Linux Basics for Hackers: Getting Started with Networking, Scripting, and Security in Kali

eBook, 248 pages

English language

Published Dec. 3, 2018 by No Starch Press.

ISBN:: 978-1-59327-855-7

(2 reviews)

This practical, tutorial-style book uses the Kali Linux distribution to teach Linux basics with a focus on how hackers would use them. Topics include Linux command line basics, filesystems, networking, BASH basics, package management, logging, and the Linux kernel and drivers.

If you're getting started along the exciting path of hacking, cybersecurity, and pentesting, Linux Basics for Hackers is an excellent first step. Using Kali Linux, an advanced penetration testing distribution of Linux, you'll learn the basics of using the Linux operating system and acquire the tools and techniques you'll need to take control of a Linux environment.

First, you'll learn how to install Kali on a virtual machine and get an introduction to basic Linux concepts. Next, you'll tackle broader Linux topics like manipulating text, controlling file and directory permissions, and managing user environment variables. You'll then focus in on foundational hacking concepts like security and anonymity and learn …

This practical, tutorial-style book uses the Kali Linux distribution to teach Linux basics with a focus on how hackers would use them. Topics include Linux command line basics, filesystems, networking, BASH basics, package management, logging, and the Linux kernel and drivers.

If you're getting started along the exciting path of hacking, cybersecurity, and pentesting, Linux Basics for Hackers is an excellent first step. Using Kali Linux, an advanced penetration testing distribution of Linux, you'll learn the basics of using the Linux operating system and acquire the tools and techniques you'll need to take control of a Linux environment.

First, you'll learn how to install Kali on a virtual machine and get an introduction to basic Linux concepts. Next, you'll tackle broader Linux topics like manipulating text, controlling file and directory permissions, and managing user environment variables. You'll then focus in on foundational hacking concepts like security and anonymity and learn scripting skills with bash and Python. Practical tutorials and exercises throughout will reinforce and test your skills as you learn how to:

Cover your tracks by changing your network information and manipulating the rsyslog logging utility
Write a tool to scan for network connections, and connect and listen to wireless networks
Keep your internet activity stealthy using Tor, proxy servers, VPNs, and encrypted email
Write a bash script to scan open ports for potential targets
Use and abuse services like MySQL, Apache web server, and OpenSSH
Build your own hacking tools, such as a remote video spy camera and a password cracker

Hacking is complex, and there is no single way in. Why not start at the beginning with Linux Basics for Hackers?

1 edition

flashy_dragon reviewed Linux Basics for Hackers: Getting Started with Networking, Scripting, and Security in Kali by OccupyTheWeb

Review of 'Linux Basics for Hackers: Getting Started with Networking, Scripting, and Security in Kali' on 'Goodreads'

1 star

According to the book, I'm not the target audience (experienced Linux admin), but I picked it up as a way to learn about Kali Linux and the tools it has.

Things that strike me as suspect: First, the author has a tutorial to install Kali Linux on a virtual machine instance, but later chapters demonstrate wireless tools that require direct wireless access on your computer. That isn't going to happen in a virtual machine. Second, the author jumps right into networking, but doesn't mention how to turn networking on. Kali Linux defaults to networking off. For a book for non-experienced Linux folks, this is kind of a big deal. Third, the book's coverage is scant for someone aspiring to use Linux.

Overall, this feels like many of the hacking materials that floated around on the internet circa-2000; just enough substance to look useful and helpful, but missing enough to be …

According to the book, I'm not the target audience (experienced Linux admin), but I picked it up as a way to learn about Kali Linux and the tools it has.

Things that strike me as suspect: First, the author has a tutorial to install Kali Linux on a virtual machine instance, but later chapters demonstrate wireless tools that require direct wireless access on your computer. That isn't going to happen in a virtual machine. Second, the author jumps right into networking, but doesn't mention how to turn networking on. Kali Linux defaults to networking off. For a book for non-experienced Linux folks, this is kind of a big deal. Third, the book's coverage is scant for someone aspiring to use Linux.

Overall, this feels like many of the hacking materials that floated around on the internet circa-2000; just enough substance to look useful and helpful, but missing enough to be frustrating. But don't worry, follow the links in the book to the author's site, and you can sign up for a class!

Frankly, I'm surprised that No Starch Press published this, and that it passed the technical review, as the book has large holes that will let new folks down. I'm sad that my library paid money for this book.

If you're new to Linux, I'd recommend starting with the following books:

A Practical Guide to Linux

The Linux Command Line

How Linux Works

They're not hacking texts, so if that's your thing (or you want it to be your thing), you'll need to research that content on your own. But those books will give you a fairly solid foundation to start.

bookwyrm

rated it

Nov. 17, 2023