install a full-fledged Linux distribution on your Android device with Linux Deploy, a powerful app.
Instructions for Setting Up Linux Deploy
Root Your Device: To use Linux Deploy, your device needs to be “rooted” before you can move on.
Linux Deploy App: Go to the Google Play Store and get the Linux Deploy app.
Configuration: Open the app, pick Kali Linux as the distribution, and change the settings for the installation to suit your needs.
To set up Kali Linux on your Android device, tap the “Install” button. This process could take a while, depending on how fast your internet is.
VNC Server: After installing Kali Linux, set up a VNC server so that you can access the graphical user interface from afar.
Desktop Environment for Termux and XFCE4: No root or configuration is necessary to use the Modern Twist Terminalux, an app that functions directly as an Android terminal emulator and Linux environment. It gives Android users a complete graphical user interface for Kali Linux when used in conjunction with the XFCE4 desktop environment.
Details on How to Install Termux with XFCE4
Get Termux: Head over to F-Droid or the Google Play Store to download and install Termux.
Installation: To install Kali Linux’s packages and scripts, run the setup commands.
To launch the XFCE4 desktop environment, install and configure a VNC server within Termux.
Access the Kali Linux desktop from your Android device by connecting to the VNC server using a VNC viewer app.
Important Information Prior to Installation
You should know what to expect and what Kali Linux requires before you start the installation process on your Android device:
Use in a Legal and Ethical Context: Kali Linux includes tools that, when misused, can result in severe legal ramifications.
Needed Hardware: Before you install Kali Linux, make sure your computer has enough memory and storage space to run the operating system.
You should know that there are security risks when you use powerful tools on your Android device, such as Kali NetHunter.
Summary
It is possible to install Kali Linux on Android devices with relative ease by following the instructions provided for each approach. You can enjoy the benefits of a non-rooted approach with NetHunter Rootless, a classic installation with Linux Deploy, or a modern twist with Termux with XFCE4.
Use Kali Linux in a responsible and ethical manner at all times, and make sure you know what you’re doing and how to use the tools properly. When you install Kali Linux on your Android device, you gain access to a robust set of security tools that can help you address various cybersecurity threats.